DC Web Designer Baltimore SEO Expert Freelancer – The 5 Best Ways to Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly

By Tom Warthen – President, ProSite Web Design LLC – www.websitedesignersdc.com

Mobile web design has taken its place alongside search engine optimization and social media as something that no business should ignore. Millions of people are already using iPhones, iPads, Kindles, and Droids to go online, and many more will join them in the near future.

So, how do you build a site that’s truly mobile-friendly without having a separate dedicated mobile website?

Here are ProSite Web Design’s tips for making your company accessible online to millions of potential customers:

1. Take advantage of responsive web design

To get mobile functionality without having a separate dedicated mobile business website, consider responsive web design. Responsive sites change and adapt their appearance based on the device the viewer is using. In other words, desktop computer users see one version of your site, while mobile phone users get another. The result is a mobile-friendly web presence without a second website.

2. Organize your site efficiently

If your website isn’t organized efficiently, users will likely have to click through additional pages and menus to find the information they need. That is cumbersome enough on a laptop or desktop computer, but on a smaller display it may be reason for the user to leave your website and consider one of your competitors.

3. Utilize shorter pieces of content

No mobile user likes to read long blocks of text on a tiny screen. So, be brief and say what you need to in fewer words. Also, break up text with subheadings and smaller paragraphs.

4. Be mindful of data plans and loading times

Although a recent study found that most smartphone users downloaded less than 2 GB of content per month,¹ many consumers still feel concerned about large monthly bills,² so go easy on the graphics. Content-heavy pages also take longer to load, which could cause visitors to leave your site prematurely.

5. Make it easy for customers to move forward.

Just as you don’t want your visitors to have to read long blocks of text, you shouldn’t force them to deal with long forms or complex features either. When possible, substitute simple check lists, drop-down menus, and other tools to make interacting with your website easier, especially if customers are trying to make a purchase or ask for more information.

Mobile internet access is becoming more prevalent every day, so take advantage of these new opportunities and stay current with your competitors. Your mobile marketing strategy doesn’t have to be overwhelming – you just need to have the right pieces in place.

To get a great responsive business website and take advantage of mobile opportunities contact the ProSite Web Design team today!

Tom Warthen is the President of ProSite Web Design LLC and has been helping businesses looking for a high return on their online marketing investment since the early days of the Internet in the 1990s. To learn more about how to make your website the best it can be, and to contact ProSite Web Design for a consultation, visit https://websitedesignersdc.com.

^{1. Phil Goldstein. “Unlimited unnecessary? NPD report finds average smartphone data use is below 2 GB” 24 August 2012. Web. Fierce Wireless. 5 October 2013. http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/unlimited-unnecessary-npd-report-finds-average-smartphone-data-use-below-2/2012-08-24}

2. Rob Pegoraro. “Why hang on to your unlimited data plan?” 5 May 2013. Web. USA Today. 7 October 2013. http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/2013/05/05/pegoraro-unlimited-data-plans/2132895/

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