Website Design Going Mobile
Website Design – Going Mobile - 20/06/2014
Back in 2012, the digital analytics firm Comscore predicted that the number of mobile device users will exceed the number of desktop users in 2014. The prediction was also touched on several months ago, and Google weighed in stating they “wouldn’t be surprised” if mobile search queries exceeded desktop queries this year. If that is to be the case, businesses with desktop websites may now feel some added pressure to ensure their mobile visitors are presented with a user-friendly design. There are two main solutions to consider when you’re looking to present your visitors with a mobile-friendly website; creating a mobile version of your site or deciding to redesign your existing desktop site with a responsive design.
Though both of these concepts can potentially improve enquiries, conversions and sales from mobile users, there are other advantages that come with each of these options. Creating a mobile version of your website will mean that your existing desktop site (that your returning customers may be used to) will appear the same for visitors using laptops, desktop computers and tablets. The mobile version can then be solely created with mobile users in mind.
A responsive website automatically adjusts to fit a device’s screen size using fluid grids. This is a flexible approach and it means replacing your existing design. One of the key benefits of this approach is that visitors using mobile devices, tablets and desktop computers will all be presented with the same website and a user-friendly interface. Technically, there is no straightforward right or wrong answer when you’re deciding between these two solutions; each business will have to consider their existing website design, their audience’s needs and their rate of enquiries, conversions and sales to come to a decision.
For many websites, mobile visits may not have exceeded desktop visits just yet, but there’s no doubt that the number of people browsing the internet on their smartphones is increasing and that’s why more and more companies are coming to the growing realisation that a responsive design or a mobile version of their website is a must.