Optimising for the Mobile Web

2013 was a year of changes for search engine optimisation.  Some of the changes altered spammy practices of years gone by. But one of the most notable challenges was to how we search for and view our websites. We're not optimising just for desktop searches, we're now full on into optimising for the mobile web & mobile users searching the web!

Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you must have noticed the explosion of mobile devices on the market, and how much they are being used by all ages & occupations. Like the Web, many thought it was just a fad & they didn't have to alter business practices to accommodate it.  But like Social Media, it's here to stay, so it's a case of suck it up & deal with it.

Marketing Land reports that almost 40% of people now access the Internet via mobile devices. The figure is even higher for Social Media with 55% accessing it. So it stands to reason that your website should now be mobile friendly or you are going to miss out on traffic, conversions and sales. Visitors will get frustrated not being able to read or use it & will leave your website for another.

There are a few ways to retain mobile users on your site.  You can have a mobile version made of your website, have your website made into a responsive design, or have a mobile application (app) developed. Personally I suggest the responsive design or mobile app, however mobile apps can be an expensive exercise as you have to develop with a variety of devices: iOS (iPhones/iPads), Androids & Windows).  Steer clear of web developers who want to charge you more for responsive designs or who tell you that you have to have a separate mobile version, because it costs no more to build a responsive website than the older style desktop website.  So the more cost effective way to join the mobile revolution is the have your website in a responsive layout.

Having a responsive website also gives you a seamless experience for users regardless of screen size or mobile device. it also preserves SEO value for users performing searches from their mobile device.