Why It’s Vital To Have a Mobile Friendly Website
As the internet continues to build in popularity, more companies are realizing the value of maintaining a strong web presence complete with consistent content and captivating graphics. However, smartphones and smart devices continue to dominate the market and show no signs of slowing down. Because of this fact, thousands of companies are channeling their efforts into upgrading and streamlining their websites to become mobile friendly. There are a few reasons to consider this move. For companies that are looking to stay on top of the trends and maintain relevancy in the marketplace, there are five main reasons why it is imperative to develop and maintain a strong mobile friendly website.
1. It helps build search engine rankings.
While keywords and content are really important for search engine optimization, it is also helpful to maintain a mobile friendly website. The more visits a website gets from a mobile device, the easier it is for Google to recognize the site as a relevant authority. When Google recognizes a site as a relevant authority, it usually lands on the first page. This also depends on the keyword. Some keywords are more competitive than others. However, the best way to beat out the competition is to have customers searching for and visiting the company website from their mobile devices.
2. It helps a company stand out from its competition.
There are lots of companies that are still in the stone-age when it relates to the internet and supporting a strong web presence. At the bottom of the totem pole, there are companies with information that hasn’t been updated in years and slow servers. This is very frustrating for people who want correct information on their mobile devices. It also makes the company seem irrelevant and out-of-touch.
3. More people use their phones instead of laptops.
Ofcom’s 2015 Communications Data Report showed that smartphone use was up 23% from the year prior. The study also shared that across the board, two-thirds of adults own a smartphone. Furthermore, these same adults are most likely to use their smartphones for at least two hours every single day. This was also at the expense of laptops. Many people are more likely to walk with their cell phones at all times. Because of how advanced cell phones have become over the past few years, it isn’t uncommon to find people who own the latest smartphone and use it for everything. Laptops are still convenient and helpful to own. However, most people aren’t glued to their laptops, but many people sleep with their phones at night. The accessibility with a cell phone is much easier.
4. The demand for instant gratification is on the rise.
It’s hard to fathom what life was like before the microwave when people had to wait for the stove to heat up food. The same can be said for smartphones. Even though smartphones have only been on the scene for a little over ten years now, life before cell phones doesn’t seem unfathomable anymore. People like to get their information in a matter of seconds. With a smartphone, people can reach anyone and any information within seconds. The instant gratification factor is important because companies now must keep up with the pace of technology and the quick turnover demand.
5. People are more likely to respond positively to a company.
Studies show that consumers respond well to mobile marketing. According to a study done by Thrive Analytics, out of all the users who clicked on a mobile marketing campaign, 55% actually made a purchase. This rate is higher than many people experience with their ROI with email lists. When people open up their smart devices to get specific information, they usually want it quickly so they can make a decision. Yes, there are internet options that allow browsing. However, most people browse their apps with the intention to get information and make a decision on it immediately.
There are plenty of ways to develop a company and gain customers. However, in the 21st century, it is clear to see that without a strong mobile presence, people view many companies as irrelevant and out of touch. Strengthen the mobile presence and this will strengthen a company’s chance at experiencing longevity.
This article is written by a guest author, Jessica Kane. Jessica is a professional blogger who writes for Faxage, a leading company that provide internet fax services for individuals and businesses.