The Mobile Web is the next step in internet and information technology. Millions of people use their cell phones and mobile devices to access the internet on a daily basis. Currently, Over 3.6 Billion people in the world own, or have access to, a mobile device such as a cell phone or PDA. Of those, more than 1.6 billion people have access to the internet through their mobile devices. That’s a shocking number of people when you consider that only 1.1 billion people worldwide have internet access on their computers! If you aren’t targeting these potential customers, you can bet that your competitors are!
A New Breed of Customers
The Mobile Web has created a entirely new type of consumer. They live in a fast paced society that thrives on a state of being “always connected.” All throughout the day and night they use their cellphones and mobile devices to take in small amounts of information, usually information relevant to what they are doing at the time. Whether it’s information about what movies are playing at the local theater, where the nearest restaurant is, or who that actor was that they just saw in that commercial, users are constantly turning to their mobile devices to find information, answer questions, and solve problems.
Why Won’t Your Current Website “Work” on the Mobile Web?
Most people never consider how their website looks and functions on a mobile device. Those who do consider it often overlook some of the most important aspects.
Technological Limits
One thing to consider about the Mobile Web is its limitations:
- Slow download speed
While today’s mobile networks, such as EDGE and 3g, are much faster than in the past, they are still painfully slow when compared to the internet connection at your home or work. - Small Screens
Even the largest of modern phones have screens that are small compared to your computer screen. You must utilize every pixel of space in an efficient way. - Crippled Functionality
Almost all mobile web browsers have some kind of limitation that will make certain parts of your website not function correctly. If your site uses a lot of Flash or Javascript, there is a good chance it doesn’t function correctly on most mobile devices.
It’s All About the Context…
The absolute most important thing to keep in mind is the context in which the Mobile Web is used. It’s crucial that you provide the user with the content that is most relevant to how they are viewing your website. To illustrate what we mean, let’s consider a person who is looking at a restaurant’s website.
If they are using their computer, they could be looking for almost anything:
- the current menu
- business hours
- nutritional information
- or maybe even a job opportunity
On the other hand, if the person is using a mobile device to view the website there is a good chance they are looking for specific information:
- the nearest location and/or directions to get there
- phone numbers
- reservation information
With your mobile website, your customers can have all of this crucial information, plus more, in the palm of their hand. Literally.
Get Your Mobile Website Today
PlasticBrain Media has a team of dedicated web developers that can help you target the next generation of customers with a mobile-friendly website.