Why Mobile Website Design Matters
Today, we will look at a topic crucial for every small business owner: mobile website design. Why, you ask? With over 55% of web traffic coming from mobile devices, you must ensure your online presence is mobile-ready. So, let’s get you up to speed!
We live in a society that is constantly on the go. Think about it. When did you last go a whole day without using your smartphone? From morning alarms to night-time browsing, our phones are our constant companions. People are scrolling through their phones everywhere you look…..while waiting for coffee, on the train, while out to lunch or dinner and even from the couch watching TV!. As a small business owner, you must meet your customers where they are – on their mobile devices.
Have you ever been to someone’s (it may be yours) website on your mobile, and it looks broken, or you can’t navigate it? It can be so frustrating! Most likely, the site has not been developed with mobile devices in mind. Do you keep browsing? If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, is like closing your shop doors to half of your potential customers. We certainly don’t want that!
That’s why a solid mobile website design strategy should be your top priority; let’s take a closer look into what that involves.
Mobile-friendly web design ensures your website is just as effective and engaging on a small screen as on a larger one. This could be the deciding factor that pushes a potential customer to choose your business over a competitor. There are 3 key things to bear in mind when setting one’s mobile web design strategy; let’s look at each of these in turn.
The Mobile-First Approach
Traditionally, websites were designed for desktops and then made to fit onto mobile devices. Not anymore! With mobile devices ruling the roost, it’s now more practical to design for the smaller screen first and then scale up for larger screens.
So, as a small business owner, when you’re embarking on your mobile website design journey, remember: Start small (screen), then go bigger!
Responsive Design is Key
One phrase you’ll frequently come across when talking about mobile-friendly web design is “responsive design.” Simply put, a responsive design means your website flexes and fits perfectly on any screen size – a smartphone, a tablet, or a desktop.
For small businesses, customers can seamlessly switch devices and still have a consistent browsing experience. They could browse your product range on their phone during their commute, then switch to their desktop to make a purchase when they get home. You want the users experience to be uninterrupted and seamless between these devices. So, make sure your website is designed to keep up!
Speed and Simplicity: Twin Pillars of Mobile Website Design
Mobile users are on the move, and they want their information fast. It may surprise you, but studies show that most mobile users will abandon a site if it doesn’t load within 3 seconds; yes, we are an impatient lot, 3 seconds! So, ensure your mobile web design is lean, mean, and fast!
Also, remember the golden rule: simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Your mobile website should be easy to navigate, with clear call-to-actions (CTA) and concise content. On a side note, if you are not sure what a call to action is, look at a recent blog article about this.
Let your customers find what they need quickly and easily. They will thank you for their business.
I hope you’ve found some useful takeaways to apply to your own small business. Creating a fantastic mobile experience isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s an absolute must as you don’t want to close your shop front as your customer wants to walk in. I don’t have to tell you it’s not good for business!
So, keep thinking mobile-first and remember: your customers are just a tap, swipe, or click away!
