BIA/Kelse
y released findings today from the latest wave of its ongoing Local Commerce Monitor study of small businesses.
The newest research into the advertising behaviors of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) indicates that SMBs are increasingly embracing mobile and social platforms for improving operational efficiencies and promotion.
In particular, mobile payments are gaining significant traction with SMBs, with 40 percent of those surveyed stating they now accept payments at the point of sale with a mobile credit card reader attached to a smartphone or tablet.
According to the team at PayAnywhere, a leading mobile payment solutions provider, it’s easy to understand what’s behind this growth.
“Unpaid invoices, delayed checks and forgotten cash” have held small businesses back for too long. Mobile payments, the company says, make it “easier than ever for independent contractors and small business owners of all kinds to eliminate payment issues and take their businesses to the next level.”
Among the businesses without a mobile payment solution already in place, 16 percent plan to add this capability within the next 12 months.
SMBs are also turning to mobile to get customers in the door, with 32 percent of the SMBs surveyed stating they are using some form of mobile advertising to promote their businesses, up from 28 percent in 2012.
“Mobile continues to make impressive inroads into the SMB market, as both a marketing vehicle and as an element of the business infrastructure,” says Steve Marshall, director of research, BIA/Kelsey. “A closer look at the data shows adoption of mobile and social varies across SMB industry sectors. The LCM data reveals professional and home and trade services are embracing mobile in a big way, with service providers essentially becoming walking POS terminals.”
To learn more about today’s BIA/Kelsey report, click here.
