Tip # 18: 7 Elements To Mobile Websites
Tip 18 of 365: Find Out The Top 7 Elements Every Mobile Website Should Have!
Today with so many people carrying smart phones and using them on a routine basis mobile is more important than ever. Google has made updates to their search algorithms that rank mobile friendly sites over other sites and all signs point to a healthy mobile browsing economy in the future. Updating your website in a way that will make it friendlier to mobile users is not something that you should put off. In fact it is not difficult to get your site up to date in just a few hours. Here are seven of the top elements that we believe every mobile website should have. How does your site match up?
- Sharable: mobile visitors are quick to share articles that they find entertaining. If you can provide interesting or useful information than there is a much higher chance of your mobile customers sharing it than they would on a web-based browser. Consider this when writing content aimed at mobile viewers, and always try to make it interesting or fun to read.
- Readable: actual reading experience is important as well. Lots of pictures can slow down load speed and a wall of text can frustrate your readers. On a small mobile screen viewers will need to scroll down a lot so breaking up content into short easy to read snippets is a must.
- Browsable: also don’t forget that browsing a webpage can be tough without a mouse. Consider adding easy to click links and large buttons for navigation. Many mobile themes include a scrollbar on the side to make your site even more mobile friendly.
- Avoid Popups: pop-ups are extremely annoying on a mobile device as they cover the entire screen and can be difficult to close because of the small exit button. This may discourage your customers and cause them to abandon your website.
- Optimize for local search: take advantage of the fact that your customers are ready on their phone. Including easy contact info and call options will allow them to search for you and quickly call you all at once.
- Include purchase Options: don’t hesitate to add a call to action to your mobile site and request shares, an email address, or even a direct purchase. Over 50% of mobile customers will consider making a purchase directly from the device. Don’t miss out on these opportunities.
- Stick to one mobile plan: there are many options available on how to optimize your site for mobile. Currently Google favors sites with responsive web design, which means that your content will adjust to any device it is viewed from. Whether or not it is a tablet, phablet, or normal sized phone should not be an issue.
Every year more customers use their mobile devices for searches. By making their first visit clean and enjoyable you will have a much better chance of turning them into a lifelong customer. However, don’t hesitate to take advantage of the fact that they are viewing directly from the phone. Many companies miss out on chances to turn viewers into paying customers simply because they are afraid to include a simple call to action on their mold page. Finding the perfect balance between an entertaining and useful site is going to be your key to a successful mobile site in the eyes of both google and your customers.