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What Are the Best Mobile Services That Help Offline Clients?

by SpiralX
17 replies
So, I have started to study the mobile services sub-section of the offline service industry. And I have a few questions as to what are the best services we can provide.

I had read a discussion somewhere, and I'm not sure where, someone was saying that offline clients do NOT need a separate mobile site, that is really a waste of resources for them. Why should they have 2 sites, it's a pain for the customer as well. This person was saying that you would just have their original site set up with a mobile version that automatically comes up when the site is accessed from a mobile network. Makes sense, right?!

So I'm really questioning the whole angle of offering a business a mobile site. If their main website can be setup in such a way as I mentioned, aren't we ripping them off and making their online presence worse, by registering a new domain for their mobile site? Then they have to link to it in their main site, saying 'click here if you are on mobile', it's just a pain for their customers as well.

Anyone know how to perform the service of upgrading their current website with a mobile friendly version? Is it simple? Obviously if it's overly tech-y it can be outsourced. Thoughts and ideas on this subject are appreciated. So many mobile courses probably recommend the opposite - ie. get them setup with a simple mobile site that you design from a template, on a new domain, let me know if that is working for you or if you think it's a good plan and why?
#clients #mobile #offline #services
  • Profile picture of the author localbusinessguy
    There was some sort of Java script that you put on your clients site to redirect mobile users but I can't seem to find it. Any one else know where it is?
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    • Profile picture of the author bryson
      Originally Posted by localbusinessguy View Post

      There was some sort of Java script that you put on your clients site to redirect mobile users but I can't seem to find it. Any one else know where it is?
      Just do a google search for "mobile redirect script"
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      • Profile picture of the author SpiralX
        lol ok I have educated myself further on this matter and now I got it and get it! cool...

        The redirection script may vary depending on whether their main site is html, wp or other CMS. If it gets too techie, this would be easily outsourcable at fiverr or elsewhere.
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  • Profile picture of the author oogyboogawa
    Originally Posted by SpiralX View Post

    So, I have started to study the mobile services sub-section of the offline service industry. And I have a few questions as to what are the best services we can provide.

    I had read a discussion somewhere, and I'm not sure where, someone was saying that offline clients do NOT need a separate mobile site, that is really a waste of resources for them. Why should they have 2 sites, it's a pain for the customer as well. This person was saying that you would just have their original site set up with a mobile version that automatically comes up when the site is accessed from a mobile network. Makes sense, right?!

    So I'm really questioning the whole angle of offering a business a mobile site. If their main website can be setup in such a way as I mentioned, aren't we ripping them off and making their online presence worse, by registering a new domain for their mobile site? Then they have to link to it in their main site, saying 'click here if you are on mobile', it's just a pain for their customers as well.

    Anyone know how to perform the service of upgrading their current website with a mobile friendly version? Is it simple? Obviously if it's overly tech-y it can be outsourced. Thoughts and ideas on this subject are appreciated. So many mobile courses probably recommend the opposite - ie. get them setup with a simple mobile site that you design from a template, on a new domain, let me know if that is working for you or if you think it's a good plan and why?
    The bolded sentence basically just described a mobile site. You are probably thinking of one of the posts where someone was talking about offering a mobile app and others stated that for most small local businesses, having an app is going to be pointless - the better option? A mobile site (i.e. a version of their site that the user gets redirected to when the website is accessed from a mobile device).
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    • Profile picture of the author SpiralX
      Originally Posted by oogyboogawa View Post

      The bolded sentence basically just described a mobile site. You are probably thinking of one of the posts where someone was talking about offering a mobile app and others stated that for most small local businesses, having an app is going to be pointless - the better option? A mobile site (i.e. a version of their site that the user gets redirected to when the website is accessed from a mobile device).
      Oh, ok! I have a couple brief mobile courses which don`t go into that, I have templates, and I got the impression that you make a mobile site, and it is a completely separate site on a new domain.

