Your company can have an award-winning product or service to offer your clientele, but if your mobile users aren't able to view your website from their mobile device, without a glitch, you could lose their interest. Statistics have shown that more consumers are using their mobile devices to access the Web than ever before. So, what does this mean for business? It means your website not only has to be mobile-friendly, it must be optimized for mobile in order to reach your target audience and drive them to your website. Otherwise, your website will get lost in the shuffle of hundreds (or thousands) of competing websites.
When it comes to mobile optimization, there is a right and wrong way. Here are a few important do's and don'ts of mobile optimization to remember.
DO consider your target audience. It's crucial to know the type of devices your new and existing customers are using to view your website. You can find out through market research or Google Analytics.
DON’T force users to fill out complicated web forms. It’s counterproductive to require people to fill out a complicated form with too many fields. Make forms short and to the point; otherwise, it will cause people to become frustrated and give up. Remember, the mobile user is viewing your website from a smaller screen. Make browsing your website as easy as possible.
DO test your website to make sure it doesn't have usability issues. Test it out on a variety of browsers and devices (Android, iPhone, etc.).
DON’T use flash. Flash may not display properly on certain devices. Instead, use HTML5 for special effects.
DO include business hours and a physical address on your mobile website. If you own a physical store location, you may also want to include a link to driving directions.
DON’T use busy graphic designs with links that are too small or close together for people to click with their fingers. Also, make sure your call-to-action buttons aren't too small for people with large fingers to press.
DO include a Click-to-Call phone number. With this feature, customers can click onto your number instantly and it will automatically dial.
DON’T use pop-ups. Although pop-ups are a great tool for promoting a product/service and for newsletter sign-ups, it’s not a good idea for mobile users. Pop-up ads can be a great distraction for a mobile user, especially since you have to click out of the pop up in order to view a full webpage.
DO integrate social media. Integrating social media into your responsive website is an excellent way to give your social media presence a boost. It gives people the option to sign up as a follower and to share your page with their friends. It’s sort of like free marketing and advertising.
DON’T assign your web development projects to your in-house staff members. Instead, hire a professional web development company that has a team of seasoned developers, who are proficient in responsive website design. The saying: ‘You get what you pay for’ rings true when it comes to website design. Avoid companies that offer unbelievably low prices - you run the risk of spending more money in the long-run.
Got questions regarding mobile optimization? Feel free to contact us for a consultation at: 866.213.2352.