Mobile-Friendly Websites - What You NEED To Know!
As of 21st April 2015, mobile-friendly websites should be considered no longer a luxury but a necessity. This is due to Google, the search engine giant, changing implementing a new algorithm that determine how well a website ranks among search engine results. For businesses who have not updated their website for years, the change could be disastrous.
Website browsing trends
Perhaps even five years ago, people mostly used a desktop computer to browse the internet, but this is no longer the case. Due to the now affordable costs of smartphones and tablet computers, many people are browsing the internet on handheld, mobile devices. As the screen size on a mobile device is much smaller than a desktop computer, this means that a mobile user viewing a website without mobile optimization will not be able to see the entire website properly and will need to scroll or pinch to view specific areas. For 61% of mobile users, not being able to find what they are looking for immediately is a big turn-off and will result in them leaving the site. This represents a potential sales loss of 61%, a statistic no business wants to see.
What is a mobile-friendly website?
A mobile-friendly website is one that has been optimized for mobile viewing. In most cases, this will involve the website looking very different from the desktop version, as the information shifts around to find an optimum display size and appearance. Visually, mobile optimization of a website could mean that the company logo is removed and the navigation bar is turned into a menu button. Mobile optimization removes the need for scrolling down pages and in some cases, pinching the screen to make it smaller. The key point of mobile-friendly websites, however, is that they result in an enhanced user experience, and this is what every business should be striving for.
What does the new Google algorithm mean for businesses?
The new Google algorithm will be checking that websites have been optimized to be mobile-friendly. If the algorithm finds that a particular website has not been optimized in this way, the site will be penalised and slip lower down the search engine rankings. This means that a business that may have previously been on page one or two of Google search results may fall to page five or even lower. This makes it less likely potential customers will find the site, resulting in fewer sales.
How does this affect website design in general?
With many people using only their smartphone to browse the internet, and with this set to increase, it is important that full websites contain information that is quick and easy to read. With website design in general, the trend is 'less is more', and the Home page particularly needs to adopt this way of thinking by utilizing sharp, concise wording that engages the user immediately.
Any company that fails to take note of the new Google algorithm will be doing their business significant damage. Even if you think your website only attracts niche interest, and therefore, does not need to be mobile-friendly, think again. Optimize your website to improve user engagement and keep up with your competition.
Recent Comments
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Hi, yesterday I spend my time fixing my site to became mobile friendly, everything you said is right.I was checking all the details in my google web tools, my site is running but not mobile friendly. I'm not done on it yet I need your help on this, a guide and idea to fix it faster :)
this is my site URL. Thank you in advance.
kailmarketing.com
artcraftsactivities.com
Your artcrAfts site is more mobile friendly than your WA site.Maybe itd the theme you have seleCted that makes a difference.
Try my suggestion above to improve your WA site.
when I check in google tools, my WA site show mobile friendly than my artcratfsactivities site. now I didn't touch my theme yet I'm waiting for the best options.
I used my smart phone to test both your sites.WA cant Zoom in or out.Artcraftactivities site yes.can be zommed.
As for what themes are mobile friendly mostly all WP themes developers say theirs are ok.
In my opinion its not true.especially the free ones.
The keyword to look for is Responsive themes.
If you have installed an irresponsive one please try WP touch plugin.
A tip here.The next time you wanna install a theme .try it on site rubix.first.use your mobile device to check out the rubix site.make sure it canbe zoomed.
Caution with plugins.Dont Dont overload it.
O can you imagine i am typing with my mobile phone?lol
Hi Dwight - it seems to be if the theme you choose is mobile friendly. It may mention it if you look at the "theme details" for your site. Mine said something like "looks great on any device, big or small"
My theme says in the blurb that it looks great on any device large or small....so I am hoping it's o.k. but I don't have a suitable mobile device to look at it on...need to ask one of my phone junkie nephews I reckon....:0)
I'm sure that your site is fine but if you like feel free to leave the URL and I can provide feedback views from various devices.
Thanks Dwayne - is it ok if I PM it to you though? Not feeling brave enough to make my site publc viewing property as yet....lol
Thanks again Dwayne - your help with this has really boosted my confidence in my site.....looks great....
My pleasure! The site colors are easy on the eyes and you are doing a great job on the content.
If you ever need anything else don't hesitate to reach out and I will do the same when I am ready for feedback on my site.
Thoughts?
Absolutely Dwayne - this is a two-way street....ask away whenever you're ready.....probably best through PM as I am sure to see your message then....
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If your site is not mobile friendly ,try WP touch plugin. Word of caution. Use your site rubix to test ou5 the compatibility of your present theme and whaetever plugins you have installed .
Premium m3mbers got up to 25 site rubix to test.
Check out traiNings from top achiever and marion black.
You will know why using site rubix as a test is crucial.
And mobile friendly does not only mean the site width fits to any device screen
You need to make sure you site or post can be zommed in.including images.This is Real mobie friendliness.
thank you so much Je88.
I will check and fix it. what is the theme name mostly you required as a mobile friendly? I didn't really put so much plugin at my site, only all the important that used for now. I'm aware of my site health.
thank you again. :)