Mobile website design best practices
If you're reading this, chances are you're using a mobile device right now. And if you're using a mobile device, you know how frustrating it can be to visit a website that isn't mobile friendly. You've probably experienced the frustration of trying to zoom in on a website that's not designed for mobile, only to find that the text is still too small to read comfortably. Or maybe you've tried to click on a link, only to have the whole website shift around so that the link is no longer where you thought it was.
These are just a few of the reasons why it's so important to design your website with mobile users in mind. By following the best practices for mobile website design, you can create a site that is easy to use and navigate on a smaller screen.
The concept of mobile website design is still relatively new, which means that there are no hard and fast rules for what makes an excellent mobile site. However, there are a few best practices that you should keep in mind when undertaking a mobile web design.
Now that you understand the benefits of having a mobile friendly website, let's take a look at some best practices for mobile website design :
1. Use a responsive design
A responsive mobile web design is the best way to ensure that your website looks good on all devices. This approach uses code that automatically adapts your site to the size of the screen it is being viewed on. This means that your site will look good on both desktop computers and mobile devices.
2. Keep it simple
When undertaking a mobile website design, it is vital to keep the design simple. This means using a minimal amount of text and images and ensuring the navigation is easy to use.
Another tip for designing a mobile website is to use large buttons. This will make it easy for mobile users to tap on the screen and navigate to the different pages of your site. Large buttons are easier to click on a mobile device, so make sure that your call-to-action buttons are big and easy to find.
4. Avoid using pop-ups
Pop-ups can be difficult to close on a mobile device, so it is best to avoid them altogether. If you must use a pop-up, ensure it can be easily dismissed. Pop-ups covering the entire screen can be especially frustrating for mobile users, so make sure that you design them in a way that is easy to close.
5. Use fonts that are easy to read
It is important to use fonts that are easily read on a mobile device. This means avoiding small or intricate fonts and using large, legible fonts instead. Fonts that are easy to read will make your site more user-friendly and easier to navigate.
6. Optimize your images
Make sure that your images are optimized for mobile devices. This means reducing the file size and using images that are appropriate for the screen they will be viewed on. Optimizing your images helps in improving the page speed of your website. Faster loading pages improve the overall user experience.
Mobile users often search on the go, so it is important to use short forms that are easy to fill out. This means avoiding long, complicated forms instead of using short, simple forms.
8. Include a call-to-action
When building a website wireframe, make sure your mobile website includes a call-to-action, such as a phone number or an email address. This will make it easy for mobile users to contact you.
9. Use Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a free tool that allows you to track the traffic to your website. This data can be used to improve your mobile website design. Google Analytics can help you to understand how users interact with your site and what changes need to be made to improve the user experience.
10. Use GPS directions
If you have a physical location, include GPS directions on your mobile website. This will make it easy for mobile users to find or get in touch with you.