Tech goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed by those ignorant of it’s potential. Secondly it is subverted by those threatened by it’s potential. Finally it is considered self evident. It just takes time, there will always be early, mid and late adopters. I tell my clients that the older generation who has been the life of your business the past 20 years won’t be around in 20 years, so you better cater to the younger audiences now, hence going mobile is no longer an option it’s a requirement.

@rlmosca @theodoresturos @donpurdum

I also think there is a certain amount of paralysis because things change so rapidly now in technology, it freezes people and makes them hesistant to move. Yes, a fear of making a move too soon.

Mobile marketing is important for many businesses, however, as a former tech company employee, I also know that mobile development is still a “newer” skill and not just anyone has the creds to do it well. It not only involves development, but USABILITY is a key in mobile. Thus, it is more expensive than building a website. Cost does become a major factor, and it does prevent many a small business from investing.

@donpurdum  You said

I find in my experience there are three additional reasons:

2. It’s work. They don’t want to add more to their plate because the web does require work. They have to learn it first and the curve is steep for them. Then, they have to keep up with all of the changes in addition to continually updating their sites and social media.

That is why we offer to do it for them!

Then why are they even in business, we need to educate them as to why they are hurting their business and how this can help them, show them the value of their customers and how this can add to their bottom line and possibly save their business. They need to either learn how to do it or let someone do it for them.

@rlmosca

You’re right, but we can’t make them understand ir want to learn.

Some small business owners are just overwhelmed and won’t do it. They think they are already successful and don’t need it. Again I ask them, what are you missing out on?

I agree with you 100%, but some people just won’t go along no matter how good our ideas are.

Have I won some over? Absolutely!

The ones who don’t want to learn or don’t want to engage it, I don’t have time to waste on them. Time to move on. I know that sounds harsh, but I’m a business not a charity and I just don’t have the time to waste or the energy to expend. I want to talk with people who do want to learn and who do want to use it.

@rlmosca I see your point, but mobile only may not be the best solution, so many businesses need the basic website and a mobile. As for my personal experience working for small technology firms, the mobile developers were more expensive.

That might be a good opening for your business.

@rlmosca I agree and give the same advice. But I also think it is important to be found, but believe site usability (hence the need for mobile sites) and content is critical. It makes no sense to be found, if the site is not user friendly and does not provide the information visitors want.

@rlmosca That is good to know! Many site designers and developers “overdo” and don’t pay enough attention to usability, and do not do testing prior to a build.

But,all that being said, on the original topic, mobile sites and apps are still considered a cost. Many business owners clearly barely know they must have a website, so adding mobile really throws them.

We as marketers and consultants need to reinforce the need as best we can.

I love the insights expressed here on the topic of the week!

It is so great to take the challenge of reluctance and turn it into an opportunity to help clients to see the benefits of on line presence/exposure.  It’s a big “AHA” when they catch the vision/understanding of what I consider the 3 Keys to an effective site:

• Always adding VALUE (relevant and meaningful content)
  
• Lead Capture (OPT IN)
  
• Monetize (How they can buy your stuff or benefit from your services)

Having Web presence in no longer and option for businesses.  The new frontier of Social Media – now that’s exciting!

@katiecavanaugh  You said… Having Web presence in no longer and option for businesses.  The new frontier of Social Media – now that’s exciting!

that is a great response!

@Rick Mosca, I still don’t think floral apps are practical at this time.  I need sender info, recipient address & phone, enclosure card  message, and product info can be difficult to narrow down.  plus the phone screen is so small – it’s hard to see a good image. (yes i’m old and have fat fingers that always hit the wrong letter)