      So... any chance of being pointed in the right direction as to how to perform this redirect - is it as simple as registering a domain the same as the original, using the .mobi extension? I`m just guessing here, lol. Trying to figure this out.

      One thing I thought for a mobile site service is to set up a QR code to an offsite mobile squeeze or coupon page - doesn`t have to be a mobile replacement for their main site obviously, if it`s just a destination from their QR code.
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      • Profile picture of the author oogyboogawa
        Originally Posted by SpiralX View Post

        Oh, ok! I have a couple brief mobile courses which don`t go into that, I have templates, and I got the impression that you make a mobile site, and it is a completely separate site on a new domain.

        So... any chance of being pointed in the right direction as to how to perform this redirect - is it as simple as registering a domain the same as the original, using the .mobi extension? I`m just guessing here, lol. Trying to figure this out.

        One thing I thought for a mobile site service is to set up a QR code to an offsite mobile squeeze or coupon page - doesn`t have to be a mobile replacement for their main site obviously, if it`s just a destination from their QR code.
        A lot of people do use separate domains, it can also be done on a subdomain (i.e. mobile.domain.com or m.domain.com) or it could even be in a subfolder (i.e. domain.com/mobile).

        In general, I would say .mobi domains are worthless at this point. I'm sure they've got their uses, but I can't think of any that make them worth any more than a .info domain off the top of my head.

        There are a couple of different ways to do the redirect. You will probably either need to modify the .htaccess file on the server or add some scripts on the site itself that detects what kind of operating system/browser is being used and redirects accordingly.

        I'm not sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if someone has posted some of the necessary code on here - you might be able to find it with a search.
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      • Profile picture of the author bryson
        Originally Posted by SpiralX View Post

        Oh, ok! I have a couple brief mobile courses which don`t go into that, I have templates, and I got the impression that you make a mobile site, and it is a completely separate site on a new domain.

        So... any chance of being pointed in the right direction as to how to perform this redirect - is it as simple as registering a domain the same as the original, using the .mobi extension? I`m just guessing here, lol. Trying to figure this out.

        One thing I thought for a mobile site service is to set up a QR code to an offsite mobile squeeze or coupon page - doesn`t have to be a mobile replacement for their main site obviously, if it`s just a destination from their QR code.
        The only benefit "for you" of having a .mobi domain is if you are hosting the mobile site. This way you are collecting a fee for site creation and get a monthly hosting fee.
        And all you do is use a redirect script on the main site and it will be seemless when someone accesses the main site from a mobile.

        It's also true you could just set up the mobile version in a folder or subdomain of the main site.

        The benefit i see in using a .mobi is when people are searching on a mobile and the see a .mobi they will know or assume it is a mobile ready site.
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        • Profile picture of the author oogyboogawa
          Originally Posted by bryson View Post

          The benefit i see in using a .mobi is when people are searching on a mobile and the see a .mobi they will know or assume it is a mobile ready site.
          That's true, but that should be just as easily accomplished (if not even more so) by using mobile.domain.com or domain.com/mobile Or even domainmobile.info or domainmobile.com if you want to host it yourself.
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          • Profile picture of the author bryson
            Originally Posted by oogyboogawa View Post

            That's true, but that should be just as easily accomplished (if not even more so) by using mobile.domain.com or domain.com/mobile Or even domainmobile.info or domainmobile.com if you want to host it yourself.
            Yes, that is true. I think the only real benefit is people recognizing the .mobi as a mobile site in the search results and clicking on it first because they know it is formated for their phone. Other than that, if google started (or maybe they already do, havent checked) give higher rankings to a .mobi

            I havent used .mobi and use the m.domain but i am going to look more into it. If i was creating my own niche site for mobile i would definately consider .mobi as there is more name availability.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jay Moreno
    Another benefit of using a .mobi domain is if the client has a super long .com domain name, using a mobi you can often get a much shorter version - you don't need the end user typing and misspelling a long domain name. On feature phones this can be a real pain - its all about the end user experience at the end of the day.

