Though mobile development is a subject many of us have heard about or participate in as cell phone or tablet users, much is debated in regard to its true impact on the business sector. Yet, modern statistics show that a mobile business revolution is afoot, and this new design platform is replacing desktop and laptop use at an alarming rate. It is therefore important to begin the process of integrating this new side of consumer behavior by optimizing your site to fit demand, or risk losing out on a large percentage of your market share. The longer you wait, the more to competition will grow. So be sure to invest time on this thriving market. It could very well be the tactic that sets you apart.
Studies show that mobile use is growing at such a rate, that by 2013, more people will be using mobile devices than desktops to access the world of web information. Gone are the days when websites alone curbed the market. If your basic website or blog is your only web platform, it is time to learn a few important ways to innovate your online marketing strategy. Therefore, brand managers must first understand simple and essential aspects of web design that will help seamlessly integrate this new mobile platform.
The first place to begin, is to understand how users are currently viewing your website, without mobile-ready functionality. The smart phone on the left is a perfect example of a user experience that reflects content that has not been converted to mobile readiness. Notice a typical web page design that is great to view on a large desktop screen, but hard to navigate on a small mobile screen. Images are large and hard to view without scrolling, the menus are long, and the content information is difficult to view. On the left, our mobile screen shows a well-integrated design that offers a user easy to navigate buttons, and simple layout. We are given just enough imagery to create brand recognition, without becoming overwhelmed by complicated screen maneuvers.
Now, you may be saying to yourself “I’m not a tech geek, and with technology changing at the speed of light, there is only so much I can implement at one time.” This sentiment is also true for many others. But the risk of missing key markets should be enough to encourage you to at least learn a few basics. The following are a few basic tips to help even the least technologically inclined, navigate the often over-complicated knowledge required to make important technological progress.
The first step to mobile integration, is to begin rethinking your current website’s navigation abilities. One might begin by investigating current web views using a mobile device. If the picture appears unclear or difficult to navigate, chances are your consumers feel the same way, and will therefore seek out competitors to satisfy their product or service needs. It is therefore important to envision what users might find most important when visiting your site on the go, in order to simplify navigation to just the basics.
After simplifying navigation, it is then important to adjust images in order to optimize their impact on the mobile viewer. Consider the size of a smart phone screen, what it might be the user is seeking while on the go, and how to create simple brand recognition.
Lastly, make changes based on what your users want. Track the activity using analytics, social media input, forums, email, and others to see what your consumers are saying. Make adjustments according to their needs. This is an easy way to discover what may be missing or what is working well.
Here are another two examples of both a non-mobile ready view, and a mobile ready screen shot. The non-mobile ready site is jumbled and complex. It requires more time for a user to navigate to the desired information. Notice the optimized versions simplicity in design, easy to maneuver buttons, and altered image sizes.
Notice once again the individual elements that make-up a mobile ready interface. This diagram makes it easy to understand the individual components that are essential web development techniques used to optimize the mobile view. They are not complicated, yet truly important for modern business success.
So don’t hesitate to join the mobile revolution. It may be the very thing that set’s you apart from the competition. Mobile information sharing is here to stay. Be sure to learn its intricacies and program this integration yourself, or speak to your web developer about your current mobile options. Don’t get left behind when statistics already show how important the mobile sector has become, and will continue to remain.
