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You're probably reading this on your phone.
If not, then chances are you're not a part of the mobile-user population that drives about 54.8% of the global web traffic.
The fact is, if you have a website that looks weird when users open it on mobile, you risk losing half your traffic to a competitor with a mobile-first design. But what exactly is this term, and what does it imply for the long-term? We'll be discussing this further, plus some added benefits of executing a mobile-first web design.
What Is a Mobile-First Website Design, and Why Does It Matter?
A significant part of a website's success is how well it ranks on Google. You know it, your customer knows it, and online buyers show their support for high-ranking sites all the time. It's a race to the top, whether you're building a blog, a portfolio, or, of course, an online store, so you need to optimize your client's site from the start.
So, what is the mobile-first movement, exactly? Mobile-first design is a concept in which websites are built for smartphones and then scaled up for use on desktops and laptops.
Put another way; web pages are initially written in mobile-first CSS and mobile-first HTML coding languages. As a result, eCommerce businesses can ensure that their mobile sites are attractive and functional, allowing clients to browse and pay with ease.
5 Advantages of a Mobile-First Approach
1. It's More Cost-Effective
Going mobile-first is a terrific approach to save time while also ensuring that all of your visitors' needs are met. You no longer have to strategize for both mobile and desktop audiences since mobile-first web design provides a one-size-fits-all model designed for mobile devices and desktop space constraints.
2. Helps You Narrow Down Your Content Strategy
When designing for a smaller screen, you must consider the most crucial factors. You must select and prioritize the material that will best support your message and buyer journey, considering the smaller area you have to work with and the fact that mobile customers are more time-conscious and want to make purchases and discover information in a snap. Building out your desktop material is a lot easier from here, and you can start to include more detailed content and information.
3. You End Up With a More Visually Appealing Website
When it comes to web design, producing a mobile-first version is preferable to trying to 'gracefully degrade' a larger desktop version.
When most desktop-version websites are scaled down to a mobile size, the site is rearranged (rather than rewritten) to accommodate mobile phones. Many desktop functions do not transition well to the mobile environment. As a result, users are frequently forced to settle for a poor and difficult-to-use interface.
4. Easier Data Tracking
Setting your mobile app as a top priority is an intelligent strategy to obtain valuable information into user behaviour over time. This can lead to data-driven decisions that can help you achieve your goals and scale your company. Data tracking also allows you to tailor your mobile app for each user, improving user satisfaction and income.
5. Mobile-First is Improves Your Google Ranking
Google has implemented a mobile-first indexing strategy. This implies that when Google indexes and ranks content, it uses the mobile version of your site. The Googlebot automatically uses the mobile version of your website if you already have one built on, for example, WordPress or Shopify.
Conclusion
The mobile-first design makes sense because it improves mobile sites while also paving the road for improved desktop design. It prioritizes the demands of the user to increase conversions, and it connects smoothly with apps and social media.
Suppose you're convinced about the merits of mobile-first web design. In that case, head on over to Online Designs UK! We're your one-stop-shop local web designer. We can talk about things over a coffee, or you can get an online quote immediately. Get in touch with us today at hello@onlinedesigns.uk!