It’s 2019 and a mobile-first, responsive approach to design might just be the only strategy that will deliver tangible results. Mobile is extremely hot property right now and if you want proof of that, most of the people reading this will be doing so on a mobile device.
Websites are often designed primarily for desktop computers and adjusted to function on mobile or tablets. And with mobile browsing continuing to increase why are so many websites designed for a medium that is dying out?
Google has been unusually forthcoming in emphasising that mobile-first is the best approach to take. So, let’s take a look at precisely what this means.
What are the differences between ‘mobile responsive’ and ‘mobile first’ web design?
Both comprise of similar ingredients but the methodologies and strategies are entirely different.
Mobile responsive web design uses CSS to adjust a site to the dimensions of the device it is being viewed on. Conversely, mobile-first is a design strategy that prioritises the needs of mobile users. Rather than designing a desktop site initially and then adjusting it to fit mobile devices, the mobile-first approach builds for mobile users.
Reasons to work with a design agency to develop a mobile-first website
Mobile browsing surpassed desktop browsing in 2016 and the gap between the two has continued to increase. The fact that smartphone sales overtook PC sales in 2012 is a significant contributing factor to this.
How to design a website with a mobile-first approach
Designing with a mobile-first mindset doesn’t need to be complicated. A few simple changes can make great results.
– Less is more
Mobile browsers don’t want to scroll through streams of content on small screens. Your content should be clear, concise and comprised of short, readable sentences. This also means your website will be lighter weight and will load faster especially when using data!
– Simplicity is everything
Minimalism has been having a moment for some time, in part because of this exponential rise in mobile browsing. There are a variety of simplification steps that you could choose to take, including reducing the number of individual pages on your site, using simple fonts and integrating an intuitive search feature to help visitors locate the information they are seeking.
– Modernise your calls-to-action (CTAs)
You need to know that when your visitors click on a link from a mobile device it will load correctly because your landing pages have also been optimised for mobile. Poorly positioned lead-generation forms are the most common cause of frustration for mobile browsers. Put simply, your CTAs are useless if they haven’t been designed with mobile in mind and you will be missing out on valuable leads and sales that you can’t afford to lose.
Now is the time to stop wasting time and sinking funds into sites that provide poor mobile experiences. Mobile responsiveness is simply not enough to keep mobile users engaging with your site. If you want a website that is easy to use, highly intuitive and powered by considered design, a mobile-first approach is the only way to secure the results you want to see.
At Casper Creative, we are experts in mobile-first, responsive web design and user experience. Get in touch today to discover how Casper Creative can help your business.
