Having a mobile website solution is not really an option any more. It is a requirement. Think about it. Do you have a smartphone? Does your customer have a smartphone? Predictions suggest that by the end of 2014, there will be more smartphone than desktop users. That is THIS YEAR!
But not all mobile websites are the same. In fact there are 2 key types.
Google’s primary priority would be supplying quality and relevant information to their customers. To supply the very best user experience, they reward sites that provide valuable content, are intuitive and simple to use and follow guidelines for Search Engine Optimization. Google suggests utilizing a responsive website rather than another devoted mobile website since it is an in-built feature that’s then indigenous to this website. Following Google recommendations can help enhance your website relevance for Search Engine Optimization reasons.
Nevertheless, what is the key distinction between dedicated mobile websites and responsive websites?
A responsive website is just how it may sound. It changes and measures in line with the vehicle the consumer is employing to determine it. Large desktop monitor or small phone – the look is fluid and, well, responsive. A mobile website is built inside a mobile framework. It’s a custom development made to be experienced particularly on the smartphone. How do we choose the best choice for your company’s mobile presence?
Responsive Web Design
Rather than creating two separate websites (a traditional site and a mobile site), you could create a single site that will render correctly on both computers and mobile devices.
The main need to go for responsive website design is overall simplicity. No matter in which the customer decides to check out your website, they’ll have the ability to view it because it was intended. On the developer side, responsive website design, though more complicated to produce in advance, can also be simpler to maintain in the future since the code need not be modified to suit various formats. Responsive design can also be the most well-liked selection of Google, so that’s a large plus, too.
For any content-heavy site, responsive design might be the very best solution. You develop your articles once and may publish it everywhere. Additionally you spend less time on mobile-specific development since the site should accommodate small and big screens, and you’ve got additional time for content development.
In many ways this is a cheaper option, ranging anywhere from $13.00 per month for a single website with only 10 pages to over $1,000 per month for unlimited views, unlimited domains, and unlimited users. But your choice should not be based on price alone.
Dedicated Mobile Websites
A simple solution to turn your website into a mobile site is to recreate a version optimized for mobile devices.
Think about your average customer. Will they expect a custom experience when being able to access your website via mobile? If that’s the case, a dedicated mobile site might be the greater option. An example of this is when the primary purpose of the website, or servings of the website, is supposed to behave as a credit card application or interact with separate programs. On Qantas.com.au, the main purpose is to browse for flights, and deals. A local application would have the ability to easily check-in online, go their frequent flyer program, book flights, accommodation and cars. But still have a link to the desktop site.
One more reason you may decide on a dedicated mobile site, could be when special custom features or advertising are needed. Responsive design sites typically don’t permit the inclusion of advertising ad banners or any other custom features. If graphic calls to action really are a necessary facet of your marketing strategy, a dedicated mobile website is a smart choice.
Another reason to choose a dedicated mobile website is the user experience. Are you currently quite happy with supplying site visitors exactly the same interactive result regardless of how they navigate to your website, or if the user experience differ essentially due to your brand or perhaps a unique service offering? When the latter, the selection is obvious.
Fully responsive websites, can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $25,000 or more, again depending on the design and functionality.
Or a combination of the two
If a simple, elegant user experience is the solution you are after, this this might be the perfect solution for you. Build a responsive website for use on desktops and tablets. Have a dedicated mobile site to more succinctly drive your traffic along the path you need them to follow (better user experience), but allow them via rss or links to view responsive pages on your website (eg blog or shop).