Mobile web technology – it’s probably something you hear about all the time, but do you really know what it means? And, do you know how to use it to get the most out of your business’ online presence?
With mobile web technology, you get to target the more than 1 billion people worldwide who have cell phones or other mobile devices with an internet connection. Instead of letting those mobile users surf your traditional website, you can use mobile web technology to create a site that’s specifically created for them – with a design that’s more compatible with small screens, and a layout that offers easy-access information for people on the go.
So, now that you know the basics about mobile websites, what exactly can they do for you? When it comes to using mobile web technology for your business, there are 5 things you need to know:
1. Mobile web technology is growing faster than PC-based internet ever has.
New phones and mobile devices are constantly being introduced, and it seems like the entire world cannot get enough mobile technology. According to studies, there are nearly as many mobile devices as there are PC’s around the world. That’s an amazing statistic, when you consider that PC’s have been on the market for far longer!
2. Mobile web services, like click-to-call and click-to-map, are resulting in higher sales conversions.
With a mobile website, all you have to do is click on the phone number on the screen, and it automatically dials for you. Or, click on the address, and immediately see a map of the business’ location. Mobile services are making it easier than ever for people to contact
or visit retail locations. And, experts say that using a mobile device to search for a business’ location is one of the biggest reasons that people use them.
3. Mobile web technology sets your business ahead of the pack.
While it seems like people are using the internet anywhere and everywhere, offering mobile websites is still a new idea for many businesses. By taking advantage of this new technology, you can send a message to visitors that you’re on the cutting edge. Effectively targeting mobile users can instantly make you a leader in your industry or region.
4. Mobile web technology makes it easy to shop online – from anywhere.
Some of the internet’s biggest players – like PayPal, Amazon, and Google Checkout – all have mobile versions for their retailers. That means you don’t have to worry about finding a separate payment processor for your mobile website.
5. Mobile websites are designed a little differently.
If you do plan on going mobile, there are several design issues that you need to be aware of. Websites are totally different on tiny screens. The state-of-the-art flashy website you have may look great on a 17-inch computer monitor – but it will not transfer well onto a mobile device. If you really want to make the most out of mobile web technology, you have to design your site for mobile users. That means making your site load quickly, with a font that looks good on smaller screens, and getting rid of the Flash and Javascript that can’t be read by most mobile devices. If your mobile site is too difficult to use, users will just leave and find a different site that meets their needs.
