Why Online Businesses Are Moving to Mobile-First Experiences

Throughout the Internet’s lifespan, websites have been built to look great on a desktop. These days are gone with everyone owning a miniature computer in their pocket; websites now have to look first class through a mobile-first experience. Over half of the planet’s internet traffic now comes from a handheld device, making the need for websites to run seamlessly more critical than ever.

Any digital marketing strategy must cater to mobile users, but how much focus must you give to mobile marketing for your business? Let’s take a look and see just how vital a mobile-first website could be for your business.

Why is Mobile-First Important?

The importance of mobile-first websites has grown in recent years, with expectations to rise even further as the years commence, mainly because a massive portion of internet users do so via a mobile device. Niches, such as Online slots UK, are accommodating more and more mobile users as they find that they are opting to game on their phones rather than dedicated consoles or desktop computers. It has been estimated that 10 billion mobile devices are being used daily, meaning you must cater to these people’s browsing needs to maximise your reach.

The data surrounding mobile browsing and shopping is quite something. One study found that 79% of mobile users have made an online purchase within the last six months, with projections stating that sales in the eCommerce niche would hit close to $500 billion across the globe. With the majority of the planet opting to complete their shopping via their mobile, not building an experience that caters to the needs of each customer using these devices seems like a missed opportunity.

What is a Mobile-First Website?

Mobile-first pretty much is what it says, mobile-first. Designers, developers, and marketers working on a digital product will do so, with mobile being the initial thought. This approach is relatively new, focusing heavily on the customer’s experience and how practical the website fundamentals are on a mobile device.

The crucial thing is to ensure that this website looks great on a mobile and can be navigated easily without any slow processing problems and overloading. When you have the mobile version running as it should is the time you should begin to work on the corresponding desktop strategy.

Responsive Designs vs Mobile-First

Responsive design may be a phrase you have encountered regarding website building, but how does this differ from mobile-first design? The answer is straightforward. Responsive web design is the adaptation of a desktop website to work well on a smartphone screen. The process involves scaling things down to look good at a smaller size and work well on a mobile device. Responsive designs put the desktop version first. As we have aforementioned, mobile-first website design does the exact opposite. Mobile-first designs create a mobile experience and expand the operations to work on a desktop.

The Advantages of a Mobile-First Website

Many advantages come with building a mobile-first website. Here are a few of the most vital.

Increase Brand Equity

Many users who choose a mobile-first approach often correspond this decision with the release of a mobile app. Having a dedicated app is the perfect way to stand out from competitors and increase your brand’s equity. The buying/booking process can be smoother if your website is developed mobile-first. There is a good reason that Jeff Bezos is making so much money; the Amazon app is faultless, making purchasing as simple as can be.

Boost Your Reach

Studies have shown that most internet users do so via mobile devices at least some times during the day. Bounce rates have increased for those needing a mobile-friendly website, resulting in competitors gaining traffic due to the bad mobile user experience. Opting for a mobile-first approach is a great way to satisfy and reach more people, potentially opening up your business to a greater audience.

Process Content Easier

Mobile-first website designs are the perfect way to simplify the message and information you want to get across into small, bitesize chunks. Making things easier to consume for the user will ultimately improve the user experience, allowing them to read and absorb your content.

Improve User Experience

If a mobile app is something that you decide to incorporate into your digital strategy, much more diverse UX options are available compared to a pure web solution. Due to this extra ability, the user experience you can create has the potential to reach much further, maximising your brand’s reputation and the revenue you gain.

Reach People for Longer Periods

People are spending much more time on their mobile phones, often browsing while they watch their favourite television programs. With people using their mobiles more often comes the chance of them spending more time on your website if it is built mobile-first. The smartphone provides many businesses with a broader portal to reach the ideal clientele rather than focusing on specific times of the day when people sit at their desktops. 

Mobile-first website design is a relatively new concept. Still, with the growth in mobile technology, we spend more and more time on our devices, meaning a business website should accommodate this. You need to utilise this method of website design to avoid being left behind. The new way technology advances surround mobile devices, and so should you.