It is rare that I will use a desktop computer to browse the internet these days. My phone is just a more convenient option. I don’t have to waste time turning it on, and I don’t usually have to move to retrieve it, lazy as it sounds. Me and the few million smartphone users out there have the internet, quite literally at our finger tips. With more and more people using their phones to casually browse the web, companies are adapting their existing sites for the smaller (more lucrative) screen.
What are the benefits of mobile-friendly websites?
Improved user experience – websites adapted for mobile phone screens are much easier to navigate. Simple as!
Faster download time – mobile sites are compiled for mobile download speeds. Less time waiting, more time browsing.
Specialist mobile content – mobile sites can connect users to specific features, such as location maps and click-to-call facilities.
Contemporary brand identity – looks like you’re ahead of the rest!
Cheaper than developing iPhone or Android app
Connectivity – your site can be accessed easily anytime, anywhere.
I’m not sure if it’s purposeful (it probably is) but I’ve noticed that smartphone search engines push users towards mobile friendly sites. Google seems to prefer them when you’re on your phone, no coincidence there I suppose. Of course, some sites, dependent on their content won’t translate well to a mobile friendly layout. Sites which rely on lots of text don’t really lend themselves, but picture or graphics-led sites really can make the most out of a small screen format.
Put simply, it’s all about upscaling those little mouse buttons to finger friendly touch points, so you don’t have to go zooming into the screen all the time. That’s just inconvenient.Hooray for the small screen.