Creating a Mobile Friendly Website
It doesn’t take much to notice that everyone is glued to their smartphones. One of the first things we think about in custom website design is developing sites that load properly on all devices, as well as properly optimized specifically for mobile devices.
Take note that the two most important words in the previous sentence are: ‘load properly’. Just because you can open your site on a mobile device doesn’t mean it displays everything correctly.
Indications of a Mobile-Friendly Website
In planning your website, there are so many considerations to make. On top of that list is making sure to go for a custom website design that can truly represent your brand. For example, no one would stop you from using the color pink for a construction website, but it does have to be executed well, and it needs to be responsive for all devices.
With this being the 21st century, a period where almost everyone is staring at their mobile device, making sure your site is mobile friendly should be one of the higher-ranking considerations on your list. Having your website load on a smartphone doesn’t automatically qualify it as “mobile-friendly.” So what does?
- “Proper” display: This simply means that your content should appear “normal.” Normal here simply means that your content shouldn’t look like a mess. Nothing should be cut off and content shouldn’t be jumbled. In short, everything that a user usually see should be on display.
- Passes the Google test: Google isn’t the only search engine on the planet, but it is the most widely used. In other words, what they have to say matters and failing this simple test – where you just have to input your URL to get tested – means you’ve got some work to do.
- Passes the mobile usability test: Using Google Webmaster Tools allows you to see areas where your site can improve. You may pass the Google test indicated previously but running your site through analysis can reveal more problems that need fixing.
Making a Site Mobile Friendly
Whether you go for custom website design or a ready-made template, the bottom line is this: it has to work – and work properly – on mobile devices. If you don’t have a site up yet, make sure to take mobile friendliness into consideration. If you already have a website, here are some fixes you can try:
- Creating a separate mobile-friendly version: Maintaining one website is tough work. Trying your hand at two can be headache-inducing. While it can solve your problems, it’s not the most feasible solution.
- Using a mobile plugin: Many of the popular content management systems offer different plugins, each with its own perks. For instance, the WPtouch plugin on WordPress makes it easier for users to create a custom mobile experience.
- Switching to responsive web design: The reason for this is simple: it simply adjusts to the screen size on your device.
The time to act is now. It’s not healthy for your business to wait until your competitor makes a move. Do what is necessary to ensure your clients – and future ones – are satisfied with your website’s mobile responsiveness.
G4 Design House is proud to offer its services nationwide, but especially locally in San Diego and surrounding areas and cities: Chula Vista, Encinitas, Escondido, San Marcos, Del Mar, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Temecula, Anaheim, and Los Angeles.