    This is just one of the things you should evaluate when approaching a new design - there is no one glove fits all when it comes to this kinda stuff...
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    Sorry, I am too busy helping people to think of a cool signature!
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  • Profile picture of the author mjbmedia
    Businesses, or more importantly their prospects,clients,users do NOT want the PC site remade onto the mobile platform .
    Most of the content on the PC based site is pretty irrelevant to people who are 'mobile' , people using mobile are looking for quick easy info, access, ways to book, instant gratification etc not to have to trawl through a whole load of superfluous content , click through umpteen options etc .
    The mobile site and content has to be considered a unique entity from the PC based one and should be more thoroughly considered than simply copy pasting (other than for a quick demo site)
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    • Profile picture of the author SpiralX
      Originally Posted by mjbmedia View Post

      Businesses, or more importantly their prospects,clients,users do NOT want the PC site remade onto the mobile platform .
      Most of the content on the PC based site is pretty irrelevant to people who are 'mobile' , people using mobile are looking for quick easy info, access, ways to book, instant gratification etc not to have to trawl through a whole load of superfluous content , click through umpteen options etc .
      The mobile site and content has to be considered a unique entity from the PC based one and should be more thoroughly considered than simply copy pasting (other than for a quick demo site)
      Food for thought! Do you have a system in mind when you are designing your mobile sites, or is each purely inspired by that particular business? If it is thoroughly considered, it's a whole new site, complete with copy. What do you charge for such a service?
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      • Profile picture of the author mjbmedia
        Originally Posted by SpiralX View Post

        Food for thought! Do you have a system in mind when you are designing your mobile sites, or is each purely inspired by that particular business? If it is thoroughly considered, it's a whole new site, complete with copy. What do you charge for such a service?
        I have the end user in mind regarding the content and layout, what will they want easy access to, where would they then expect to end up having chosen that option on the menu etc

        Eg many home pages will have paragraphs of 'about us' or our mission statement type stuff on there but when mobile who the hell wants to read that crap , the stuff the mobile end user is interested in is usually tucked away a few pages deep.
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        • Profile picture of the author SpiralX
          Originally Posted by mjbmedia View Post

          I have the end user in mind regarding the content and layout, what will they want easy access to, where would they then expect to end up having chosen that option on the menu etc

          Eg many home pages will have paragraphs of 'about us' or our mission statement type stuff on there but when mobile who the hell wants to read that crap , the stuff the mobile end user is interested in is usually tucked away a few pages deep.
          Yeah, that makes sense. I'm thinking a map is right up at the top of the list of what the end user is searching for - that, and hours of operation and contact info.
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  • Profile picture of the author ryanmckinney
    I use Kevin Koop's WSO (I think the first name is Kevin?), it is great. The mock up demo site takes a no time at all to install, and it looks great. Also, they have constantly updated the stuff, they have been good in that respect.

    You just set up a re-direct, so when their website is found/typed in on a mobile device it re-directs to the mobile page. The ones that I use from him are HOOTTTTT. They look really sharp.

    This is how I sold my first one:

    My business partner just walked into a new restaurant that was built, and pitched SMS Marketing VIP Club, he loved the idea, told us to e-mail him a proposal. I e-mailed him an offer he couldn't refuse (low set up / monthly ) in change for a testimonial , I told him when he talks to his buddy about his cool marketing guys, not to share the price as it will be substantially different for anyone else!

    In the proposal, I just went over the SMS, but I attached a QR Code that linked to the mobile mock up site I have. ( My biz partner noticed during their chat he had an iPhone). I added a P.S. to the e-mail that said " I know you are wondering what the attachment may be, it is a QR Code, use your iPhone and scan it, we can discuss more about this when we meet. IF you don't have have a qr scanner they are free in the App store.

    Well, he scanned it, a nice looking mock site came up and he LOVED IT. So the initial money up front from this client was increased by 800%, and tacking on some more on the back-end (200% increase).

