In today’s digital landscape, smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, with a staggering 7 billion people worldwide using these pocket-sized computers. Here’s an eye-opener: 77% of mobile searches happen at home or work, precisely where desktop computers are also hanging out. Why is this relevant? Well, Google has been on a mission since 2015, favouring websites that are best buddies with mobile devices. They started indexing mobile sites in 2018 and have been practising mobile-first indexing since 2019. And Google isn’t hitting the brakes on this mobile-friendly parade anytime soon.
What does it mean for a website to be mobile-friendly?
Imagine this: you visit a website on your desktop, and everything looks fine and fits perfectly. Now, switch to your mobile device, and suddenly, it’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. If the website isn’t mobile-friendly, it doesn’t adjust to your screen, leaving you pinching and zooming, trying to make sense of the content. Annoying, right? Well, your visitors think so too. In fact, if your website isn’t mobile-friendly, potential customers might go straight to your competitor’s site in frustration. People these days make up their minds lightning fast, around 5 seconds, to be precise. And a non-mobile-friendly website might just make them hit the exit button even quicker.
Let’s have a closer look at the example above. If you focus on the mobile device and tablet, you will notice that the website is out of proportion and isn’t adjusting to the size of the smaller screens. The page layout is neither structured nor clear, and it is cumbersome to navigate. As a result, potential customers will likely seek out a competitor’s mobile-friendly website for their services or products.
Have you ever analysed your website statistics using Google Analytics or any other analytics program? Pull up your website statistics and take a peek at the devices your visitors are using. We bet you’ll find that mobile devices have been stealing the spotlight, outnumbering desktop visits for quite some time now.
Difference between responsive and mobile-friendly
A responsive website is like the chameleon of the internet world. It effortlessly adapts to any screen size, be it a colossal desktop or a tiny smartphone. It’s like having a one-size-fits-all solution. On the other hand, some companies prefer another route, opting for a custom mobile website tailored exclusively for smartphone users. Imagine having two websites, one for desktops and one exclusively for mobile devices. That’s the difference between having a responsive and a mobile-friendly website.
User Experience is equally important
Now, Google, being the search giant that it is, cares deeply about user experience. And let’s face it, who doesn’t? A seamless, enjoyable experience is what we all want when we surf the web. Google, and other search engines, recognize this and rank websites not just on their mobile-friendliness but also on the overall user experience. In other words, it is an important element in your Search Engine Optimisation strategy. And it’s not just about fitting into the screen; it’s about creating a user interface that’s intuitive, structured, and visually appealing.
The mobile future is now!
Picture this: the future is here, and it’s mobile! Whether you’re a blogger, working on a website for a tourism destination, or selling products online, your website must be mobile-friendly. It’s not just about pleasing Google; it’s about providing your visitors with a great online experience. When your website shines on mobile devices, you’ll notice the magic happening – more conversions and a higher ranking on search engines.
Not sure if your website is mobile-friendly? You can run a Mobile-Friendly Test, a quick way to see how your website fares on mobile devices.
If the results send you a not-so-friendly reminder that your website isn’t mobile-ready, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and make it happen. To spark your inspiration, Hubspot created a list of 21 companies that really nailed their mobile web experience – a perfect muse for your mobile makeover.
So, gear up, embrace the mobile revolution, and watch your website reach new heights!
