Today’s smart phones can interpret web pages pretty nicely, so you might be wondering why you should bother making your site “mobile.” And what does making your website mobile really mean anyway?
Since 2009 analysts have been predicting that mobile Internet usage is going to surpass desktop browsing by 2012. And now, with the massive adoption of tablets, that prediction seems to be right on target.
Go Mobile and Join this Wave of Exciting Technology
Typically a mobile site is a simplified version of the full website.
Fewer Pages – Mobile sites often have only a section or a few of the main pages of the full website. This is because the tiny screen does not lend itself well to complex navigation or lengthy reading. By focusing on only a few essential pages, you will reduce the navigation needed while still giving the mobile user the information they really need.
Fewer Images – With the arrival of 4g mobile browsing is a lot faster. However, it’s still slower than our desktop counterparts. This means that graphics slow down the mobile user’s browsing experience, and are limited on mobile versions of sites.
Stingy Bandwidth – Desktop users are spoiled by unlimited bandwidth for one low cost. Not so on mobile devices. Mobile devices are limited to only a certain number of gigabytes per month. This limited bandwidth also needs to be considered when you are choosing the number of images and pages for your website.
Mobile Sites Have Special Features that Desktop Computers Don’t
Geolocation services – Locating the user’s geographic location can open doors to new ways of connecting to your customer. Geolocation is how most “check in” services work. But you can also use this information to customize information. For instance, you may target a users geolocation to determine which of your stores is closest and then serve up directions from where they are.
Integration with phone functions – It’s simple to place a link on your mobile site that will let the user dial your number with just one click. Texting coupons or sales specials is another marketing tactic that is easy to do when targeting mobile users.
QR Codes enhance interactivity – These are the square looking bar codes that smart phone cameras can read. They can contain links to pages or videos. They can send contact information, or provide directions. QR codes bridge the online and offline world in a way that can’t be done with someone stuck at a desktop computer.
Mobile Devices Support Apps
Apps are like applications on a computer in that they are encapsulated on the actual device. Because apps run on the device (though they may occasionally access the internet) they don’t take up much additional bandwidth.
From Angry Birds to stock tickers, the number of mobile apps being developed is only growing each day. Mobile apps don’t just provide functionality, they provide a marketing opportunity. Unlike the desktop applications, mobile apps can become viral and spread your brand far and wide.
Mobile Users Have Different Needs
When it comes to serving mobile users, you have to keep in mind how they are using your website when they don’t have access to their computer. They may be on the road and need some directions to get to your location, or maybe they just need a quick way to call your office. Keeping the mobile user’s needs in mind will help you determine what pages and functionality the site should have.
If your company doesn’t have plans yet to add some kind of mobile technology to your Internet marketing mix, it’s time to start planning. Contact us today to see how we can help your business take advantage of the next wave of Internet technology!
About the author: Jeune Ortiz is VP of Marketing and Creative Director at future-ink. With more than 20 years of experience in graphic design and marketing, Jeune brings extensive knowledge and creativity to each website and internet marketing solution to grow your business.
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