It is predicted that smart phone usage will dominate web browsing in the coming years. This is definitely one of the faster growing ways that people are finding your site online.
So is your website mobile friendly?
I don't just mean can it be viewed correctly on a mobile - but is it allowing for "fat finger syndrome". A mobile version of your site, detects what kind of device you are using and shows a version of your site that suits that device.
Ask yourself these questions
- do you have a version of your site that specifically is designed to suit a hand held device
- if you do, is it easy for fat fingers to navigate
- does the copy flow straight up and down and not across and then down
- does it suit our tendency to browse with our thumbs when on the phone
If the answer is NO - then you need to start thinking about a mobile version of your site right now!
The Apple iPhone, Android and Windows 7 phones are fast becoming the norm rather than the exception – in fact in June 2011, there were 29.28 million mobile services in operation in Australia (more than the number of people that live here!) and 46% of those were Smartphones.
Industry estimates put this figure at 60% by the end of 2012.
This kind of growth is hard to ignore and Smartphones are changing how consumers access the internet, search for products, consume news and manage social networks.
In July 2011, Telstra in association with The Nielsen Company released their yearly Smartphone Index Report which highlights some interesting facts relevant to small businesses marketing.
The full survey can be found here - but I have summarised 4 key points to consider below
1. 44% use Smartphones daily to check email.
It is important that your email communication is clear and easy to read. Clear call to action graphics will work wonders in email campaigns.
2. 24% use their Smartphone to find locations of retail stores.
Hook up your address to google maps - claim your business location in Google Local. Make sure your phone number is text to allow for easy one click calling.
3. 61% of Smartphone users are accessing the mobile internet daily.
The Smartphone is likely to overtake the desktop as the device most consumers use to get access to the internet. This is predicted to occur at some stage in 2014. There is a higher proportion of MALES using smartphones at present - so if your site is a natural fit with a male demographic - than a dedicated mobile version of your site is a must (ie a trades site, technology, automotive etc)
4. 31% of users compare prices of products before going to the store.
To be considered by consumers, your products and pricing must be available on your website. If you don’t clearly display your product information, how do consumers compare? Vital for all sites - not just mobile versions!
May is going to MOBILE MONTH here at bosweb systems, so if you wish to take advantage of our exclusive offer for any Adobe Business Catalyst site, contact us now
Some samples of recent mobile sites are listed below ( the images are not their actual size - have a look at them on your phone!)
