The Need For Mobile Websites: FAQ’s

According to surveys, the number of people in the UK accessing the internet via mobile devices such as their iPhone or Android phones is on the rise. This is a considerable chunk of the market that commands every Northampton Web Development company and every website owner to pay attention and look into mobile web development. A mobile website is basically a specific version of the original website that is defined to nicely fit on mobile devices like smart phones.

As far as trends go, mobile websites are a force to reckon with. They are getting more and more popular every day. The benefits of having one for your business are numerous, mainly being: better user experience, constant connectivity with your clients who are all going mobile anyway, gives you organization a competitive edge, enhances your brand identity by presenting you as a contemporary brand. Since they are seemingly here to stay, lets look at some of the FAQ’s that you as a mobile website owner or user might need to know the answers to:

1.) What difference is there between a regular website and a mobile website?

A regular site is designed to be viewed via a desktop or laptop computer. When viewed via a mobile devise, some features or elements might not function or appear as they should. Mobile websites create a version of this website that is designed specifically for viewing on mobile devices with every element and function optimized. This increases the user experience.

2.) Which mobile devices do you support?

All devices with an HTML enabled browser supporting JavaScript and CSS. These include Android phones, iPhone, Windows mobile and selective Blackberry devices.

3.) Do I need a different URL?

No, when a user searches for your regular URL on their mobile device such as phone or tablet, they get automatically transferred to the Mobile version of the website. Your mobile website does not replace your regular website, they run concurrently.

4.) What are the benefits of having a mobile website?

The main benefit is that it improves quality of user experience for mobile device users visiting your site. It provides quick information about your business, faster download speeds, provides an opportunity for constant connectivity with your clients which in turns helps improve your brand awareness and helps convert the huge amount of mobile traffic to sales through features like mobile maps, for directions and click-to-call.

5.) What’s the difference between my mobile website and a mobile App?

When a client types in your URL on their phone, they automatically get redirected to your mobile site. It runs on your mobile devices downloaded or built in browser. You will NOT need to install anything to view the mobile site. An App, the client has to opt in, download and install in order to use it for whatever purpose.

6.) Do I need additional hosting for the Mobile website?

Depending on who your Northampton Web development company is, they can just build you a mobile website and you can keep the same hosting as your regular site, but if they do not offer this, they yes, you will need additional hosting.

7.) How are mobile websites created/built?

Some web design companies have a ‘Do It Yourself’ feature that allows you to build your own mobile website through following a series of instructions. But in most cases, you would have to hire a professional designer.

8.) What content is included in the mobile website?

You can include virtually everything that is on your regular site but it is advisable to include only the most essential information on your mobile website. This is to facilitate quick access to it by the client and also to direct their attention to the most beneficial bit they need to know.

9.) Can I read the content of my mobile website while offline?

No. Mobile websites are just a version of your regular website that has been specifically built to fit in a mobile device so as to enhance the user experience. You still need internet connectivity to view the mobile site.

10.) How can I get additional traffic driven to my mobile website?

Traffic can be driven to your website through features like SEO (Search Engine Optimization), QR Barcode Marketing, Check-in-services which allow your clients connect with your site through Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and other social media of your choice.