Demystifying the Dark Web
Terms like "the dark web" are designed to scare you.
You probably know that having a quality website is one of the most important things you can do for your business because it creates the foundation of your online presence. Most people think you can stop there, but did you know that being mobile-friendly can be just as crucial as having a site in the first place?
When your site is mobile-friendly, the aesthetic and function of the site will work and look good on desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, and tablets. The rising use of mobile phones and tablets has made it necessary to think mobile-first — and you shouldn’t fall behind here. 77% of adults own a smartphone, while 72% of people want a mobile-friendly website. This data alone is enough to show the relevance of mobile responsiveness.
Then vs. Now
We used to have to create a separate mobile site that was compatible with mobile phones and tablets. It had its own URL, often with the letter “m” at the start like “m.deptofmarketing.com.” However, things have changed a bit. Now, your regular and mobile site are the same, but coded to appear differently on various devices. That means consistency is a lot easier to attain. Don’t worry, you are still able to tweak the design of the mobile version to make sense visually and have clear navigation.
Of course, there are things that you should add or change to your responsive version to help it perform and looks its best. Let’s go over some of the most valuable changes you can make to your mobile responsive site.
Make Critical Things Highly Visible.
When users visit your site from a mobile device, they are likely looking for a quick bit of information such as phone number, address, or hours. Be sure that these essential things are the most visible and easy to spot. Figure out what they are for your business, whether that’s through experience, Google Analytics, or a mixture of both. If your site offers purchasing options, go through that experience as if you were a customer to ensure it’s easy to buy with a minimal number of clicks.
Get Rid of Pop-ups.
On a small device like a mobile phone, a pop-up will take up all or most of the screen and can get in the way. It is common for users to get frustrated and choose to leave the site to search elsewhere, especially when the X is small or hard to see. If you choose to leave pop-ups in the mobile version of your site, be sure the X is large and visible enough to be able and see and click easily, or have the pop-up appear after scrolling to the bottom of the page. This adds to overall user experience and should always be considered.
Use Larger Buttons and Font Size.
This might be a no-brainer, but a smaller screen leads to smaller icons and text. Increase the size of icons and text so users can more easily reach their intended destination on the site, again, adding to their user experience. If you don’t want frustrated visitors, consider font and icon size when designing your mobile version.
Allow for Desktop View.
Internet users have all different kinds of preferences. Some will prefer to use desktop view while viewing on a mobile device. Make sure you include an option to allow for desktop view on mobile devices.
Keep Design Simple.
As we mentioned earlier, people using mobile devices to visit your site are normally looking for quick information. If you keep design simple, users will be able to find what they’re looking for and go through with their initial intent. Don’t confuse users by adding extra graphics, colors, or designs. Keep it simple. And again, if you’re a retailer or e-commerce site, make the purchasing process as easy as possible.
If you need help with website design or implementing a mobile responsive version, contact the DofM team.