Experts estimate that there are over four billion smartphone users in the world and that the population of mobile device users now accounts for the global majority. Consequently, marketers and business owners yearning to reach a wide audience should be looking to cater to this majority by way of mobile-first design.
Below, learn what creating websites with mobile users in mind looks like and how such a strategy can pay off for businesses like yours.
What Does Mobile-First Design Entail?
A “mobile-first” approach involves specifically optimizing your website for the smallest screens (usually those of smartphones) and then working your way up to desktop computers. Because mobile websites require the most adaptations, they are usually the hardest to create. But that also means that designing for larger screens becomes much easier in the process.
Mobile-first design accounts for the fact that mobile users often have less screen real estate and unique features on their devices. Consequently, designers have to think about everything from content structure to buttons, navigation menus, and page-loading techniques in a way that prioritizes mobile users.
The Benefits of Mobile-First Design
Mobile-first design requires a pivot in the traditional web design approach. However, making the shift can be worthwhile for several reasons, including the following:
Better User Experience
Google’s own data shows that more than half of all web traffic comes from mobile users. Adopting a mobile-first approach ensures that you’re providing an optimal experience for most of the visitors who will find your site.
A great first experience with your site makes your business appear more trustworthy and communicates that you care about your visitors. That, in turn, can increase conversions and create a favorable brand image.
Increased Focus on Value
Because you’re working with limited space, mobile-first design requires that you do away with all the “fluff” and put your best, most important content front and center. Doing so will often lead to cleaner and more efficient designs, content that’s easier to read, and a site that ultimately delivers more value to each visitor.
Better Search Engine Optimization
Google’s algorithm uses mobile-first indexing to rank sites, which means it prioritizes responsive design and efficient load speeds. If you want to see your business website at the top of the results for competitive terms, your site needs to employ a mobile-first design.
Mobile-First Design Tips for Businesses
Mobile first design requires concentrating specifically on the needs of smartphone and tablet users. Some suggestions to help you do that include the following:
- Simplify your website navigation to avoid confusing mobile visitors or overcrowding their screens
- Prioritize high-touch features and buttons to make moving around your website on mobile devices easier
- Avoid large chunks of text to make content scannable on smaller screens
- Conduct usability testing to make sure the design works for mobile users
- Eliminate unnecessary steps to the user getting their intended outcome
- Use conditional loading to decrease page load speeds by hiding unnecessary elements for mobile users or having images load as they scroll
Keeping these best practices in mind will ensure a better user experience for mobile customers.
Designing for Mobile Users Can Be Well Worth the Investment
With so many users accessing your website from mobile devices, an investment in mobile-first design has become critical for branding, marketing, and customer service. If you’re wondering how to optimize your site to prioritize mobile users, our web design experts at Net Profit Marketing can help. Contact us today to learn how our systematic, mobile-first approach can help you enhance your business.
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