Recently the number of Internet queries from mobile devices all over the globe has outfooted the number of those made from desktops. More than a half of Internet users surf via their mobile devices. What does it mean? For users, it implies a right to demand more optimization and mobile-friendliness of websites. As for those people working from the other side of the screen – it’s time to give the consumers what they need!
1. Evaluate Your Chances and View Simple Instruments to Create a Mobile-Friendly Website
How do I make my website mobile friendly?
First of all, when deciding to make your website mobile-friendly, take a look at the easiest options.
The easiest way to boost user-friendliness of your site is to create its mobile version, using a 3rd party conversion platform such as bMobilized or Duda Mobile. However, unless you have very simple (1-3 static pages) website which is not going to be updated frequently, this is not the best way to deal with it.
Another option that may work if your website is built on the CMS platforms such as WordPress, Drupal or Joomla, is to use mobile plugins. However, being good for the start, this choice also doesn’t give you full command of your mobile site.
When having a professional mobile-friendly website is a critical part of your online presence (for the most businesses it is), then probably the most smart option would be to hire someone.
2. Ask your Developer to Choose Responsive Web Design
The best and the most effective solution is sticking to principles of responsive web design. Furthermore, when compared to mobile version of website, responsive web design is Google’s recommended configuration. Its creators compare content to water that may be poured into any container, and it will adapt to the shape of the latter. Just like that, content will adapt to any particular device – whether it is a desktop, smartphone or tablet, – and your site will always look great, regardless of the medium it is accessed with.
Mind the qualifications of the specialist who is going to help you bringing your ideas to life. Let him inform you about his experience in switching from desktop site to a responsive one, and check his previous works related to that.
Is my website mobile friendly?
You may check your current web sites, as well as the sites, earlier created by your developer for mobile friendliness here.
3. Remember About Crucial Things
- Speed. What is a top pet peeve for mobile user? Definitely, a low speed. Don’t make your visitors wait for too long – it irritates them and may deprive you of potential readers or clients. Make sure to check the speed of your website as well as the speed of websites developed by your new developer at Google Page Speed Test. 80% and higher may be considered as OK.
- Usability. Clear calls-to-actions and distinct menu options make navigation more enjoyable. Large buttons are easier to click on at a mobile device. 44 x 44 pixels is a recommended size of suchlike objects. Thus, ask a developer to take close attention to these points.
- Optimization. The site itself should be arranged in the way when any section of it may be easily found and content is well formatted. The site should be built in adequate color schemes and be easily navigated. Menus created in HTML and JavaScript seem to be the best choice. Thus, discuss all these points with a man who works on your site, having furnished him with all necessary instructions.
4. Track Intelligently
Ask your developer to install web analytics, for instance the ones that are provided by Google or Yahoo. It will help you understand your customers more and timely take measures as for site’s performance.
In your analytics account you can set up additional filters for those users who visit your mobile-friendly website from mobile devices, so that you can see and analyze the behavior of this particular users segment.
5. Consider Extra Options
A truly user-friendly site is also the one that may be accessed by anyone, including disabled or elderly persons. Thus, if you wish to cover this type of site population, ask your developer to introduce of a screen reader.
6. Ask Guru
Make sure you and your developer are aware of Google’s Webmaster Guidelines and keep a fair business without cheating users and blindly pleasing search engines. Making your site interesting for people and helping Google indexing it is welcome. Spam and automatically generated content is not.
Familiarize yourself with complete list of recommendations from Google here.
Feel free to contact our team to get a professional advice on mobile website development services.