Smartphones have been big news for several years now and 2016 saw them playing an even bigger part in global Internet access. More people now access the Web using a mobile device than using a desktop. This means that you can no longer afford to drag your heals when it comes to ensuring that your website is optimized for mobile.

Many businesses seek professional help with SEO services, but what if you want some general advice before you decide what to do. We are going to explain why optimising your website for mobile is so important. We are also going to look at some of the ways in which you can make this happen.

Why is mobile optimisation so important for your business website?

Let’s look at it this way; can your business afford to lose out on more than 50% of its potential audience? We highly doubt that anyone will answer yes to this question. This being the case, you have to ensure that your website is optimized for use by visitors using a mobile device; it really is not a choice, it’s a necessity.

Just to be clear; simply using responsive web design techniques does not mean that your website it fully optimized for mobile. Too many designers still concentrate on desktop first and adapt for mobile, but the opposite should actually be the case.

The need to concentrate your efforts on mobile friendly web content will become even more urgent when the promised Google mobile first index becomes a reality. This is likely to happen at some point this year. Once the mobile first index is here, if your business has a mobile site this will be Google’s first port of call when it comes to determining search engine rankings. Make no bones about it, if your mobile site is not up to scratch your ranking could be adversely affected.

What can you do to optimise your mobile web content?

There are a few simple ways in which you can start to ensure that your web content is optimized for mobile. Let’s take a look at some of them.

  • Make use of responsive web design. This is not compulsory but it’s the Google recommended route when it comes to creating mobile optimized content.
  • Use technology such as HTML5 rather than Flash. If you have ever tried to view Flash content using a mobile device you will now that it’s not possible with most mobile browsers.
  • Optimize font size. It’s extremely annoying for mobile users if they have to zoom in to read the font on your website.
  • Do not place elements too close when touch is required. Never forget that mobile users should be able to touch an element without inadvertently touching a different element at the same time.

    • These are some of the most important aspects to consider when it comes to optimizing your website for mobile usage in 2017 and beyond. You need to ensure that your business completes the required work or you risk losing out on potential custom and in search engine rankings.