Online shopping searches via mobile devices up 40 per cent: Google

Online shopping related searches via mobile devices and smartphones has spiked 40 per cent year-on-year, according to new data released by search engine giant, Google Australia.

Overall there was a 20 percent year-on-year increase in shopping related searches.

Particularly in the lead up to the Christmas shopping frenzy, retailers need to make sure customers can find their website on a mobile device, what products they sell, store locations and opening hours, Google Australia industry leader for local and retail, Ross McDonald, said.

“Australians are using their mobile to work out what they’re going to buy and who they’re going to buy it from,” McDonald said. “If your website is not easily accessible on a mobile device, it’s like having a store, but shutting the door to half your customers. People want to shop and transact with you, and you’re not making it easy for them to do so.”

Google warned businesses that ignore having a mobile-friendly website risk losing out on the biggest retail opportunity of the year.

Google estimates that among its large advertisers, only one in three has a mobile friendly website, and that number is even lower for small to medium businesses.

According to research conducted by Google, two in three customers indicated mobile friendly sites make them more likely to buy or use a good or service, while half pointed out that a bad mobile experience makes them less likely to engage with a company.

To help lead small businesses in the right direction, Google is offering access to free online tools such as its mobile site builder www.howtogomo.com/au.

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