Time’s are changing. Less than 10 years ago web viewing was just about 100% on a desktop computer. Today, that number is down to just over 70. What has taken over?
Phones, Tablets, Phablets, E-readers, whatever the device, it’s mobile.
When I was about 14 years old I always thought it would be cool to have a music player built into my watch. The headphones could go up my sleeve and it would be the coolest thing ever. We have that, and much much more. Technology has changed so fast in the past decade, and we’re all trying to keep up. But, having a website that you made just 3 years ago is not good enough anymore.
What’s different with the mobile web experience?
Mobile devices require different screen resolutions, menus and buttons that work with touch screens. If your main menus are small buttons it makes it difficult to touch with fingers on a phone. An overall different feel is needed to really make it work. Sure most standard web pages you can zoom in and it still functions.. to a certain extent. However, the function of your website should be more than zooming and buttons. The real function of your website is to get your customers the information they need as quickly and as smoothly as possible.
Do you really want your clients navigating through your clunky outdated website on a 4 inch screen only to get frustrated and give up?
I didn’t think so, but just in case you weren’t quite convinced take a look at this info graphic:
It’s pretty obvious that people are impatient and unforgiving when it comes to technology too; myself included. When my computer freezes or a website only half loads, it’s a big inconvenience. This is because we expect technology to make life easier, and for the most part it does and we’ve gotten used to it. But when it goes wrong… oh boy. Hide your kids and board up your windows because out come the pitchforks and torches. Screaming, destruction, anger, nothing is held back when there are technology problems.
Our job is to do the best we can to make sure our clients don’t run into issues with our websites and resource; As much as we can control.
28% of internet usage on a phone or tablet is a lot of potential clients that could get lost in the mess if your website doesn’t treat them kindly. Especially since over half of consumers say they’re less likely to engage with a company after a bad mobile experience!
Social Media and Your Mobile Website
If you’re doing any sort of networking or marketing with social media there’s no doubt in my mind that a highly mobile-friendly website is a MUST HAVE, and here’s why.
91% of internet usage on mobile devices is social – This means that during these social communications with clients, there’s a huge chance they’re using a mobile device. So if you send them a link, or they feel inclined to go search for you on their own at that moment, they need somewhere to go that works with their device. As much as you would like to think they’re going to jot down a note that reads “check out so-and-so’s naturopath website later when I’m at a computer”, they won’t. Human’s are instant creatures. Now, now now! And plus, the internet everywhere so what’s stopping them.? Oh right, your clunky website is.
Email Marketing and Your Mobile Website
Again, it’s in our blood to desire immediacy. Which has led us to emails pushed straight to our phones. So much so that we want a PING, DING, or BLEEP, to ensure that there is no delay! In fact, 88% of people view emails on their phone daily.
You’ve likely heard about the importance of creating an email subscription list, if not click here to watch this great video by Derek Halpern on why you should build one). But let’s say you all have one and if you’re using an email list to communicate with your clients, the chances are pretty high that they’re going to see it on their mobile device.
Your objective isn’t always to get them to go to your website from the email, but sometimes it will be. If they click a link, and it sends them to your website that’s all squished and hard to click buttons on, they’ll close it, and probably unsubscribe from your list too. Needless to say.. not good.
How do you make a website mobile friendly?
I often rave about WordPress and it’s benefits of simplicity but it really takes the cake for mobile options. Most WordPress templates you download have a built in mobile theme that is enabled when necessary. You customize your main site, and it makes the necessary modifications to the mobile version as well.
The only possible hick-up can be with tablets or devices that are in between a phone and desktop. The screen is often big enough to use a regular website, but then the menu’s might not be good for a touch screen etc. This is why I’ve started to fall in love with Responsive themes.
A responsive theme is one that adjusts to your viewing size no matter what device you’re on. My website is a responsive theme. If you’re viewing this on a desktop shrink your window down and you’ll see how the website adapts. If you go all the way it converts to a different menu style and you’ll see what is viewed on a phone. Very versatile.
Well I hope I’ve convinced you that it’s not an option anymore to have a mobile friendly website. And it’s really not that hard to have one either. Have any questions or comments? Please leave them in the comments section below.
– Joel
