Why you need a mobile-first website design

Impress your mobile browsers with a mobile-first website design

The way the world operates has altered as a result of mobile technology. It has an impact on every element of life. A mobile phone screen is often the first thing most people see when they wake up and the last thing before bed.

Although it may seem obvious how important it is to consider how websites look on a smartphone – it’s often something that’s overlooked.

Websites will produce first-class visually dynamic websites built for desktops before even considering making them mobile-friendly.

The revolution of mobile marketing

What does it mean by ‘mobile-first’?

The term “mobile-first website design” refers to a web development strategy that prioritises the needs of mobile users. It gives these people a better experience by starting the design process with small screens rather than the other way around.

Rather than designing a desktop website and then trying to squeeze it into a small screen, you start with a small screen.

In other words, a mobile-first website design seeks to produce a website that is not just functional on mobile devices but also optimised for them, ensuring a consistent user experience across all devices.

Why is mobile-first so important?

To fit with the norm

Mobile technologies (smartphones or tablets) aren’t simply a trend, they’ve become a way of life. Now it’s actually stranger for someone not to have a tablet or mobile device.

It matters to customers – so it should matter to you

It’s never been more important to make a great impression on those preferring to use their mobile device to browse. A recent study has found that over half (57% of internet users won’t recommend a business with a website that is poorly designed on mobile.)

Better Google search rankings

As of July 2018, Google began favouring sites that were optimised for mobile usage. The biggest reason for this is to fit with the norm – with more people browsing on a mobile devices, it only makes sense to serve them sites that work well on those devices.

Mobile responsivity – why it’s important

5 Simple Strategies for Creating Mobile-Friendly Websites

1. Test websites on mobile devices

And it’s important to note that there are hundreds of smartphones available to modern consumers. So, always consider different sizes when going through the testing process.

Don’t get complacent – just because your website looks great on 1 smartphone, doesn’t necessarily mean it looks great on all smartphones.

The same can be said whenever you update, add to or revamp your website. Small changes can sometimes make a huge difference.

2. Keep things simple

When it comes to most things in life, simplicity usually wins out over-complication. Websites are no different! Having lots of options or elements can easily crowd a smaller screen and pull attention away from the important things.

The idea behind designing for mobile browsers is to make things easily viewable and reachable. Having a clean and straightforward mobile browsing experience not only improves the user experience on site but also helps guide your website viewers to desired actions.

3. Think about the placement and design of CTA’s (call-to-actions)

Keep in mind that instead of using a mouse to browse, mobile users will be using their fingers. Using larger fonts for your CTAs will mean they’re easier to read (and click!).

Make sure that your key CTA’s are above the fold (the upper part of content/website that is viewable without needing to scroll).

Not only does this make it easier for mobile users to browse your site, but it also entices those users to make desirable actions on the site.

4. Never ignore your navigation bar

Navigation is critical to the success of any website because it allows website visitors to effortlessly go from 1 key page to another. However, bad navigation can hinder your website’s success.

On most popular content management systems (e.g. WordPress) you’ll have the option to have an alternative navigation menu for mobile users. This is where step 1 (test on mobile) can help inform your choices for the mobile navigation menu.

5. Consider sizing and placement of copy and graphics

Whether you’re adding an image to your blog or adding complex graphics to the home screen. You should always check how they appear on a mobile device.

Some considerations:

A complex or landscape-style photo may not display as well on a smaller screen.
Image placement in the blog should be carefully done to avoid splicing a paragraph.
Use shorter concise sentences to avoid overloading a mobile user with a screen full of text.
Headings/sub-headings in a long blog help break up content.