Elliot Nix, Senior Account Executive, for Mobile Google started out his set with a distinct reach into the depths of where mobile is really taking us. He shares in a couple of different examples about how it is effecting not only those of us who are amazed and appreciative of today’s technologies in relation to the more traditional formats we grew up with, but even how it is affecting those who have never known some of the more traditional media forms that many of us grew up with.
Kids Know the Darnedest Things
One instance was where his daughter announced that she wanted to visit her Grandma that day. He explained to her that a visit to Grandma’s just wasn’t on the schedule for 
that day. Everyone has things to do, he just couldn’t get her there that day. Asserting her independence, she told him that she could get there herself. She asked him for his phone. She brought Google Maps up on his phone, clicked the bike path directive button, and showed him exactly how she could get there. A bit shocked by the fact that he didn’t know that option existed, even though he works for Google, showed him a pretty cool lesson about how are kids are learning to get around in this digital age, that for them, has never been anything but.
There is a discovery mode and a different level of interaction that is expected when it comes to mobile for the future of everyone’s business.
To A Child, a Magazine is an iPad that Doesn’t Work
The other story Nix shared was the one about a viral video that shows a baby playing with an iPad, and then playing with a magazine. Although she is very little, it is clear to see when faced with the traditional magazine, she is perplexed as to why it isn’t functioning. She can even be seen making sure her swipe finger is working properly.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXV-yaFmQNk]
Smartphone Usage is Skyrocketing
Nix shares that with the number of Smartphone sales and usage continuing to rapidly climb, not having mobile interaction on site for your business could be fatal. With roughly over 1 million new Smartphone devices activated daily, we are swiftly turning into an entire generation of folks into full-time mobile interactivity consumers. Nix relates that every time a new mobile device such as an iPad or long awaited Android release occurs, there is a clear spike in mobile sales and interactivity.
Mobile search is about saving time and interactive efficiency. Having any created apps optimized for quick search and discovery is imperative. Nix highlights the importance of analysing and recognizing customer behavior on mobile devices and then subsequently turning that information into actions.
To watch Elliot’s entire set including a highly informative question and answers section as well as a checklist of great practices for mobile search marketing, please check out the video from the #SMWsmac event.
Author:
Joy Lynskey is the owner of JRL Solutions, a copywriting and content management company based in Bedford, Virginia. JRL Solutions hosts a Freelance Writers Education Blog that is managed by direct and guest posting. Joy is the Content Manager and Editor for Puglisi Consulting Group at Digital Brand Marketing Education. Joy regularly works in SMM via freelance consulting private clients with their social media campaigns.
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My favorite part of this blog is the video of the child who can not figure out why the magazine is not working like an iPad. That says it all for me.