Back in 2015, Google announced that smartphones had become the most popular way to browse online. This compelled website owners to either change their website design or build whole new mobile versions. Google rewarded their efforts by ranking these websites above others in search engine results. Time has shown that mobile-friendly websites are increasingly crucial to a better user experience and SEO.
So, how can you go about making your website more mobile-friendly and reap the same rewards?
10 Recommendations for Creating a Mobile-friendly website
1. Write Concise Articles
A mobile-friendly website does not begin with the design and website-building team; it revolves around the copywriters and bloggers. Mobile users need to be able to get their information quickly and return to their lives. To facilitate this, writers should not waste words. Get to the point. Use headings and short paragraphs. Keep the information short, sweet and easy to understand.
2. Use Simple Designs
The simpler the web design, the easier it is to translate it from a computer screen to a mobile screen. Small screens also have very little room for extra bells and whistles. Having superfluous buttons, backgrounds and forms can make websites difficult to browse.
3. Replace Text with Icons
To prevent webpages from looking crowded, websites should replace non-SEO-relevant text with icons wherever possible. Great options for this include share buttons, contact options and the main menu.
4. Limit the Need to Scroll
One of the major problems with websites being incompatible with mobile viewing is the need to scroll left and right to see content. Mobile users are more accustomed to scrolling up and down, so when designing a mobile version, limit the need to scroll horizontally by using a responsive design template.
5. Use Menus & Tabs
Proper use of menus and tabs makes it easier for users to find the information they need on a website. Website owners should not only provide categories for their content but also ensure the content is properly organized.
6. Make it Fast
We live in a fast-paced world, both online and off. Make sure the website loads as fast as possible to lessen the amount of time users must spend waiting. They may move on to another source to find what they need if it takes too long.
7. Remove Pop-up Ads
Popup ads are annoying enough on desktops, but twice as annoying when browsing on mobile devices. Closing them can prove difficult on a small screen. Their presence alone may cause visitors to leave and discourage them from visiting again in the future.
8. Allow Social Media Log-Ins
If a website requires log-in information, allowing people to sign in via Facebook or other platforms reduces the need to fill out long forms on tiny screens. This can increase engagement by way of comments, likes and shares.
9. Use an App
Providing an app can prove useful, even when a great mobile version of the website is available. Some great examples where apps make successful alternatives to a website include Facebook, Google Maps and Spotify.
10. Test for Compatibility
No matter what route a website takes to become more mobile-friendly, testing to ensure all the goals are met is important. Testers should read articles, fill out forms and do virtually any other task they would otherwise attempt on a computer.
Mobile-friendly websites are the way forward, as more people use smartphones and tablets to search the web. With these 10 tips, websites can attract and keep their mobile-viewing audience while increasing engagement. Need help making your website mobile-friendly? We are here for you!
