Your Non-Mobile Website May Be Driving Customers Away

Picture this: You’re running errands — picking up kids, getting groceries, rushing to coach soccer, and then going back to the store because you forgot dog food. You still need to get dinner on the table, and have decided to call in an order to a local restaurant. How do you find them?

According to a recent survey by IAB, you’ll likely pull over and search the Web on your smartphone to find the restaurant website.

But here’s the kicker: As of this time last year, 91% of small businesses did NOT have a mobile-optimized website. That might put a frustrating kink in your dinner plans.

The IAB survey, which analyzed interviews with 2000 mobile users, shows they prefer to use the mobile web to find information and content. A mobile browsing preference dominated in the following Web functions:

• Search — 42% prefer mobile web, 32% have no preference, 20% prefer apps
• Shopping — 28% prefer mobile web, 26% have no preference, 22% prefer apps
• News — 25% prefer mobile web, 31% have no preference, 25% prefer apps
• Local Directory — 25% prefer mobile web, 31% have no preference, 21% prefer apps

Although some businesses may have apps, it isn’t the first place users go when looking for something they need — instead, they search the web. And what they find can often be frustrating.

In mobile browsing, non-optimized sites simply offer the same format as desktops, but smaller. Much smaller. The result is a site that is difficult to read, awkward to navigate, and likely to alienate information-seeking visitors who are browsing on their smartphones.

A mobile-optimized site improves user experience and offers numerous advantages.

• Pages load quickly and the text is easy to read.
• The site is easy to navigate, with essential business information displayed prominently, and a click to call function for further ease of use.
• Responsive design adjusts to different screen types and sizes. (Having a separate site is another option, but the best practice is to have a single mobile-optimized site.)
• There is a clear call to action — and it’s easy for browsers to TAKE that action.

To achieve a mobile-optimized site, you need the help of a professional who has extensive experience in this type of Web development. But it doesn’t have to cost a small fortune. A good website design partner will provide proven features, but create a customized site that truly fits your business and meets your goals.

Create a great mobile site and your customers will thank you for it!  The experts at Blue Matrix Media will consult with you at no cost. Contact us directly online, by phone at 800-898-9034, or by email at request@bluematrixmedia.com.