If you use a desktop or laptop to browse sites online, you know that the information generally appears in landscape form. The large PC screen allows you to see all the elements on the page you visit. However, if you access the same site on your phone, you may experience challenges with navigation and accessibility. That's why a mobile-friendly website is vital to the success of your online business.
Here, we'll discuss the importance of a mobile-friendly website and how optimizing your site for mobile can support user experience (UX) and conversions.
What Qualifies as a Mobile-Friendly Website?
A mobile-friendly site adapts the natural landscape design to a portrait layout so that the site layout fits proportionally on your screen. This allows you to see everything you'd see on a desktop in the same layout from a mobile device. A responsive design is a format that changes a website layout to automatically fit the screen of the searcher regardless of the device they're using.
Why is a Mobile-Friendly Website Important?
Now more than ever, a responsive design that adapts your website to fit mobile devices is critical. Why? Here are several reasons a mobile-friendly website is essential:
1. Mobile Searches Outnumber PC Searches
Last year (2022) recorded the highest number of mobile searches in history. Mobile searches now account for about 59% of global internet traffic, leaving 41% to PCs and laptops. This means that any website that doesn't have a mobile-friendly design is missing out on the majority of internet traffic.
Even if the tables turned and PC or desktop searches had the majority of web traffic, ignoring mobile searches would still mean losing 41% of potential leads. Mobile devices deliver convenience, ease of use, and portability, making them suitable for on-the-go use. This is critical in today's busy world.
2. Better Search Engine Rankings
Another reason to go with a responsive web design is to improve your search engine result page (SERP) rankings. Google predicted that mobile searches would exceed PC searches as early as 2015. That year, Google made an algorithm change that would prioritize mobile-friendly sites over those that weren't.
Of course, the quality of the content is still vital. However, in a situation where several sites have the same quality of information, mobile-friendliness could be the tie-breaker. As such, you need to add responsiveness to your search engine optimization (SEO) strategy to ensure your site is performing optimally on Google. It could be all that remains to give you a competitive edge over other websites offering similar products or services. Tip: Google even provides a free mobile-friendly test for assessing the functionality of your website on a mobile device.
3. Reduces Bounce Rate
A bounce occurs when a searcher visits one page on your website and immediately leaves without making any request. While a high bounce rate isn't always bad, it can signify to Google that your site doesn't meet the searcher's needs.
If Google thinks that your site isn't providing value in a particular search subject, your site will rank lower, and you'll get less traffic. This can easily be the case when your website doesn't adapt to the screens of mobile devices. Once a searcher finds your site difficult to access or navigate, they'll leave, and if enough people do this, your site will rank lower for that specific search.
4. Looks More Professional
Many brands and businesses on the internet claim to provide professional services. However, being professional isn't just about the quality of products or services you offer; it starts with the experience searchers have on your website.
Whenever a user searches, there are usually millions of results available. This means there's always another option if the website you visit doesn't provide what you need. If you visit a site that requires you to zoom in and out to navigate or access products or services, chances are visitors will be dissatisfied and click the next site to see if they have better.
Responsive websites appear more credible to users than those with only a desktop design. This affects the amount of traffic and sales your site will get.
5. Makes Online Shopping Easier
The number of people shopping online is still growing thanks to the convenience of home deliveries and shipping. While PCs and laptops have high online shopping stats, many people still shop in online stores using mobile devices. Making your website mobile-friendly will increase the chances of converting leads to online shoppers.
6. It's Cheaper Than an App
Some people assume that developing an app can be a suitable alternative to a mobile-friendly design. An app could be a better platform to present your brand, products, and services to customers, but most searchers don't want to use an app for simple tasks.
Downloading and setting up an app is a lot of work that most people won't do unless they are already loyal to your brand. Therefore, an app can't adequately substitute the value of a mobile-friendly website. Plus, it's more affordable to build and manage a responsive website than a desktop site and app separately.
7. Easier to Link to Social Media
Today, social media platforms have not only provided a place for people to connect with friends and family but also for businesses to connect with their audiences. You can use social media for in-platform shopping, connecting with larger audiences, and maintaining customer engagement.
Most social media users access the platforms from their phones. As such, a mobile-friendly website is a perfect way to link your social media accounts to your searchers. If they are on similar social platforms, they can certainly follow you and stay up to date on any news you release on your feed.
Build a Mobile-Friendly Site With an Expert Digital Marketing Agency
A mobile-friendly website conforms the page a searcher is viewing to the type of device they have. This means that the searcher can access everything about the website on their phone or tablet just as they would on a computer. A mobile-friendly design can boost your online performance and help you stand out from competitors. Partner with a digital marketing agency that can optimize your site for mobile to support your user experience and nurture leads.
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