How many times a day do you check your smartphone? Now think about how often you check your phone every hour. If you’re anything like me, you probably check it so frequently during the day that it’s impossible to count!
You’re not alone in your smartphone addiction.
According to estimates by eMarketer, in 2015, there will be 190.5 million U.S. smartphone users of all ages, representing 73.4% of Internet users and 59.3% of the population. In just a few more years, by 2019, eMarketer estimates the smartphone audience will reach 236.8 million, or 85.5% of Internet users and 71.4% of the population (source: eMarketer).
In addition to these findings, a May 2015 Gallup poll shows that those who use a smartphone are addicted to their phones—they truly cannot imagine life without it. Just remember, the first step is admitting you have a problem!
Gallup found that about half of U.S. smartphone owners check their devices several times an hour or more frequently, which includes the 11% of users who check their phones every few minutes.
Our smartphone addiction has implications for marketers, too. We’ve been creating campaigns and designing websites with mobile users in mind for years. But this recent data illustrates that mobile is here to stay.
As a brand, your target audience is likely spending more time than ever on their smartphones. Does your campaign have a mobile component, ready to reach your consumers where they’re spending most of their time? What are your targets doing on their smartphones, and how can you reach them there? Are they browsing social media, streaming music on Pandora or Spotify or checking the status of their fantasy sports teams? Whatever audience you’re trying to attract for your brand, they’re most likely just as addicted to their smartphone.Photo courtesy of Unsplash