The iPhone has been here for three years now. The iPad -- not quite a full year, but already there are hordes of people using these devices to search for stuff online.
Exercise: Does your website suck right now?
If it does, it probably sucks a whole lot MORE if you look at it on your iPhone or iPad.
Try it. Menus don't work. your flash content and flaming logos are tiny red question marks. And your MLS IDX? Forget about it.
Argh!
If you think 2010 is going to be a tough year, well then 2011 isn't going to get any easier for many of you.
A new report shows that 48% of search is going to be on iPhone and iPads next year. And if your website doesn't have an M sub directory, like:
m.facebook.com or m.yourwebsite.com then you're going to miss a ton of prospects because they ain't gonna be using their computers. They'll be using their Smart Phones instead.
McKinney is one of the largest advertising agencies in the United States. They reported their customers have been using MORE iPhones than Google's Droid despite the fact the Droid in some markets is outselling Apple's iPhone 2 to 1.
Apple iPhone: 69% to Google's Droid: 31%.
2010 is about the last year we're going to see an even split of use for people using computers (desktop or laptop computers) as compared to iPhone, Droid, iPad and the new 4G EVO phone in 2010.
This is not unusual. When I used to fly a few years ago, I'd land at an airport. I'd reach for my Mac laptop and head for the nearest WiFi Hot spot at the airport bar or coffee joint. I'd log into the airport's WiFi network and check my email, bring up Google Maps and find my way to where I need to be going to.
Today, I don't even OWN a laptop. I have a 3G iPhone. So now when I travel, I don't reach for my computer -- I instead turn on my iPhone and I do the same thing I used to do on my 8 pound laptop Mac. And I do it in less time and I don't have to stop at the local airport coffee shop and log into their WiFi network, either.
Change is Coming
The big problem for the good looking websites for agents and brokers is that they look only great on your Mac or PC right now. But as many of you might know, Steve Jobs tie raid with Adobe Systems has banned Flash content from the iphone or iPad in favor of HTML 5.0.
Right now, you need to be thinking HTML 5.0 and you need to be thinking about a mini-site for your broker or agency.
We're building the first prototypes right now for Better Homes and Gardens -- Ventura Barnett Properties in San Jose, CA.
If you want to take a look see at the website, click here --- or enter: http://vbprop.com/mobile
In a few more weeks, we will have a fully functioning IDX for the entire San Jose MLS running on iPhones and Droids.
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