Research shows that mobile search accounts for half of the globe’s website traffic. As consumers and search engines put an emphasis on mobile search, it’s time to rethink strategies. 

Difference between mobile-first and responsive websites

One of the most important concepts to understand is that a mobile-first website is not a responsive website. A responsive website is one that sizes down to each different screen. It does sound exactly the same as mobile-first, however, mobile-first is designed only for mobile.

Let’s explain. A responsive website is designed for desktop view and usage, and when a consumer lands on it from a mobile device, it sizes down, but not all elements are exactly mobile-first friendly. 

Mobile-first is designed for mobile devices and follows the guidelines set in place by Google in 2019! 

This doesn’t mean that a responsive website is a bad thing, but it does mean that it is time to update a company’s website. 

Here are the seven elements our Denver website development team suggests for a mobile-first website. 

1. Take inventory 

The first step in any website design and development project is to “take inventory” of the current site that is in place. What pages should stay, what ones can be annexed, or what pages can be broken down a bit? All of this matters because it will help to create the best customer experience. 

2. The mobile customer experience (CX) 

Mobile-first is a way of thinking and designing a website for mobile consumers. You are designing first and foremost for a smaller screen which means being concise. Proper design is necessary to provide the best user experience, and in return, it provides a positive customer experience. 

What one company doesn’t provide in their customer experience, another one will so make sure to implement this to improve.  

3. Keep content in mind

While desktop search is declining, consumers spend more time on a website’s page on desktop versus mobile. This can be due to it being easier to dive into research on a desktop versus a mobile device; however, this means writing content that is friendly for both desktop and mobile users. 

The more content-focused means the more user-focused which improves CX. This doesn’t mean that content needs to be cut down, it means concise content that still ranks in Google and other search engines is a priority. 

4. Strong CTAs

While consumers are technologically savvy, it is important to guide them throughout the entire customer journey. No one wants to guess the next step or be unable to find the next step. This is why call to actions (CTAs) are imperative for mobile and desktop design. 

How can this be implemented through design and content? It is recommended that site pages have larger, bolder, and even more colorful CTA buttons that provide the clear action needed. 

“Download here”, “Contact us today”, “Start getting leads now”. 

5. Visuals matter

There is no doubt that the digital realm is about visuals, and on the desktop version of websites, visuals are what can help to keep the attention of consumers, but those same videos and graphics can be slowing down a mobile experience. 

It is important to compress all images to ensure that they are accessible and keep loading speeds maximized. 

6. Loading speeds 

Consumers want to review the needed information or purchase the product and then move on to the next step, and a slow website hinders that journey. The longer a website takes to load, the higher the bounce rate will show in Google Analytics. 

Not only does this affect lead generation and sales from the consumer side, but the more Google also notices that the website is being backed out of, the more ranking can be affected. 

Even if the content is exactly what the consumer is searching for, if the site takes longer than three seconds to load, this can hurt the entire digital strategy in place. 

7. Hire our Denver website development team! 

Designing mobile-first is a great way to lead your company’s digital presence and omnichannel marketing strategies to success. It’s important to design and develop mobile-first for consumers and search engines alike. 

For more information regarding website design and development projects, chat with our team.