As of 2019, more than half — 51 percent — of 3.9 billion mobile phone users worldwide used the internet through their smartphones. That figure is from the World Advertising Research Center (WARC) report. The report further states that by 2025, 72.6 percent of all web users will access the internet through their mobile phones.
People are now using their smartphones wherever they are, carrying power banks to ensure that they can keep them charged. Marketers need to learn how people are using mobile internet to design their websites and marketing campaigns accordingly. Here are 30 of those ways.
1. Smart Home Devices
People use smart home devices like the Amazon Echo and the Google Home to control their lights, thermostat, and other devices.
2. Video Calling
People use video calling apps like Skype and FaceTime to call family and friends who live far away.
3. Social Media
People use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to connect with friends and family. They also use these platforms to follow their favorite celebrities, brands, and influencers. They also send each other private messages through these platforms.
4. Search
People use search engines like Google and Bing to find information on the internet.
5. Email
People use email apps like Gmail and Yahoo Mail to send and receive messages.
6. News
People use apps like Google News and Apple News to stay up-to-date with the latest news stories worldwide.
7. Video Streaming
People use streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube to watch TV shows, movies, and videos.
8. Music Streaming
People use music streaming apps like Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music to listen to their favorite songs and create custom playlists.
9. Banking
People use mobile banking apps to check their account balances, transfer money, and pay bills. Popular banking apps include Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America.
10. Shopping
People use their smartphones to buy products and services online. Popular shopping apps include Amazon, eBay, and Etsy.
11. Weather
People use weather apps like The Weather Channel and AccuWeather to check their area’s current conditions and forecasts.
12. Maps
People use mapping apps like Google Maps and Waze to get turn-by-turn directions to their destination.
13. Gas Finder
People use gas finder apps like GasBuddy and Waze to find the cheapest gas prices in their area.
14. Ride-Sharing
People use ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft to get a ride to their destination.
15. Food Delivery
People use food delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash to order meals from their favorite restaurants.
16. Restaurant Finder
People use restaurant finder apps like Yelp and Zomato to find restaurants nearby.
17. Tip Calculator
People use tip calculator apps like Tipster and Gratuity to calculate how much to tip their server at a restaurant.
18. Movie Tickets
People use apps like Fandango and AMC Theatres to buy movie tickets in advance.
19. Event Tickets
People use apps like Ticketmaster and LiveNation to buy tickets for concerts, sporting events, and theatre shows.
20. Travel Booking
People use apps like Kayak and Southwest Airlines to find and book flights. They use apps like Expedia and Airbnb to book hotel rooms and vacation rentals.
21. Currency Converter
People use currency converter apps like XE Currency and Oanda Currency Converter to convert currencies when traveling abroad.
22. TV Guide
People use apps like TVGuide and TiVo to find out what’s on TV and when their favorite shows are airing.
23. Sports Scores
People use ESPN and the NFL Mobile app to stay up-to-date with the latest scores and stats from their favorite sports teams.
24. Fantasy Sports
People use apps like Yahoo Fantasy Sports and CBS Sports to manage their fantasy football, basketball, and baseball teams.
25. Workout Routines
People use workout routine apps like Nike Training Club and 7 Minute Workout to find workout routines and track their progress.
26. Fitness Tracker
People use fitness tracker apps like Fitbit and MyFitnessPal to track their steps, calories burned, and sleep patterns.
27. Health Tracking
People use health tracking apps like Apple Health and Google Fit to track their heart rate, blood pressure, and weight.
28. Sleep Tracking
People use sleep tracking apps like Fitbit and Sleep Cycle to track their sleep patterns and get a better night’s sleep.
29. Nutrition Tracker
People use nutrition tracker apps like MyFitnessPal and Calorie Counter by FatSecret to track their food intake and find healthy recipes.
30. Meditation
People use meditation apps like Calm and Headspace to relax and de-stress.
31. Recipe Finder
People use recipe finder apps like Allrecipes and Yummly to find recipes for their favorite foods.
32. Unit Conversion
People use unit converter apps like Convert Units and Unit Converter Plus to convert between different units of measurement.
33. Online Mobile Games
People play individual mobile online games or multi-player games with others across the country and even across the globe.
34. Language Learning
People use language learning apps like Duolingo and Babbel to learn new languages.
35. Photography
People use photography apps like Instagram and Snapchat to take and share photos and videos.
People use mobile internet for various reasons, from ordering food to tracking their health. These are just a few examples of the ways people are using mobile internet today. Marketers must track how their target market uses the mobile internet to maximize these in their marketing campaigns.
