Looking for something new? Something to maximize your school’s marketing and lead generation? Have you thought about going mobile?

According to a Quantcast Mobile Trends report, mobile Web use grew 148 percent last year (measured in page views) and it has continued to grow at a staggering pace, with Gartner Research predicting that by 2013, mobile phones will overtake PCs as the most common Web access device. Does this mean your comapany has to ditch its website and move everything to the mobile Web? Of course not. But it does raise some interesting questions.

First, what does “going mobile” involve?

1) A mobile friendly, or mobile website?

Many companies have already begun creating versions of their websites that are optimized for smartphones. This can simply be an extension of the non-mobile website, or a much more sophisticated stand-alone version that is optimized and designed for the mobile Web experience. Some may even use GPS to further enhance search functions, audience targeting and ads, however, this is not absolutely necessary. What is important, though, is to develop a streamlined, mobile optimized presentation of your content that makes the mobile experience enjoyable (limiting the amount of scrolling, for example, would be essential).

2) Mobile Apps

Schools are increasingly investing in stand-alone software applications that companies and prospective customers can download to their phones. Why are they doing that? Because when it comes to streamlining your content for the mobile Web, apps are the ultimate. Furthermore, they can present new revenue and marketing opportunities.

3) Mobile SMS Alerts

In conjunction with a mobile friendly website, a well executed Mobile SMS Alerts campaign can be a highly effective marketing tool. Mobile SMS Alerts cut out the middle man and give you the opportunity to speak directly with your students and prospective students, ensuring that your marketing message reaches its audience, instantly and easily.

Yes, however, don’t take our word for it. Using Google Analytics, check how much of your current traffic is coming from mobile devices. This will give you an indication of how significant this marketing channel has become and how quickly the traditional Web is being transformed into a mobile experience.

Aside from the numbers, though, consider some of the numerous advantages to developing a mobile friendly website:

• The opportunity to increase your audience and online presence by catering to new and specific viewer preferences
• The chance to engage and connect with students and prospective students on a 24-hour, 7-day a week basis, whether they are on a train, plane or beach
• Unique mobile features and content that will help your school stand out among its competitors
• Cutting-edge tactics, tools and techniques that will make your school an innovative market leader

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