Mobile Website Design 101: Build a Mobile‑Friendly Site

What are mobile websites?

Mobile websites are sites that have been designed specifically for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. Typically, these sites have a simplified design and layout that makes them easy to navigate and use on a smaller screen. In many cases, mobile websites also have customized content that is not found in the regular version, increasing mobile devices' popularity. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your website is mobile-friendly.

One way to do this is by creating a separate mobile website. This is a website that is designed specifically for mobile devices and can be accessed by going to a mobile-specific URL, such as m.example.com. Another way to make your website mobile-friendly is by using a responsive design. This is a design approach that allows your website to adapt to the screen size of the device it is being viewed from.

Having a website optimized for mobile devices is far better than a website that is not mobile-friendly. This is because mobile friendly websites provide users with a better experience, which can lead to higher levels of engagement and conversion. In a world where more and more people are using mobile devices to access the internet, it is crucial for businesses like yours not only to have an online presence but also to create sites that work well with these smaller screens.

What is the difference between a website and a mobile site?

In order to make the most out of your website, it's crucial you understand how A mobile website functions differently. A mobile site is designed specifically for smaller screens and features a simplified design that makes navigation more accessible than on desktop computers or laptops with bigger screens.

Another difference between a website and a mobile site is the URL. Mobile sites can sometimes have a mobile-specific URL, which allows users to access the mobile site by typing in this URL on their mobile devices. In other cases, the same URL can be used for both the website and the mobile site. However, the mobile site will automatically detect the user's device and load the appropriate version of the site.

Finally, mobile sites are often designed to capture leads and conversions from mobile users. This means that they include features such as click-to-call buttons and GPS directions designed to make it easy for mobile users to contact you or find your business.

Creating a mobile site is a critical way to make sure that your website is accessible and easy to use for mobile users. By following the tips in this post, you can create a mobile site that will help you capture more leads and conversions from mobile users.

What are the benefits of a mobile-friendly website?

A mobile friendly website has several benefits for both businesses and their customers. For businesses, a mobile friendly website can help you reach more customers and generate more leads and sales. For customers, a mobile friendly website can provide a better experience by being easy to use and navigate on a smaller screen.

A mobile friendly website makes it easy for mobile users to access your site from their devices, potentially reaching a wider audience and increasing your leads and conversions. It also provides a better user experience as the design and layout are simplified and easy to navigate on a smaller screen.

In many cases, mobile websites also have unique content not found on the regular version of the site. This can help you attract more mobile users to your site. Mobile friendly websites are often given preference in mobile search engine results. This means that you can improve your ranking and visibility, leading to more traffic and conversions. Since 2015 when Google introduced mobile SEO as a ranking factor, it has given priority to mobile friendly websites.

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.

3. Use large buttons

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.

7. Use short forms

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.

Keep mobile users in mind

The use of mobile devices further extends to emails, where the majority of emails are now opened on mobile devices. This means that it is essential to optimize your email campaigns for mobile devices as well. Do this by using a responsive design, keeping the layout simple, and using large, legible fonts. Mailchimp offers several responsive email templates that you can use to ensure that your campaigns are optimized for mobile devices.

Mobile users are an influential audience to consider when designing your website and email campaigns. By following the best practices for mobile web design, you ensure that your site is accessible and easy to use for all users.