A mobile-friendly website is not something to be
decided upon today. Post Google’s search ranking update, it has become
imperative for everyone to have a mobile-friendly website. But for those of you
who have not begun it yet, there is still time left as Google’s is only a
real-time dynamic update which means you can recover any lost traffic provided
your website becomes mobile-friendly soon.
Making a mobile-from website is not as complex as
it is made out to be. In fact, the key is in keeping it simple. Simplifying
content and streamlining the design process are key to getting your strategy
right. Here’s what you should remember while designing a proper mobile website.
1) Keep
things simple. It is important not to use too much content on your website as it puts
off users. Whenever you want to detail an issue to the user, use a video. It
always clicks.
2) Choose
the foremost information to include: direct means of communication
(e.g. phone numbers, click-to-call function, online booking); main information
about services; locations on a map. Long bios and other texts of secondary
importance should be left solely for a desktop website. Include only the things
your visitors are most likely to look for.
3) Users
need to access the pages they need as quickly as possible, and with minimum
actions. Enable
easy navigation. This means users must have sufficient space so that they don't
click the wrong icons or buttons.
4) Do not
ask your users for too much text input. They don't like it. Not one bit.
5) Reduce
the number of pages without stuffing in lot of information in one page. Ensure that
your design allows your users to tap and swipe around your website easily. Also
avoid excessive use of images, popup and Flash.
6) Liberally
use your company logo and colours in your website. Making good use of images is an
essential component of a good mobile-optimized site.
7) Keep in
sight a link to the desktop website. Many visitors may want to
proceed there for the information that is left out in the mobile version.
8) Check how
your website works on a number of mobile devices: Smartphone’s and tablets running
various platforms. Screen size is important when you’re dealing with mobiles.
These are just some of the things that you need to
keep in mind as you go along. But once you get these basics right, you can rest
assured your development strategy is on the right path.
