If your website does not have mobile compatibility, you could be missing out on a key source of traffic that will only continue to grow over time. New research from Demandware Inc. shows that 33% of all ecommerce traffic comes from smartphones, as of the fourth quarter, 2014. Smartphones also accounted for 16% of all orders placed online, up from 10% just one year prior. Missing out on this vital opportunity could be detrimental to your website in years to come.
What Does It Mean To Be “Mobile Compatible”?
A mobile compatible website is created with dynamic web design that transform the page content when viewed on a mobile device. Because smartphones and tablets have smaller screens than computers do, they cannot hold as much information in a clean, legible display. If people have to zoom in just to read the words on your site, they may jump to one of your competitors to avoid the hassle.
With mobile compatibility, your website will quickly convert to a condensed, smartphone-friendly format that people can view regardless of the device they are using. This ensures that you reach your guests no matter how they choose to access your website.
The Difference Between Mobile Compatible And Mobile Optimized Websites
The terms “mobile compatibility” and “mobile optimization” are often used interchangeably, but they represent two different concepts entirely. A mobile compatible website will transition between a computer and a mobile device with ease, but a mobile optimized site is designed specifically for smartphones and tablets. For example, an online phone book or map generator may be mobile optimized because people often use sites like that on-the-go. In most cases, it is better to have a mobile compatible site than it is to limit your content to mobile optimization.
Mobile Shopping Predictions And How To Prepare For Them
Demandware Inc. predicts that “1 in 4 shoppers will shop on multiple devices” by the end of 2015, and “smartphones will become the primary traffic-driver” for ecommerce. By focusing on mobile compatibility now, you can stay ahead of the trend and prepare for the ever-growing adoption of smartphone technology. PEW Research recently discovered that 64% of Americans now own a smartphone, and 19% of them rely on their phones for internet connection, in some degree. Stay in touch with your customers by keeping your site accessible on mobile devices, and you will see positive improvements in your website traffic in the future.
