It used to be that when you designed a website, all you had to worry about was how it would look on someone’s computer screen. Nowadays, however, more and more people are choosing to view sites on their mobile phones and tablets, and what works for computers doesn’t always work for these devices- hence the need for “mobile websites.”
When you consider that Google has decided to consider how “mobile-friendly” a particular site is and the relevance of its content in its search algorithm to determine a website’s ranking, it’s easy to see that making your site mobile friendly should be at the top of your list of things to do. Your website’s mobile-friendliness does and will continue to affect your local SEO.
5 Reasons to Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly for Google and Your Customers
While ranking on Google’s search algorithms is certainly a big reason, there are a host of other reasons why you need a mobile website as soon as possible; read on to learn about the top five.
1. Access Mobile Websites Anytime, Anywhere
Having a mobile website allows users to access your site and its content anytime, anywhere. These days people are busy and constantly on-the-go. For a lot of them, the only time they’re online is when they are waiting in line at the grocery store or sitting in traffic. If your site can’t be accessed easily via a mobile device, you’ll miss out on all of these potential customers as well as any others who try to access your website on-the-go.
2. Consumers Make Purchases from Their Smartphones
If your site has something to sell, there’s a big chance it’s going to be sold to someone on a smartphone. A whopping 64% of adults on a smartphone, according to a study conducted by Pew Research Center. Don’t miss out on those “phone shoppers” by having a website that’s not mobile-friendly.
3. Simplicity
It’s nice to have a fancy website that’s loaded with pictures, videos and other high-tech graphics; however, a lot of today’s consumers just don’t have time for all of that, and neither do their devices. For those users who just want to get in, get what they need and then be on their way, mobile websites offer a friendly, simple, streamlined alternative to all the hustle-and-bustle of a standard website.
4. Mobile-Friendly Website = Modern Business
Another great thing about having a mobile website is that it shows you and your business are “hip to the times.” Not having a mobile site or, having a site that loads poorly on mobile devices, makes your brand seem outdated and old-fashioned, which isn’t appealing to most, especially members of the younger demographic. Show you’re up on what’s happening in the world by having a stellar mobile site.
5. Accessibility
Finally, keep in mind that, while not everyone has a laptop, just about everyone has a smartphone that can be used for online searches. So, by having a mobile website, you open your brand up to a larger demographic. Anytime you add a new way for people to reach and use your website, you widen your audience, which is always a smart choice.
Is your website mobile ready? Find out now with Google’s Mobile-Friendly test!
What changes do you need to make for your website to truly be mobile-friendly? Comment below.
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