You see it everywhere you go, people entranced by their mobile devices. In restaurants and coffee shops, in waiting rooms, on the bus, and even crossing the street. It’s also not uncommon for people to be visually multi-tasking, like watching TV while looking at social media, shopping on Amazon or maybe even looking for their next dream car.
The ability to target your customer on the go has a lot of advantages, but mobile users have very different needs and behaviours than desktop users. Trying to market to distracted people, constantly flipping, scrolling and desensitized to advertising is like playing a game of chess against Magnus Carlsen. It’s possible to win, but it requires strategy and some expertise.
In this cyber-age of marketing, it’s not just about taking your desktop user experience and optimizing it for mobile viewing and touchscreens. It’s also about the context, the creative and how to hold the attention of your target market with engaging content. Mobile users need to be able to find your information quickly and easily before you lose them to Candy Crush.
Here are just a few do’s and don’ts to remember when it comes to mobile design.
Mobile Design Do’s
- Keep it Simple – The key to a successful mobile user experience is to deliver your message quickly and concisely. Desktops have lots of room to display details and images, and often a desktop user has the time and focus to take it all in. A mobile user is usually on the go or distracted, and with limited viewing space, you need quick, concise information displayed to grab your customer’s attention.
- Prioritize your Information – Mobile users are typically looking for specific information, such as your contact information or product details. Make sure this information is easy to find and access.
- Use Responsive Design – Responsive design allows your website to adjust to different screen sizes automatically, ensuring a consistent user experience across devices. But don’t just shrink the images. You may require multiple versions in different shapes and sizes. For example, a large wide rectangular image at the top of your site may need a smaller square image to switch to on a smartphone.
- Optimize for Touch – Since most mobile devices are touch-based, ensure your design is optimized for touch-based gestures such as swipes, taps, and pinches. Use larger buttons and fonts to make it easier for users to interact with your website or app.
- Test your Design – Before launching your mobile website, test it thoroughly to ensure it works well on different devices and platforms and for speed, functionality, and usability.
Mobile Design Don’ts
- Clutter the Page – