Getting your mobile web site to shine isn’t as easy as just shrinking down your old web site to a mobile format. To succeed, mobile web development projects need to created with a focus on the unique characteristics of the mobile medium.
Tip #1 Start with a goal – Too many businesses build a mobile web site without determining what exactly they want the site to do. Do you want your mobile site to generate orders and sales? Drive traffic to a brick and mortar location? Once you have figured out your goal(s) keep your mobile site focus on accomplishing one or maybe two goals. A tight, clear focus produces much better results in the mobile medium than just duplicating your regular website.
Tip #2 Keep your visitors in mind – Your business and mobile web site have a specific audience and this is who you want to speak to when you build your mobile web site.
Tip #3 Build a bridge – Build a bridge between your visitors and your site goal(s). This is a simple tip that is often overlooked and highly effective if followed. If your goal is to drive foot traffic into various brick and mortar locations, utilize your mobile web to build a clear, easy to follow bridge to that goal. Often when consumers are visiting the web via mobile devices they are “on-the-go”, so creating a simple, easy-to-follow path will yield positive results.
Tip #4 Less is more – Don’t try to cram everything from your regular web site onto your mobile web site. Your business will benefit from a clean, uncluttered look that users can easily navigate. Use standard symbols for navigation where appropriate to help clean up the look. Opt for a clean, fresh look rather than design heavy features that aren’t effective in the mobile environment.
Tip #5 Stay current – A dated look can turn visitors away from your mobile web site. Opt for a fresh look and plan on reviewing and updating yearly.
