COMPANIES who fail to adapt to the surge in the number of people accessing online content through mobile devices risk missing out on millions of potential customers, according to Stewart Fraser, co-founder and chief technology officer of KILTR.
Says Fraser: “Smartphones outsold traditional personal computers for the first time ever in the last quarter of 2010 with suppliers shipping over 100 million mobile devices compared with 92 million desktop computers. A recent survey from Deloitte revealed the trend is set to continue with the business advisory firm predicting mobile devices would become mainstream by 2014.
“According to the Deloitte report, sales of smartphones and tablet computers are forecast to reach 770 million worldwide with a market value of over £105 billion; while PC sales will go into decline accounting for just 19 per cent of the market.”
Stewart added: “Without doubt the marketplace is growing increasingly mobile and, as with all consumer trends, businesses failing to adapt will simply lose out. Just a decade ago, many businesses were still grappling with the concept of owning a website with some believing it was only applicable to large corporate groups and global brands. However, today it is unthinkable for any successful business, of any size, not to have its own website.
“The rise in the number of people owning smartphones requires businesses to adapt once again by developing suitable apps and mobile sites which enable them to continue to reach their target audiences. The digital age has created a more empowered consumer and eroded brand loyalty. If a customer cannot access and easily navigate to a site via their mobile device, they will simply stop trying. Likewise, if a business is not tuned in to the huge mobile internet market, its brand visibility will diminish – along with its market share.”
KILTR, a professional social networking start-up with backing from Par Equity, recently launched its own mobile site to support growth through its 20,000 strong membership base.
Stewart continued: “Reaction to the mobile version of KILTR has been great so far and, because the site is now available to members anytime and anywhere, we’ve found engagement on the network has increased with people logging on more regularly. Mobile users are also inclined to spend almost twice as long on the site as those accessing KILTR via a desktop PC.”
Founded by former Hi-Tech Scotland co-publisher, Brian Hughes, and software designer, Stewart Fraser, KILTR is currently in beta phase with a full version one launch scheduled for January next year and an international roll-out planned throughout the remainder of 2012.
ENDS//
Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of KILTR. For further information please contact Sharon Mars on 0141 333 9585 or 07914905320
Notes to editors
About KILTR:
KILTR is a professional social network for everyone with an interest in Scotland.
Niche but non-exclusive, KILTR is a global community of business professionals, whose shared affinity with Scotland provides an ideal starting point for the exchange of information, ideas and opportunities.
The fledgling company has quickly attracted the attention of influential investors keen to get involved with the brand at an early stage and has secured seven-figures in start-up and development finance since its launch last October.
KILTR has been named by several leading industry commentators as being part of the ‘next-generation’ of social networking.
MEDIA RELEASE posted by The BIG Partnership. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Sharon Mars
Phone: 0141 333 9585 or 07914905320
Email: sharon.mars@bigpartnership.co.uk
Website: http://www.bigpartnership.co.uk
