If you own a website on the internet, you’re most likely thinking of earning an income from it, or are already doing so. However, turning it into a virtual storefront isn’t often as easy as it looks.
There are many ways to pull in customers by the truckload, but one simple thing you can do is to create a mobile site.
Mobile sites are essentially simplified versions of the normal website format, meant for viewing on smartphones. If done right, they can entice more customers who may be interested in your products or services.
Be careful though: designing mobile websites typically requires a different design strategy, and you’ll need to be extra careful about not turning off your visitors. Here are the three most important things you should know about:
1.) Speed is the priority.
Internet users typically go online to search for a specific piece of information. They know what they want, and they want to get it as soon as possible. This is especially so for visitors using their smartphones for their web surfing needs.
If your website is taking too long to load, however, chances are that anyone who tries to visit will click the Back button out of sheer impatience, leaving you with no visitors and no sales.
To counteract this problem, mobile websites should improve their load times above all things. The faster the visitor gets their desired information, the better they’ll appreciate your service.
2.) Make it easy on the eyes.
Think about the last time you browsed a website that looks like somebody’s junkyard: Banners everywhere, large garish pictures and large slabs of immensely tiny text. Thought that was a headache? Wait ‘till you see it on a phone.
The problem is that some website designs and layouts are just not suited for viewing on mobile devices, and this is where mobile sites can really help.
If you design it specifically for viewing on smaller display screens, the mobile site can present the same information a visitor seeks, while maintaining the same user experience.
3.) Have a link to the actual site.
Sometimes, for some reason, people don’t much like using mobile sites. Maybe it’s the font or the lack of features. Maybe they can’t find the information they just know exists on the normal website. Whatever it is, these people aren’t satisfied with your mobile version, and they want to go back to the one they know best.
If that’s what they truly want, it’s your job to give it to them, no questions asked.
Most websites simply have a link at the top or bottom of the page to the normal website, just in case anyone wants it.
It’s such a simple thing to do that it’s practically mandatory; the link doesn’t turn off other visitors, and you satisfy those that want the feature.
If you get these three things right on your mobile website, you’ll definitely make your visitors much happier. Who knows, maybe they’ll like you so much that they’ll thank you by buying your stuff!
If you’re thinking about giving your website a makeover and adapting it to mobile devices, why not check out what Perth Web Design can do for you?