Many desktop sites can be accessed through a mobile phone. However, this does not automatically make them mobile friendly. Mobile sites are tailored for smaller displays on smartphones. This ensures the needs of your mobile customers are taken care of. Your business will achieve greater conversions and customer engagement as a result.
50% of all people access the internet through a mobile device. This means that half of all your potential conversions will be lost if your content is not easily viewed on mobile devices. The best way of checking whether your site is mobile friendly, is to access it via a smartphone and assess the following qualities:
Viewable content
Content on a mobile friendly site should be viewable, without the need for pinching and zooming. This can be done by resizing the content to fit smaller screens. You should particularly avoid using Flash based video. Most smartphones do not support this format, thereby denying your customers access to content.
Fast loading
Customers hate slow loading pages, and would rather find another alternative. Your website is slowed considerably by flash based video content and large images. Resize images and compress them to a much smaller file size instead. Furthermore, your site should be set to automatically resize images, when accessed via a mobile device. Video and animations should be avoided as much as possible. Slower data connections on mobile devices will make this type of content difficult to access.
Easy to read information
It is important to remember that most mobile users will be reading your content on the go. Therefore, include contact information like addresses, maps, and telephone numbers that may be of use to people on the move. Additionally, phone numbers should be actionable through a click-to-call functionality.
Many of your customers may also be accessing the site in poor light conditions. For this reason, your content should be easy to read and digest. Avoid detailed descriptions of your business or services, and focus on enticing one-liners instead. These deliver more conversions than intricate information that is hard to understand. You should also ensure images do not overcrowd the screen.
Great navigation
The smaller screen and lack of a mouse or keyboard creates navigation challenges on a mobile phone. Your customers will be mostly limited to single thumb navigation and typing. Your mobile site should therefore be designed so that larger fingers can easily click on links. This can be done through large centered buttons to minimize unintended clicks. A well displayed home page icon and back buttons will help customers navigate easily around the site. Poor navigation contributes to a frustrating experience for customers on your site.
Easy usability
Links, buttons, and gestures such as pinch, zoom, and scroll, should work properly. Data entry tools like lists, scroll menus, and check boxes should also be available. It will make filling forms easier. This gives your customers a better experience on your site, increasing your conversions.
Accessing your own site on a smartphone gives you an opportunity to experience it as any customer would. If you were not satisfied with the experience, and would like to make your site more mobile friendly, please contact us.
