Research company Compete has released the results of its first-quarter 2010 Smartphone Intelligence Survey, which studies how consumers are using iPhones, BlackBerrys, Android devices, and other smartphones.

The key result: consumers are increasingly turning to their phones to discover local businesses. Businesses must shift their marketing strategy to accomodate the growing mobile landscape, or risk being left behind.

The survey found consumers increasingly rely on their mobile phones to search for retailers. Nearly one in three smartphone owners has called or stopped into a local business after finding it using a local search application, according to the results of the survey. In Q1 alone, close to a third of Android and iPhone owners discovered at least two new businesses that they were not previously aware of as a result of using local search applications.

“With the increasing popularity of local search, retailers should ensure their sites are optimized for mobile browsers,” said Compete’s director of technology and entertainment Danielle Nohe. “Making it easy for consumers to discover businesses via their devices opens local companies up to a whole new customer demographic, and savvy businesses should make sure they’re maximizing this opportunity.”

 

 

Does your restaurant have a mobile website?

A mobile website is a critical component of a restaurant's local search presence. Consumers are searching for local restaurants on their phones, and expect to be able to view your restaurant's website to look up menu information, store hours, and directions.

Make sure that your customers can not only discover your restaurant through their phones, but that your website provides them with the information they are looking for.

Restaurants without a mobile presence are missing out on a massive opportunity to drive new customers into their stores.