What Mobile-First Means For Your Business

It’s no secret that Google adopted a mobile-first index or that more than half of website traffic comes from smartphone users. The chances are high that you’ve come across a website that you couldn’t use on your cell phone. Perhaps a pop up covered the screen or buttons were too small to click on, making it difficult to use. Did you switch devices or click on a different site?

According to G2 Crowd, “40 percent of people will switch to a different search result if the first one is not mobile-friendly.” Can you risk losing a large percentage of your leads? Moreover, can you afford to drop in rank on the search engine results page due to poor web design?

Which devices do your customers use?

The Monetate Ecommerce Quarterly (EQ) found that “mobile is used in more than 80% of all multi-device purchases.” so we know that consumers increasingly interact with a brand on multiple devices before making a purchase. Marketers increasingly focus on the omnichannel experience which starts with responsive web design.

As a user switches between devices, if your site isn’t intuitive, then you’ll lose consumer trust. Leverage data to build an effective website that prioritizes user experience. By adopting a mobile-first strategy that guides your website design, you’ll ensure that your site functions well for users on any device.

What issues cause problems for mobile users?

The Search Engine Journal says that a non-responsive site means more, “Pinching, zooming, squinting, and all other annoying functions that you likely have come across hundreds if not thousands of times when using mobile.” If you’re connected to Google Analytics then you may have received a report telling you that certain elements on your website were too close together or that text was unreadable. Common problems include:

• Slow-to-load website and images
• Site elements that don’t automatically adjust to screen size
• Forms that are too small for mobile users
• Buttons and clickable text that is too close together

Each of these issues affects not only function but also the user experience. According to a study by Tyton Media, “94 percent of people cited web design as the reason they mistrusted or rejected a website.” Mobile-responsive sites improve your brand’s reputation along with conversions.

How can you optimize for mobile?

Your first step is testing it out for yourself. Use Google’s site speed tool and see how long it takes your website to load. Then, choose a couple of tasks that you’d like to complete from each device. Try using your contact form, reading a blog post, or watching a video. Jump on your cell phone, then grab a tablet and follow up on your laptop or desktop. If you can’t cut and paste your contact phone number or access a web form, then you’ll need to optimize your website for mobile use.

• Program your website for responsiveness with fluid layouts.
• Use CSS to add device-specific media queries.
• Make sure there’s room in your menu and buttons to click from mobile.
• Increase UX by enlarging text on buttons.

Having a responsive site isn’t optional. A Think With Google Benchmark study found that “as page load time goes from one second to seven seconds, the probability of a mobile site visitor bouncing increases 113%.” With Google’s switch to the mobile-first index, any business that doesn’t update will see a decrease in web traffic and online revenue. Boost sales and protect your reputation by updating your website and improving the user experience.