Is the Email Dead

A highlight of my year is when I go and learn about the latest methods, technologies and trends at the Internet Retail Expo. As you may know from my tweets, it is the only business event I attend all year, other than the ones I host each month of course (Likemind and Jelly). Once again, there were some outstanding sessions delivered by experts who work with some of the UK's best known retailers. I learn so much to share with clients.

HOW TO SPEAK TO YOUR CUSTOMERS ON THE TOILET

For me, this session won the best title of the event! Lead by M&S, who say 75% of people admit to using their phone in the loo. For some, that's the only time to catch up on communications! Schuh maintain that 89% of people with a smart phone, only shop on that device.
Email is still king. Despite engagement on social media, it is the preferred of communication for customers. It's where people expect you to be.

WHO IS BUILDING APPS NOW?

A session by My Supermarket gave the insight that 63% of people just look at the website on their phone, rather than an app. 
Although 29% of the country still doesn't have a smartphone, in another session, Schuh highlighted the importance of getting the mobile site as good as the desktop version.
I know that on many platforms, the mobile site is automatically formatted, including Squarespace, which I use to create easy to maintain websites for clients.

POWERFULLY CONNECT WITH CLIENTS

How long do you spend scanning content on your phone?
Facebook say it's 1.7 seconds. That's all the time we have to get our message across, hence organisations are now making short 2-3 second films just to get their brand recognised. This is easy for the makers amongst us and with a little thought, we can create this for every service too. It makes sense to have them without sound.

Also, I learnt why the search button is more important than ever, the latest on marketplaces (Ebay/Amazon) and payment methods and how Sparks helped M&S Customers shop twice as often. Find out about next year's event here.

To learn how to apply my insights to your business, or discuss how to promote your enterprise more effectively, do drop me a line or get an idea of some of the topic ideas here.