Increase engagement on your web site - Go Mobile

The growth of smart phones continues at a breakneck speed and shows no signs of slowing down. Searching the web with a mobile device is expected to surpass desktop search this year. Make your site design mobile friendly so when it is found your visitors can easily navigate the pages and read the content.

Local is Important

According to Google 1 in 3 mobile searches are local. After looking up a local business with a smart phone

- 61% called the business and 59% visited them;

- 79% of smart phones users use their phone to help with shopping;

- 71% of smart phone users that watch TV, print or online ads search for more information with their phones.

- However 79% of these advertisers do not have a site that is optimized for mobile.

What does the consumer expect from a mobile site?

Simple Design

Keep the design easy on the eyes. Your visitors have to rely on their fingers to click links, zoom in and out, and type.

Highlight the Important stuff

What's important? Is it your phone number, your email address, directions to your location or is it a click to make a purchase? Whatever it is make it easy to find. Think about your customers’ needs. Feature this information on your first page and include your call(s) to action.

Calls to Action

Usually one or two calls to action are enough for your visitors to consider. Make these buttons big so it is easy to ‘click’ with a finger. If it is a phone number it should automatically start dialing the number. An email click should open their email program. An address should open their maps app.

Quick like a Bunny

Keep your site quick loading as mobile visitors are usually in a hurry. Remember that Flash is not welcome to the mobile world.

Screen Size

Help all visitors experience your site easily no matter what device they are using; be it a smart phone, tablet or desktop. Make sure no one is left out.

Check Site Analytics

Check the metrics on your site. How many visitors come to your site using a mobile device? Google Analytics separates out this traffic so you can quickly see if you should consider going mobile.

If a site redesign is in the plans think about a responsive site. Your design will adjust to your visitors screen size. Check out www.hultcenter.org. Grab the right side of the browser and move it left to see how the design ‘responds’ as you move your cursor.

Keep these best practices in mind and give all your visitors, no matter the screen size, a great experience on your site.