These days, pretty much everybody has some kind of device with them, whether that’s a phone or a tablet, at all times.
Even in the house, these devices follow us from room to room, and answer every possible query that pops into our heads at little more than the touch of a button and a tap on the screen.
That means a potential customer is just a few clicks away, and if your small business is going to pop up on their device and grab their attention, you need to invest in website design that’s mobile optimised.
Mobile searches have long exceeded desktop queries – even since the beginning of lockdown, with more people at home than ever, mobile searches still comprise over 53% of traffic.
Since investing in mobile web design is a must for SME marketing, these five ways to go mobile with your website will secure your position as the firm at everyone’s fingertips.
1. Improve User Experience
How well your website performs on mobile devices can dramatically affect the User Experiences (UX). Factors such as usability, credibly and accessibility are all vital when it comes to UX.
UX is vital for SMEs as it creates a powerful and lasting first impression of your business, so it needs to be top quality. When your website is well-designed, easy to navigate and ensures customers find crucial info fast, it means that customers are probably more likely to buy your products online or instore, return to your site later, and/or recommend you to a friend or colleague. And most importantly, they’re less likely to ditch you for a more switched-on competitor!
2. Increase Mobile Speed
Website loading at high speed? Great! Reduced loading times will improve usability and customer experience significantly.
It’s estimated that more than half of all mobile users will leave a site that doesn’t load within 3 seconds, and with 70% of worldwide mobile connections still predicted to be 3G (according to Google), it’s vital for businesses to prioritise faster loading times.
3. Enhance Visual Appearance
With a wide range of mobile devices on the market, it’s almost impossible to know exactly what type of device a customer is using.
But responsive design means that customers will enjoy an enhanced visual appearance across the board and be able to navigate your site no matter what type of device or screen size they’re working with.
That means they can find you on any device whenever and wherever the need arises – whether they’re browsing the web at work, catching a train, or crashed on the couch at home.
4. Boost Local Search Results
You’ve probably used the phrase ‘near me’ on Google when looking for a local business, and so do your customers! In fact, the search frequency of queries like these increases year after year.
Your Google My Business profile is free to claim, and allows you to ensure that all available online information about your business is up to date. This makes sure that potential customers know how to find your website and can find vital info such as what you do, where you’re located and when you’re open.
It’s also an effortless way to dip your toes into search marketing for the first time, so it’s an easy win for your enterprise.
5. Refine Compatibility
The compatibility of certain elements on your website should also be considered. For example, most modern mobile devices are unable to play Flash-based video and audio.
Video content can drive customer conversions, and a short explainer video is a great way of letting customers know why you’re special in a minute or less – but when it comes to putting content on your website, seek advice from an expert about the best formats to use for mobile compatibility before filming your mini-masterpiece.
By optimising your website for mobile users, your business will be the talk of your town and beyond. Start making your mark today with these five fab tips.