It’s never been easier to set up a website, with companies having the choice of hiring someone to complete the task for them or undertaking the job themselves. There are solutions that involve ready-made templates, with businesses simply needing to customise the space with their own copy, images and logos.
In fact, the majority of businesses will find themselves struggling without the presence of a website, due to the huge number of people who now research and buy online. Commissioning web design work is a small price to pay when a lack of website could lose huge numbers of potential customers.
However, it seems that simply having an online presence now isn’t enough. People’s research and shopping habits are changing, and the internet is no longer just about laptops and desktops, it’s also about smartphones and tablets.
This is where mobile optimisation comes in; essentially, creating an additional version of a website that is designed to look its best on tablet and smartphone screens. Many websites are mobile compatible, but a mobile optimised site is one that is designed specifically for mobile internet users. Its design solutions include text that can be read without the need to pinch and zoom, with the site optimised for speedy loading of media, fast navigation and content that is to the point.
Why is this important? Well, if using the internet on a smartphone/tablet – especially when out and about – a consumer will want speed and efficiency. They’ll want to be able to get to where they want to be in a short time and with little effort. If they can’t… you may just find that they choose to use your mobile optimised competitors instead. There’s no denying the importance of web design for any business – but a lack of mobile optimisation in particular may be more costly to your business than you think.