7 Tips to Make Your Mobile Site Amazing

As mentioned in the previous post (http://epicecommercetools.com/2015/01/15/make-online-shopping-easy-for-your-customers/) one of the key elements to simple online shopping is making sure that your company’s website is compatible with mobile phones. So, what exactly does this mean? And, why should you care? Here are some quick tips on how to make your website a breeze for your customers.

1. Layout is one of the most important elements of making a mobile website work. Web pages don’t load as fast on a mobile phone as they do on a desktop computer with high speed internet. Basically, this means you’ll want to keep it short and sweet. If a user has to navigate a ton of information, they will lose interest fast for the sheer fact it’s just taking too long. So streamline your site and people will stick around.

2. White Space isn’t a total waste. Based on #1 you might be under the impression that you need to cram as much information as possible into every bit of white space available. This just isn’t the case. White space makes your page look cleaner. Think about it. When someone is reading on that tiny phone (or, ok mini tablet sized iPhone 6) they are moving. They are looking to get information on the go. If they can’t easily click on what they want to know more about then they may not take the time to sort through a bogged down site. White space is sophisticated and sleek.

3. Just Say No to Pop-Ups. I can’t stress this one enough. Personally, I don’t even visit websites that make me sort through pop-ups to try to get to the original content. Trying to switch back and forth between multiple pages is just a pain. Remember that mobile commerce should be fast and efficient.

4. For That Matter, Just Say No to Java and Flash Too. Flash and Java can be great for desktop sites. They give you the opportunity to add that much more visual appeal to your website. Unfortunately, not everyone’s phone supports Java and Flash. I know a lot of iPhone users who get tiffed when they can’t navigate a site because they hit a Flash roadblock.

5. Branding is how people identify your company. It is important that you maintain your brand identity on your mobile site. If your mobile site looks completely different from your desktop site then tried and true customers may feel a little taken aback. You want your customers, new and old, to feel comfortable on your site and be able to quickly identify who you are whether they are on a laptop or a cell phone.

6. Full Site access is a must. Once again, established customers may feel more comfortable with your desktop site. They may not care that it takes longer to navigate because they are familiar with layout of your full site. Make sure you make it quick and easy for customers to find what they need, even if it’s an escape from your pretty, new, clean, streamlined, awesome mobile site.

7. SIMPLICITY is the most integral element of making sure your mobile site is a success. You will have a limited amount of space to deliver key information to your established and new customers. Make the best use of that space by making sure you keep it simple.