47% Increase in Property Search Queries on Mobile Devices.
Recent research by Google has revealed that the number of property search queries being performed on mobile devices increased by 47% in the first quarter of 2015, reports Dorset-based digital marketing agency Bespoke 4 Business.
And with 33% of Britons opting for smartphones as the device of choice in 2014, ahead of 30% who preferred laptops*, never has it been more crucial for businesses to ensure their websites are fit for purpose.
“As the property market becomes more competitive, people are relying on their smartphones and tablet devices to stay one step ahead of their rival house hunters” remarked Bespoke 4 Business Director Anthony Tilley.
“Buyers are using their mobile devices to search for new property listings, find directions, research an area, call or e-mail an agent directly, or view photos and plans so it’s vital that property agents have a website that is fully mobile responsive so it displays and functions correctly whether on mobile, tablet or PC”.
Google research has also revealed that potential buyers are using their mobile to work out their financial position. Last year, twenty five percent of Google searches for mortgages were on mobile devices and terms such as “mortgage calculator” made up half of those searches.
Video has also emerged as a key opportunity for estate agents to increase their web traffic, with one in five future home buyers indicating they’d use a mobile device to watch a virtual tour of a property so they can get a room-by-room view (Google Consumer Survey, April 2014).
“Clearly, the place to reach home buyers is on mobile so having a mobile-friendly web presence combined with the latest functionality and an easy-to-use content management system so the site can be updated regularly, will help agents capture the maximum available online traffic and increase their levels of instructions and sales”.
* Ofcom
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