Mobile Website is, by definition, a "version of a website that is optimized for mobile devices for accessing mobile internet web" (Wikipedia). A mobile device is any type of smart phone that allows for browsing the internet.

Just as there seems to be a new piece of cell phone technology every 6 months, so too there is often a new piece of web technology. Mobile websites are an important way to ensure that your website is always accessible to users when they are browsing your site on their smart phone.

Up until just a few years ago, cell phones accessing the internet for web browsing was a very new technology, and not a lot of websites could be browsed for content efficiently. Now a days, the latest phones can not only browse your website, but some also display even the full flash animated version of a website. Of course, since smart phones offer a much smaller viewing surface, this is not always convenient.

SO WHY A MOBILE WEBSITE?

There are generally three types of users that browse websites on their smart phones:

1. The Casual Surfer: Casual surfers are not really interested in any one thing, but have a few spare minutes between tasks to take a look around. In the world of desktop PCs, those few minutes might occur between meetings, or while the user's on a short break. For this user, the goal would be to ensure that your content is clear and interesting enough that will make them want to revisit your full site once they have more of an opportunity, and more time.

2. The Repeat Visitor: Repeat customers are those that are constantly returning for some sort of specific news or data. The interface of a mobile device is very limited, so if you know what your repeat visitors are coming back for, time and time again, let that naturally bubble up to the top of the site. Avoid burying the content your customers want behind 3 or 4 clicks. This is true for things like a general list of services and/or contact information.

3. "The "Urgent, Now!" Visitor: For some customers, everything is urgent! But by identifying the most important needs of your customers and making the relevant information accessible within one click or less, you'll increase the usefulness of your mobile site enormously. Make sure that you keep your content simple, self-explanatory, and easy to read, so that customers can find what they need quickly and easily.

(Reference: Brian Suda, University of Edinburgh)

MOBILE SITE CONTENT

Remember, even though it is possible to put all of your website content onto your mobile website, it is often not always the best decision. In most cases, your website content should be reworked to fit your mobile site, and most often, drastically reduced. The average full website has approximately 10-15 pages of general content. Your mobile device should have no more than 5-6 pages.

Keep content simple, and use bullet points wherever you can. Keep your contact information accessible at all times - and ensure that phone numbers are not embedded into the graphics. Smart phone users expect to select your phone number and hit 'call'. If the number is embedded in the graphics at all, they will have to 'remember it' while they close the browser window and try to type it into their phone. This can be frustrating, and may cost you the call altogether.

Finally, by creating a specific mobile website for your company, you ensure that your corporate identity is further controlled at all times. You select how your content is displayed, and the look of the site - making sure that the impression you leave with the user is professional and easily accessible. Users will likely revisit your site again if their first experience is a positive one.

For more information on mobile websites, contact sales@sitewyze.com or call 1-866-344-0533 for pricing.