Forecast: Mobile ads to overtake desktop ads

From the 'mobile is the new black' column, a new forecast out from Marin Software suggests the mobile ad spend will push past the desktop spend by year's end. According to the Mobile Advertising Around the Globe: 2015 Annual Report the increase is based on consumer adoption of mobile devices and the fact that many shoppers are now researching products via mobile devices before making purchases.

by Kristina Knight

Researchers found that mobile search CTRs average 2.7% (desktop averages 2.1%), but conversion rates via desktop continue to be stronger. On average, desktop search ads convert about 10% of the time, while desktop social ads convert 1%. Mobile conversion rates are 7.1% (mobile search), 0.4% (social) and 2.6% (display).

"The rise of mobile is nothing short of astounding, but it's important to remember most people jump between desktop and mobile several times when researching and buying products," said Matt Ackley, CMO of Marin Software. "Our new data reveals that advertisers clearly need to adopt strategies to reach consumers across multiple channels, using tools to accurately track attribution for mobile ads. Clicks on mobile ads don't always lead to direct conversions, but often influence desktop or in-store purchases. "

Some interesting takeaways from the report include:

• 55% of brands social ad spend is geared to smartphones/tablets
• Mobile display ad clicks increased 60% (Jan-Dec 2014)
• Most display ad clicks come from mobile devices
• Mobile paid search clicks increased 36% (Jan-Dec 2014)

Mobile search clicks are expected to push past the 50% mark by the end of the year, which is pushing more search ad dollars into mobile versus desktop.

Image via Shutterstock

Tags: advertising, Marin Software, mobile ad spend, mobile ads, mobile marketing

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Aaron Mahl

Mobile engagement will only grow beyond these projections as pioneers like Facebook with their native mobile ads and Airpush with their Abstract Banners continue to prove we haven't seen anything yet when it comes to how engaging a mobile ad can actually be.

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