Google, JustGiving and Depaul UK provided top tips on how charities can best use mobile at Media Trust’s Think Mobile event on 02 March 2011.

Speakers included Pierre Far, Webmaster Trends Analyst, Google; Luke Smith, Senior Industry Manager, Google; Elizabeth Kessick, Product Manager, JustGiving and Tim Harford, Head of Donor Care and Community Fundraising, Depaul UK.

Elizabeth Kessick (pictured, top, right) from JustGiving.com explained their simple donation integration page, which charities can easily utilise. Elizabeth also advised: “Remember mobile is not all about apps.  Users will spend more time on your mobile site so that is just as important.  Don’t spend all your budget on an app.”  See Elizabeth's full presentation here

Luke Smith (pictured, below) advised: “Be clear what you want from an app. Think about the user journey and where users are coming from, what times of day they are using their phone and where. Do research and focus groups with your target audience when building your charity app.” 

Luke continued: “A quarter of our online life is spent on the mobile Internet, but mobile ad spend is a fraction of this. Brands and charities need to recognise this and catch up.”  Get more of Luke's top tips here

Pierre Far (pictured, top, left) described the different ways Google supports webmasters through help articles, blogs, forums, YouTube videos, and the Google Webmaster Tools. He provided tricks and tips for a mobile friendly website.  Pierre said: “Keep it simple and logical and also think about the devices customers will be using. Is your site thumb friendly? Will it work with a keypad and touch screen?”  Find out more about Pierre's presentation on Webmaster Tools

Tim Harford from Depaul UK presented a case study of the iHobo app, which asks you to care for a virtual homeless person for three days.  Tim said: “Apps can be a great way to access a new younger audience. In the development stage, ensure ways to collect user data are implemented to allow continued interaction with them in the future.”  The audience learned that developing an app can be a lengthy process but ultimately it’s a valuable method of raising awareness.  Watch the iHobo film and find out more.

The event was chaired by Mark Dodd, Digital Media Director of Media Trust (top picture, centre). For tips on how to get ready for mobile visit our resources centre.   Download presentations from JustGiving and Depaul UK.

For further information contact Lisa Farrell on lisaf@mediatrust.org / 0207 871 5628 or Jessica Culshaw on jessicac@mediatrust.org / 0207 871 5636