When you are building a website, you may be considering whether or not you want to make a mobile-friendly website. If you are still on the fence, think about the number of people you see using mobile devices each day. More often than not, they are looking for information and searching for and buying products all from a smart phone or tablet. If you are still wondering whether or not you need a mobile website, the answer is a resounding ‘yes.’
A mobile-friendly website is a version of your site that is pared down to the basics to make it easy to display on a small screen. There is not a lack of information or content, but it is designed in a way that is friendlier for mobile use. The graphics are simplified and the menus are easier to use than the desktop menus would be on a mobile device, making the site much easier to navigate. Following are three reasons why you need to have a mobile-optimized website:
1. Your Customers Want a Mobile-Friendly Website
With the advance of mobile technology, more and more users have moved from the traditional laptop or desktop computer to surf the web. Instead, they are looking for information while they are out and about using their mobile devices. Providing your users with a mobile website increases the possibility that they will visit your website over your competitors who have not yet become mobile friendly.
Traditional websites do not translate well to mobile devices. The view on smart phones and tablets is much smaller and images can be distorted. Additionally, many of the features on your website will not function on mobile. Mobile websites are simply easier to use and navigate for mobile users, making browsing and shopping a snap.
You could also opt for a website that is responsive, which will adapt to the device that is being used and display accordingly. This way, you will make both your mobile and computer users happy, and it will be less work for you.
2. Google May Penalize Your Position in the Ranks
Google knows the importance of a mobile website. Websites that are not mobile-friendly are less likely to be displayed in mobile search results. The goal of Google is to increase search traffic, so all website owners should get on board with mobile website building in order to rank higher in the SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages).
3. Your Business Can Suffer
As discussed, users are on the go now more than ever and much of their interactions are on mobile devices. If you have noticed a decline in your website sales or conversions, it is likely because you have not yet optimized your website for mobile use. Users, particularly those who are not brand loyal, are more likely to pass up a site that is difficult to use on a mobile device. Provide your customers with a faster, simplified version of your website so that you can make more sales with the growing amount of users who use a mobile device as their primary source of browsing and purchasing on the Internet.
Keep in mind that mobile websites are not just for ecommerce. Even if you have an informational website, you can still benefit from becoming optimized for mobile use. If the searcher has to scroll and adjust the screen multiple times to see your content, they are likely to go find your competitor’s site that is easier to navigate.