Digital illustration of hands holding mobile phones.
07/04/2024

Mobile Mindset: Why Your Website Needs to Be Mobile-Friendly

This blog uncovers the vital reasons why your brand’s website needs to be mobile-friendly from now and beyond 2024. We’ll explore some eye-opening statistics, trends, best practices, tools, and SEO implications, not to mention just how to optimise your website to boost your business.
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Happy young woman playing music on a smartphone.
Say hello to a hyper-connected world where smartphones have become an extension of ourselves- from making calls on the go, checking dates, times, schedules, and calendars, browsing the news, posting to social media, or reading how-to guides, recipes, online shopping, even guidance related to medical issues. There is no end to how much individuals across the globe value their smart devices. This dramatic shift in user behaviour means that a fundamental change needs to happen when designing a website, and that is a mobile-first mindset!

A Trend You Can't Ignore

The statistics highlight an obvious progression from using computers to using mobile phones to conduct online searches.

Here are some interesting figures worth considering...

With such a notable shift, it is no wonder that if your website isn't optimised for mobile, you may miss out on reaching a vast majority of potential customers.

What Users Want and How They Interact

Knowing how users interact with a website on their phones is vital when optimising a site for mobile.

Here are some key points...

  • Simplicity: Mobile devices have limited screen space, and their attention spans are shorter. Priority should be placed on clear navigation and clear and concise content, and users should be able to access important information quickly and with limited hassle.
  • Touch-friendly design: Links, buttons, and menus need to be large enough for easy tapping with fingers. Tiny fonts and complex layouts will only cause online users to become frustrated and potentially look for the information in another place, possibly a competitor's site—something nobody wants.
  • Loading speeds: We've grown used to lightning-quick load speeds, and dial-up connections are so far in the past that we have nearly forgotten about them. What does ring true is that nobody enjoys waiting for a website to load on a mobile connection. By optimising images, minimising HTTP requests, and using reliable website hosting services, crises can be diverted, and your brand appears in front of a user in no time!
  • Local search: Location-based searches are common. Remember to include a strong local SEO strategy, which includes up-to-date NAP (name, address, phone number) details, and integrate it with a Google Business Profile.
Businessman and businesswoman smiling looking at phone.

Confused About Mobile-Friendly, Mobile-First Design, and Mobile-First Indexing?

They all sound similar, but mobile-friendly, mobile-first design and mobile-first indexing tackle website optimisation for mobile users in various ways.

Let's break down the distinctions...

  1. Think of mobile-friendly as a website that adapts to fit a phone screen.
  2. Mobile-first design goes more in-depth, prioritising the mobile experience from the beginning.
  3. Finally, mobile-first indexing is how Google judges websites, concentrating on the mobile version for ranking.

In short, they work together to ensure your website shines in our mobile-first world.

Benefits of a Mobile-Friendly Website

  • User experience: When your site is mobile-friendly, it creates a positive brand association. An informative, frustration-free experience also fosters brand loyalty with the hope of encouraging repeat visits and purchases.
  • Conversions: A site that is easy to navigate, landing on the information needed, and having a clear action like making a purchase or contacting you means that an increase in conversions is more likely to happen.
  • Search engine ranking: Mobile optimisation is a ranking factor for search engines, which means better visibility online for your target audience and an increase in organic traffic.
  • Growing your reach: With a mobile-friendly site and an enthusiastic mobile user base, you will begin to open doors to a far greater customer base.
  • Branding: Seamless user experiences across all devices (mobile, tablet, desktop) reinforce the idea of professionalism within your industry.
Businessman drinking coffee and using smart phone in cafe.

Making the Shift

Here are some actionable steps to optimise your website for mobile devices.

  • Responsive design: This means your site automatically adjusts to the layout and functionality of the device being used. It can fit any screen size, from smartphones to desktops to tablets.
  • Testing: Use developer tools or mobile emulators to test how your website functions and what it looks like on different mobile devices.
  • User-friendly navigation: Adopt large, clear navigation menus and steer away from using complex drop-down menus that may be harder for mobile users to use on a small screen.
  • Calls to action (CTAs): Make CTAs clear, concise, and easy to tap on a mobile device. For example, 'Call Now' or 'Apply Now.'

5 of The Best Mobile-Friendly Testing Tools

Your Top 5 Mobile-Friendly Website Questions Answered

  1. Mobile-friendly sounds expensive. Can I do it on a budget?

Of course! Responsive design allows your website to adjust to any screen size without an entire rebuild.

  2. My website is old. Can it still be made mobile-friendly?

Sure! A web developer can evaluate your site and suggest solutions, whether it's a mobile-friendly update or a complete redesign.

  3. I get it's important, but how will it benefit my business?

Mobile users are more likely to become paying customers if your website is easy to use on their phones. It's all about eliminating frustration and making things easy for them.

  4. I see some websites with a separate mobile version. Is that okay?

Responsive design is typically preferred. It avoids managing two individual websites and provides a seamless user experience across devices.

  5. Is having a mobile app better than a mobile-friendly website?

Not necessarily! Mobile apps need downloads and updates, while mobile-friendly websites are instantly accessible from any browser. They can work together, though!

A Mobile-Friendly Future

The mobile revolution is here to stay. So, adopt a mobile-first mindset. It's not just about creating a website but a user experience your target audience loves and will keep them coming back. A website often gives potential customers the first impression of your brand. Make it a good one by choosing responsive web design.

Taking the first step, especially if you have a current website (which isn't mobile-friendly), may seem like a big undertaking, but it doesn't have to be, and the rewards are undeniable.

Invest in a mobile-friendly website with Lab007 by your side, and you'll be well-positioned to reach a wider audience, boost user engagement, and reach your digital goals. Schedule a free consultation with us today!

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