In this digital age where smartphones play an increasingly vital role in our daily lives, it's astonishing to discover that 24% of business websites are still not optimized for mobile devices. By neglecting to have a mobile-friendly website, you're missing out on numerous opportunities and potentially losing valuable sales. Here are six compelling reasons why having a mobile-friendly website is essential:
Embracing the presence of mobile phones
With the majority of individuals owning smartphones, which are projected to reach approximately 63 million active monthly users in the UK by the end of 2022, not having a mobile-friendly website severely limits your online reach.
The dominance of mobile traffic
Mobile search has already surpassed computer search, accounting for 50.5% of UK traffic in 2021 and 55% globally. As mobile devices continue to evolve and fulfill more functions, the need for traditional home computers is diminishing. Consequently, websites designed primarily for PCs will cater to a shrinking audience.
The rise of mobile shopping
The prevalence of mobile phone usage for online purchases is steadily increasing, with a third of UK online shopping conducted via smartphones. Additionally, nearly 80% of smartphone owners have made purchases using their devices in the last six months. Projections indicate that annual mobile sales within the UK will exceed £100 billion by 2024.
Unique mobile user behavior
People exhibit different browsing behaviors when using smartphones compared to laptops. Mobile browsing tends to be frequent but shorter in duration, often conducted in between other tasks. Mobile users expect instant page loading, easy content accessibility, and seamless transitions across devices. If a site is not optimized for mobile viewing, visitors are likely to leave and seek alternatives.
Enhanced visibility and visitor traffic
Search engines acknowledge the shift towards mobile browsing and prioritize mobile-friendly sites in their ranking algorithms. If your website lacks mobile-friendliness, its search ranking will suffer, resulting in decreased visibility and reduced visitor traffic.
Capitalizing on social media benefits
Mobile apps are the preferred method for accessing social media platforms, and users frequently share products and services they enjoy. By ensuring your website is mobile-friendly, you facilitate easy sharing, expanding your reach and potentially increasing sales.
Remember, mobile websites must load quickly, regardless of the user's connection speed. Upgrading your hosting plan to one that offers the latest technology, such as Intel Xeon processors and fast SSD hard drives, can significantly improve site speed.
In conclusion, if your business is part of the 24% that lacks a mobile-friendly website, you risk falling behind competitors. By upgrading your hosting and adopting a responsive theme, you can improve search engine rankings, increase traffic, reduce site abandonment, and ultimately drive sales growth.