Hot Spring Spas touts mobile optimization for consumers on the go

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 9/12/2012 3:08:20 PM

VISTA, Calif. — Hot tub manufacturer Hot Spring Spas recently announced a technological enhancement to its online platform, hotspring.com -- mobile optimization.

This technology ensures that consumers find readable, relevant, local information on their smart phones or tablet computers quickly. Hot Spring is the first major hot tub brand to fully optimize its site for mobile consumers, according to a company press release.

"We know our customers are looking for us on their mobile devices," said Kacy Rivers, brand manager for Hot Spring. "Our commitment is to deliver the information they need, when they need it -- whether they are in the car, the store or anywhere they are considering a hot tub-related purchase."

The optimization of hotspring.com includes the introduction of features designed specifically with the mobile consumer in mind.

• Location: Through geo-location (when enabled by user) the site is populated with information about the Hot Spring dealer nearest to them automatically.
• Navigation: From easy-to-read fonts to thumb-friendly buttons to a "less is more" approach to information, the mobile site is easy to navigate on any device.
• Content: Mobile customers are looking for specific product information, often from inside the store. Using a combination of QR codes on the in-store displays and/or user-friendly, interactive product pages on the mobile site, customers will easily access information on any Hot Spring product.
• Ratings: Ratings and reviews are a key product feature demanded by today's educated mobile consumer, especially when considering a long-term purchase for their home.

"Mobile optimization isn't a trend or a gimmick - it's a consumer revolution," said Brian Glass, marketing manager for Watkins, the manufacturer of Hot Spring Spas. "Within a year or two, we believe mobile will be a touch point for virtually every Hot Spring hot tub purchase."

Mobile optimization is the most recent in a series of enhancements to the Hot Spring online platform, which in spring 2012 included new "quick-click" icons, directing consumers to important categories such as jet therapy, energy-efficiency, easy water-care systems, product and lifestyle videos, a 3D deck design tool and ratings and reviews. Since its launch, Hot Spring models have achieved an average rating of 4.6 on a scale of five stars.

"Until recently, the idea of shopping for a hot tub on a mobile phone sounded pretty far-fetched, but not anymore," Rivers said. "Today we know that it isn't the size of the purchase, it's about providing our customers with the information, tools and resources they need for any purchase in a way that is convenient for them. At Hot Spring that is, and always has been, our commitment."