According to DirectNews, businesses who want to keep up with their competitors need to move fast to establish strong mobile marketing strategies.

New figures published by ForeSee Results illustrates that an increasing number of consumers are using their mobile devices to shop.

Indeed, over 2010's festive period, 11 per cent of US consumers surveyed used their mobile to make a purchase, compared with just two per cent in 2009.

And with 26 per cent of respondents claiming they will be accessing retail sites in this way in the future and 33 per cent having done so during the Christmas season, the mobile marketing sector looks to be gaining strength.

Indicating the importance of mobile marketing to bricks-and-mortar businesses, the research also shows that 30 per cent of people who had a good experience when mobile shopping with a particular company would buy from them both online and offline.

Recent figures from comScore show that online spending hit a new high during 2010's holiday season, reaching $32.6 billion (£21.04 billion) between November and December.

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Market research jobs are in place to collect and analyse certain data and information for the benefit of businesses, charities and government organisations. Market research vacancies are most frequently found through specialist agencies that are set up to provide services to client organisations. However, marketing research jobs can also be found in house. The analysis of audience response and opinion is utilised to directly inform social, economic and political decisions. About Market Research Vacancies The kind of research conducted is used to benefit organisations and often target their products in a more effective way. It is not uncommon to find that marketing research jobs will work in one particular sector. By specialising in one area, their understanding of the client’s industry is increased. There are two types of research used in this type of job, with most researchers working in one of the other: •    Quantitative – using questionnaires to gather and analyse statistics •    Qualitative – understanding peoples’ attitudes and motivation through interviews and focus groups. Market Research Vacancies – The Work The work in market research jobs can vary greatly, but generally includes the following: •    Commissioning research and writing briefs •    Creating and distributing surveys/questionnaires •    Liaising with clients to agree on research projects •    Researching topics •    Managing budgets •    Moderating focus groups •    Conducting surveys •    Using statistical software •    Monitoring research progress •    Interpreting collected data to find patterns and solutions •    Creating reports and presenting the findings to clients •    Advising clients on how to utilise the information gathered form research