02 November 2011
GoMo is a Google-led initiative designed to help businesses Go Mobile. The newly launched GoMo website provides a number of tools and resources to help businesses and webmasters make their websites more mobile friendly. Site visitors can see what their existing site looks like on a mobile device using the GoMoMeter and get recommendations for creating a more mobile friendly website. The site also has information on current mobile trends and mobile site best practices.
For all the talk about the mobile web revolution, most businesses still don't have mobile compatible websites and many business owners still wonder whether they really need a dedicated mobile website. The GoMo site has a ton of information designed to educate businesses about the importance of focusing on the mobile web experience.
The mobile customer is always right
Nowadays, mobile customers expect their mobile browsing experience to be as good as their desktop experience and sites which do not perform adequately are almost certainly losing customers. Just look at the following statistics from a 2011 study by Compuware.
- 57% of customers would not recommend a business with a bad mobile site
- 40% have turned to a competitor's site after a bad mobile experience
- 23% of adults have cursed at their phone when a site doesn't work
Local mobile
Local businesses are amongst the biggest beneficiaries of the mobile revolution with over 95% of smartphone users searching for local businesses online. Over 60% of users call a business after searching via their mobile and a large percentage also visit the location and go on to make a purchase.
Mobile shopping
Online shopping is one of the favourite activities of mobile phone users.
- 79% of mobile users use their smartphone to help with shopping
- 49% use their phones to compare product prices
- 48% use their phones to get promotions or coupons
- 44% use their phones to read product information or reviews
Mobile website best practice
The GoMo site has some useful best practice information to help businesses understand the issues involved when it comes to creating a mobile friendly website. Some of the top tips are summarised below:
- Mobile sites should be simple, fast loading and easy to scan. Sites should also prioritise the content and features that mobile users need most.
- Navigation should be easy to use and search functionality should also be included.
- Links, buttons and clickable areas need to be "thumb-friendly".
- Sites should be designed so it's easy for customers to read on small screens. For example, the content should fit on the screen without the need for horizontal scrolling or zooming.
- Mobile sites must function properly on the broadest number of mobile devices.
- Contact and address details should be highly visible on the website. Maps and directions should be included.
- Mobile redirects should be used where appropriate but visitors should also be given the choice to view either the desktop or mobile version of the site.
- Analytics and customer feedback should be utilised in order to improve your mobile website in line with customer expectations.
Can you afford a mobile website?
Consider the following statistics for just a moment. By 2013, more people will use their mobile phones than PCs to get online. Mobile searches have grown by 400% since 2010. There will be one mobile device for every person on the planet by 2015.
With figures like these, the real question is - Can you afford not to have a mobile website?
While it's true that an all singing all dancing mobile site could be too expensive for many small businesses, you might be surprised to learn that a basic mobile site can be built at a very affordable price. For many businesses, a basic site will suffice to convey the most important information required by the majority of mobile users. Companies who start small will be able to capitalise on the existing market share while gaining valuable insights into how best to develop the mobile channel over the coming years as the mobile revolution continues and expands.
Contact Currant today for a no obligation quote. Whatever your mobile website requirements, we'll work with you to provide the best solution for your needs.
For more information call: 024 7655 1111 or email: info@currant.it
