More data continues to add to the pile of information that’s showing how mobile connections are shaping the lives and habits of Americans. According to the Performics 2011 Mobile Search Insights Study conducted by ROI Research, 57% of us use the mobile Web more than once every day, with a whopping 77% of us using mobile search more than five times in the last month.
Overwhelmingly, satisfaction and adoption of mobile search holds true throughout the study:
- 75% said mobile search makes their lives easier
- 63% said access to mobile search has changed the way they gather information
- 32% said they use mobile search more than search engines on their computers
81% of respondents reported evening use of mobile search at home, 80% reported weekend use, and 59% reported use before work, while 61% reported using mobile search at work.
Churches, the future is now and it’s on the mobile. I just can’t say this enough: rethink how people are finding your church, activities, and resources, and make it easy for them to do it while on the go. Chances are, you’ll need to do at least a few of the following:
- Build out a mobile version of your church Web site
- Integrate your Small Group finder tool (a part of your church management software) for mobile browsing
- Conduct a poll and find out how many of your attendees use smartphones
- Use mass e-mail tools that have a mobile version output
- Have people “check-in” to your church via Facebook or Foursquare when they arrive. Sharing this information creates free visibility to their friends who may not have a church home.
The future of mobile is wide open for churches. Think through how the life of your church can (and should) be anytime, anywhere for ministry.
