Mobile Friendly Websites

No matter where you go these days, the majority of the people you see are using mobile devices for one thing or another. A study done by Pew Research in January of 2014 stated that 90% of American adults have a cell phone. Of that 90%, how many could be your next new customer or client?

Armed with this knowledge, savvy entrepreneurs are taking steps and making changes to the way they do business in order to cash in on this ever-growing marketing solution. What this means for you and your website’s visibility is unlimited opportunity. That being said; are you making the most of it?

Why your website needs to be mobile friendly

As a mobile device user, you know first-hand how frustrating it can be to search for something on the go, only to find it doesn’t load properly on your device. Non-mobile friendly information is difficult to read, is not very user friendly and it really doesn’t make you want to struggle through the process just to make a purchase. If your business website falls into this category, you need to know a very important fact. The reality is that, at the current rate of increase, mobile website traffic is due to double over the next few years. Tens of millions of people access the web from their cell phones each day. Imagine even a fraction of those people browsing your website.

The online world is filled with competition that is vying for the attention of new customers every moment of the day, so if entrepreneurs want to be seen, they need to commit to updating their sites to accommodate their ideal customer’s primary source of internet access; their mobile devices.

Making your website mobile friendly

There are simple ways, and more complex ways, to get your website looking good across mobile devices. The route you choose depends on your experience and how involved you need/want to be in the process. Whether you are building from scratch or using a template here are a few tips:

• Create your website on a platform that includes mobile layouts. A content management system such as WordPress makes it easy for you to create a mobile friendly site. You don’t necessarily have to create a new website exclusively for mobile devices. WordPress provides tools that allow you to make your webpages look good on a computer screen, tablet or phone.
• Design your website for mobile devices. If you are just starting out and haven’t set up your website yet, you may opt to begin with a mobile friendly layout. Have a discussion with your web developer to determine the best options for your particular site.
• Consider your users. Your site needs to be easy to navigate and be responsive to the user. Keep in mind that consumers will go from one device to another. Make sure your site is compatible across all device platforms.
• Less is more. Mobile screens are small, so do with as little text as you can reasonably manage. Use icons and images strategically.
• Call for Help: If the thought of trying to navigate the world of themes, PHP and HTML make you cringe, just know the internet is filled with savvy tech specialists (like us) who are willing to help. Let the experts take on the task of making your site mobile-friendly, allowing you to get on with running your business.

With smart planning, a little know-how and some creativity, your business can have a mobile friendly site … one that will make your potential customer of tomorrow thrilled to do business with you.