Having a mobile friendly website has become more of a necessity than an option in today’s online world. Gone are the days when websites were designed only for PC users. With more than 3 billion Internet-enabled mobile phones being used worldwide, there will come a time when many people’s first online experience is through a mobile device. If you have not already optimized your website for mobile users, you need to do so and here are reasons why.
People are Increasingly Searching and Shopping Online with Mobile Devices
As smartphones, tablets and Internet enabled handheld devices become more affordable, an increasing number of people are searching and shopping online via mobile gadgets. Research firm comScore reported that one third of UK traffic now comes from smartphones or tablets. In June 2013, comScore figures found that more than 55% of US consumers spent time interacting with online retailers on a mobile device.
The mobile revolution is not limited to the UK and US alone. Mobile devices are fast becoming the preferred method for Internet access in many other parts around the world. So, if your website is not mobile friendly, you will not be able to tap into this rising market.
Sites Optimized for Mobile can do more Business
In most cases, traditional websites are usually not designed for the small screens found on mobile devices. This is why standard websites appear distorted on mobile gadgets. If mobile users cannot use your website properly, they will seek services elsewhere. Of course, this means losing prospective clients, which can be bad for business.
Google did a survey in 2012 and found that:
- 67% of visitors are more likely to buy from a website that is mobile friendly.
- 61% of online visitors are likely to leave a website that is difficult to use on a mobile device.
- 74% of visitors say they are likely to return to a website that offers a great experience on mobile.
These figures just go to show how crucial it is to have a mobile-friendly website from a business standpoint.
Going Mobile Friendly May Help Your Site Rank Better
Google, one of largest search engines, recommends the concept of responsive web design, which allows sites to adapt to any screen size. This enables website owners to provide a great user experience across multiple devices. As a result, it comes as no surprise why several studies have found that mobile optimized websites tend to rank better on mobile search.
For more information on how to make your website mobile-friendly, visit saberlightdigital.co.uk. This website offers more insight on the various techniques used to optimize websites for mobile users. You can also consult with professional and experienced web designers who will recommend the best solution for making your website suitable for mobile devices.
Keep in mind that there are various options for designing a mobile-friendly site. These range from adopting responsive and/or adaptive web design, to having a separate mobile version for your website. Before choosing any of these options, make sure to do your research well. Talking to a professional web developer is highly recommended, as this will enable you to make an informed choice.