    And we haven't even got to reputation management, SEO, or google places. That is down the road.

    So, I didn't push the up-sell on him , I softly did it. Now he is interested in fan pages, twitter accounts, and us running his whole social platform.

    We are also going to incorporate using a free fan-page as the foot in the door.
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    • Profile picture of the author SpiralX
      Originally Posted by ryanmckinney View Post

      I use Kevin Koop's WSO (I think the first name is Kevin?), it is great. The mock up demo site takes a no time at all to install, and it looks great. Also, they have constantly updated the stuff, they have been good in that respect.

      You just set up a re-direct, so when their website is found/typed in on a mobile device it re-directs to the mobile page. The ones that I use from him are HOOTTTTT. They look really sharp.

      This is how I sold my first one:

      My business partner just walked into a new restaurant that was built, and pitched SMS Marketing VIP Club, he loved the idea, told us to e-mail him a proposal. I e-mailed him an offer he couldn't refuse (low set up / monthly ) in change for a testimonial , I told him when he talks to his buddy about his cool marketing guys, not to share the price as it will be substantially different for anyone else!

      In the proposal, I just went over the SMS, but I attached a QR Code that linked to the mobile mock up site I have. ( My biz partner noticed during their chat he had an iPhone). I added a P.S. to the e-mail that said " I know you are wondering what the attachment may be, it is a QR Code, use your iPhone and scan it, we can discuss more about this when we meet. IF you don't have have a qr scanner they are free in the App store.

      Well, he scanned it, a nice looking mock site came up and he LOVED IT. So the initial money up front from this client was increased by 800%, and tacking on some more on the back-end (200% increase).

      And we haven't even got to reputation management, SEO, or google places. That is down the road.

      So, I didn't push the up-sell on him , I softly did it. Now he is interested in fan pages, twitter accounts, and us running his whole social platform.

      We are also going to incorporate using a free fan-page as the foot in the door.
      Good job. Thanks for the info, I love it. Free fan page huh? Hmmm...

      So is SMS Marketing VIP club your own project, something you have created for your clients?
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      • Profile picture of the author ryanmckinney
        Originally Posted by SpiralX View Post

        Good job. Thanks for the info, I love it. Free fan page huh? Hmmm...

        So is SMS Marketing VIP club your own project, something you have created for your clients?

        Just what we are calling it, so that the new clients can understand it. They like the sound of having a VIP Club, they understand people will want to be on that "list", so we just kind of dubbed it that. My current client's before this really have no need for a "VIP club", they need exposure other ways (SEO).

        So a a real good friend of mine that is business minded, and really good at running businesses, and I were talking, and I was telling him about what I had going on (with SEO) he kinda liked it, but didn't like it when I said "so you can really only work with 1 niche per city". Then I told him about my plans to also do SMS marketing, and just call it a VIP club or something, and he loved that because he knows a lot of business owners of bars/clubs/restaurants already. SO that got him excited, we worked out some things, and we are in business together. I have the technical know how and marketing angles/ideas , he has the business savy sense with some really good connections already, knows how to run a sales team, hire all that jazz. We both are young (well 25) / ambitious, it only makes sense that we team up and take over a couple of cities :-).

        He just called me and was like "hey , I am looking at this restaurant that was just built, I am going to go talk to the owner" 45 minutes later I get a text , "we have our first SMS Client, call me"..

        Now I for 1, can't just go into a business and do that, I can bring it up in casual conversation , sure, but he learned alot from that owner, and how owners think, we got some good feedback. So all in all, it was good all thew way around. He wanted to then just email him EVERYTHING we can offer right away and I was like NO LET ME WRITE THE EMAIL lol.

        I told him to also just offer free FB pages as a foot in the door if needed, I can whip those out quick, it would take me no time to do one for free.

        Sense these guys are so new, they have no idea, and all they did was gripe about living social and groupon, businesses are really getting raped by them.
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