Mobisites

The mobile web is still in its infancy, but mobisites (mobile optimized websites) should continue to grow to fit your expanding needs.

The number of mobile devices – cell phones, smart phones, PDAs – is outstripping the number of personal computers worldwide. There are as many as three billion mobile users, and huge numbers are connecting to the internet via their convenient and omnipresent phones and handhelds. If your website is not mobile friendly, you could be missing out not only on traffic and potential customers, but on the future of the internet.

The internet is not confined to the home or office anymore; as more users are on the move, they are demanding better mobile website services. From checking stock performances between meetings to getting driving directions to an unfamiliar location, mobile users need fast, accurate, and streamlined access. The functions are different – viewing and interacting websites to check the weather or for new messages as opposed to downloading large files – yet mobile users expect quality. While mobile websites look and act differently from traditional sites, they need to meet the needs of today’s users.

The key for these mobile users is that they have instant access to information anywhere and anytime. Because space is at a premium and speed is so important, many websites are able to be customized on a desktop so when the user then accesses it on a phone or PDA, it is personalized. For instance, if you regularly check on the status of packages and shipments, you can access the information with one click instead of having to search through a website to find it, which can be unwieldy on a mobile device. In addition, the look and feel of mobile websites is different, more streamlined, pared down, and functional.

In the course of the next few years, the number of people accessing the internet via mobile device is expected to grow even more rapidly. Soon, many people’s first computer or Internet experience will be on a cell phone or PDA; this is especially true in developing countries where access to computers is not as common. Having a mobisite has been shown to increase your traffic by up to thirteen percent over traditional websites alone. The figures are even greater for sites that pertain to weather, entertainment, games, and music. This could mean a substantial increase in your customer base, even for businesses not typically internet-driven. Local businesses also realize the benefits. Many mobile users search for local restaurants, stores, or attractions, which is great news if your business has a mobile friendly site.

Not having a mobisite today is like not having a website yesterday: your business runs the risk of being left behind as more people turn to their mobile devices for information, entertainment, and news. On the other hand, there is potential for enormous growth and success. Let us help you get started. Contact us today.