These days it seems that customers' fingertips are forever glued to their smartphones. Recognising this, many businesses are prioritising mobile-optimised versions of their websites. Those that don't adapt face the risk of being sidelined.
In this edition of Inside Track, I'll explore the advantages of mobile web development and underscore the critical role of mobile accessibility. Let’s dive in and see how going mobile can transform your business.
Why Mobile Web Accessibility Matters
You might recall our discussion on web accessibility from a couple of weeks ago. Accessibility is about creating a space that everyone, irrespective of their abilities or devices, can access. Mobile web accessibility amplifies this inclusivity, especially for those always on the move.
Picture this: Someone's on a commute, craving a good cup of coffee, and they find your café online. But if your website's cumbersome or unresponsive on their phone, they'll switch to a competitor in the blink of an eye. In a scenario like this, you not only lose a potential customer but also lose an advocate. Remember that a successful business relies not only on products and services but also on the smooth experience you provide.
The advantages of a mobile-responsive site aren't limited to accessibility. A streamlined mobile website offers faster load times, keeping visitors engaged. They aren't looking for extensive details, just clear, quick answers. Mobile optimisation enhances user visits, facilitates quick resolutions, and even garners more reviews. And as a bonus? A climb in Google's search rankings.
If you're already on this track with a mobile-responsive site, you're ahead of many. But success in mobile development is as much about strategy as it is about execution.
Now that we are on the same page about mobile development's importance let's talk about strategy. Like with any other project, a mobile development project needs rigorous user testing and feedback for a successful launch. From page loading times to interactive elements, every aspect needs to be finely tuned to guarantee a smooth experience for your users. Here are key factors to consider:
Responsive Design: Ensure your site adjusts to various devices, maintaining image and media quality.
Loading Speed: Keep it fast; a lagging site is a surefire way to lose a visitor.
Network Performance: Check your site's functionality across varied network speeds.
Mobile-Optimised Forms: Make forms user-friendly with dropdowns, autofill, and validations.
Usability & Navigation: Prioritise user feedback; it's invaluable for improving user journeys.
Continuous Monitoring: Stay updated with mobile tech advancements and tweak your site as needed.
Cross-browser Compatibility: Ensure your site is functional across browsers like Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Bing.
Remember, the digital world doesn't forgive – if you're not up to speed, your competitors will happily step in.
Our Approach: Mobile First
Here at Inspire, our approach to web design has changed over the years. We've adopted a "Mobile First" ethos for many projects, meaning we craft the mobile site first and then focus on the desktop. This methodology ensures that websites cater to the vast majority of users who access sites via mobile. Given that for many industries, a staggering 60-70% of site visitors come from mobile, it would be a colossal oversight to neglect the mobile experience.
By adopting this method, we're more than just developers; think of us as your digital architects. Whether you're a start-up looking for that extra edge or an established brand aiming to rekindle the digital spark, our team can turn your vision into reality.
If you are a business owner and want to know more about mobile web accessibility, do get in touch. Let's reshape your digital future – one responsive page at a time.
If you want any specific advice about anything digital, I'm here to help. Give me a call on 01738 700 006 or drop me a line and I’ll get right back to you.
