Goin' Mobile!

Remember that song? Guess again!

Let's start super-simple with a few observations:

• "Mobile" refers to internet access on a small screen that’s carried with you. That would be a cell phone or a tablet rather than a laptop computer since laptops can have screens as big as some desktops.

• All websites can be accessed by a mobile device. But unless a site is specifically built to be mobile-friendly it can be slow to load, difficult to navigate and downright ugly to view. Which is NOT the impression you want to leave with your customers!

• Lots of people are using mobile devices to search the internet. A Google study predicts one billion people will use mobile as their "primary internet access point" this year. We've also heard statistics like "20%" and "one third." Whatever. Suffice to say, it's a significant number of people.

Certain kinds of sites get more mobile attention than others. Local searches are particularly popular for things like "Where's the closest drug store?" and "Is there a good Italian restaurant near here?" For that kind of search a mobile website needs to display basic answers clearly and quickly for immediate gratification.

But people also search when they're filling (or killing) time while at the airport or in a waiting room or eating lunch. Those folks are looking for the traditional content-rich internet experience, giving you the opportunity to provide it for them.

So what mobile website options are available to you?

• Live with how your website now looks on a mobile device.

• Build a mobile site that is separate from your current site.

• Update your current site with a "responsive" design that adjusts to the device used.

There are pros and cons for each which we will outline another time, but if you are eager to be "going mobile," contact us today. We're happy to discuss your specific situation and help you can choose the right mobile website solution.

This article has been updated on 2/4/2020 with the article entitled “Is your Website as Mobile-Optimized as Your Customers Are?”

Kate GingoldKate Gingold

I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.

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I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.

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