You are reading this information on a blog.  If, however you were reading it in the newspaper – chances are you would be over the age of 40 (maybe 30).  As a rural business owner/manager and are trying to get the word out about your product, service, or job offers and use the newspaper for your only source of media, chances are young people are not getting the message.  In a recent presentation, University of Nebraska Journalism Professor Gary Kebbel told the audience that most young people have never picked up a newspaper in their life.

          The year 2010 was the “cross-over” year from the printed page to the screen.  Today, 90% of media interaction is screen-based through computers, TV, tablets or phones. Only 10% of information is now read on paper.  Current issues of magazines and newspapers can be found digitally with bright colors and videos included.

For 90% of young people, their phones are their lifeline.  We need to re-think how we get information out to our organizational members, clientele and customers.  The new strategy must be MOBILE FIRST.

          Mobile media breaks down every digital divide – rich/less fortunate, rural/urban, young/old – all have mobile media.  Every statistic indicates that using a digital device is growing by leaps and bounds.  Kebbel relays that even those who cannot afford to have a computer linked to the internet save money so they can communicate through a mobile phone.

          Most young people use recommendations from their peers to attend an event, purchase a product or use a service.  The information is shared through a screen.  Kebbel says that people usually research on their phones while they are waiting – in grocery lines, while in cars, at the doctors office etc.  Tablets are used for reading and watching videos. Then people go to the computer to make the actual purchase.

It used to be that if you were writing about something whether it was a news story  or advertising a product or event – you were in control.  Not in today’s world.  The information doesn’t just flow ‘one way’.  People expect to be able to ask questions or comment about experiences via the screen.

For the best promotion for a product, event or service “think mobile first.”  Today, people want to get information “any time – any place – any path – any pace.   According to Kebbel, short, continual bursts of information about new products or event plans may be the best.  Keep the audience informed with updates of information.

Adapt your website can so it is easily accessed on a phone without scrolling and scrolling.  Provide a way that the customer or person looking for a job can interact with you and your business”.  As a business owner or organizational leader – think about the power of mobile.