mobile strategy
Are Mobile Websites Necessary?
I used to believe having a mobile version of a website was forward-thinking, advantageous and just all around smart. A year+ later, I’m changing my mind. And I should. Things change. Habits change. Smartphones are pretty smart. I’m now prepared to argue that many websites, can serve audiences well without the aid of a mobile version. In other words, it’s not a “given” that every website needs a mobile version.
What is a mobile website? Not a silly question. You’ve likely encountered mobile sites and not realized it. Mobile sites are pared down versions of a full website. The content on a mobile site represents a small percentage of the content you can find on a full site. The advantages of such a version are listed below, but the main advantage is it is designed specifically for a small screen and on-the-go viewing. Take WestJet’s website and mobile site as an example:
You can see how the mobile version of the site (on the right) simplifies and directs the experience for those on a handheld device. This is an example where a mobile site makes a lot of sense. “Big” websites that are photo-heavy, flash-based, and/or content-jammed may better serve its audiences with a mobile version for mobile visitors. Websites for festivals and outdoor events would also benefit from a mobile site as the audience is more likely to need to access the website while at the event.
However, in many cases mobile visitors (on tablets, iPads, Androids and iPhones, etc.) can comfortably and easily navigate around a website, expanding on hard-to-read menus and other features without the need for a mobile-designed site. Indeed, some visitors can become annoyed with how limiting mobile sites can be. Take this local bike shop as an example: (Sorry Obsession: Bikes. You’re a terrific shop.)
As you can partially see here on the top image, Obsession: Bikes has a well-branded, fun mobile version of the main website. However, the mobile version only offers ways for visitors to get in touch with, or physically find the shop. Sure, mobile sites should focus the experience, but in this case visitors don’t have the option of clicking through to the main website. That means mobile visitors will not be able to browse through “Stuff We Sell” or “Services”, like they can on the full site (shown on bottom image).
To recap then, there are solid arguments for having a mobile version of your website. Some of those points include:
- It can create a better user experience.
- A mobile site loads faster than a full size website.
- Visitors on a mobile device may spend more time on the site if it’s optimized for the way they’re viewing.
- A mobile version of a website may contribute to positive brand perception, as in: going the extra mile.
Then again, the downfalls include:
- Mobile versions of websites are (most often) stripped down and simplified, limiting what visitors can see and do.
- Because of point #1, mobile sites can look less polished, and sometimes less on-brand.
- Having a mobile site in addition to a regular website means managing two sites.
- Cost. Some mobile websites incur additional costs, although some programming platforms have plugins available.
The bottom line can be found in web data. If your web analytics point to a surge of mobile visitors, who are bouncing en mass because you don’t have a mobile site – or are sticking around and converting, because you do – then you have your answer.
What do you think? What have your experiences been like on mobile sites or on websites you felt should have had a mobile version?
Erin
Tags: mobile, mobile strategy, website
The Fuss About Phones
It’s easy to feel behind the ball when it comes to online apps, social channels & tools. All of these things are evolving, improving and intermingling at blistering speeds. At Magnify Digital, we’re lucky to be constantly researching and using these tools. For if we didn’t, I frankly don’t know how we could stay on top of it all. I sympathize with those wishing they were more in the know, but simply cannot dedicate entire days reading and trying new things.
So for all those people, here is one trend you can choose to get in front of: Mobile!
Photo by Tony Chang
Mobile everything: Mobile content. Mobile coupons. Mobile games. Mobile applications.
We are now at a time in history when people would actually prefer to lose their wallets over their mobile phones. This speaks to not only the dependency people have on these devices, but also the ubiquity of their usage in every way.
Some predict that within five years, more people will use their phones to get online than their computers.
There are approximately 23 million mobile subscribers in Canada, according to the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association. Currently, it is estimated smart phones (like iPhones, Blackberries and Androids) have 12% market penetration in Canada.. which, admittedly isn’t that huge…yet. But if the relentless lineup for the new iPhone isn’t evidence of a soon-to-be sharp increase to that number, I don’t know what is.
People use mobile devices for the obvious: phone & text.
But a swelling number of people now use their mobile devices for the less obvious: bank, buy, photograph, explore, play, read, listen, discover, take notes, scan, gain admission/access to events, record video, find friends, track spending, donate to charity, and expand music and video collections.
So now is a good time to be asking how you, your business/organization, or your website can adjust to accommodate these less obvious activities.
Here are some ideas to consider:
- Explore QR codes to enhance communication with your audience
- Consider creating a mobile app. Mobile apps range from complex, expensive programs to something of simpler design. For example, an app could be a game, a simple tool that relates to your business, or the app could simplify a process for your customers.
- Offer mobile coupons
- Claim your business on location-based tools like Foursquare or Gowalla, and then offer specials and/or engage with those customers using those tools
- If your website is flash-heavy or is text-heavy, consider having a mobile version of your website so it’s easier to see and use on a smaller device. Here is a handy article about this.
- Develop an SMS marketing plan
- Ensure your business or organization is listed on local directories like Google Maps, Yelp, UrbanSpoon, AroundMe, etc..
There are already numerous ways to create a mobile strategy for your business, and more ideas are thought of every minute. This is just the tip of the iceberg… which is all the more reason to take action now.
Tags: google maps, local directories, location-based apps, mobile apps, mobile coupons, mobile strategy, QR codes, smartphones, SMS, urbanspoon, yelp
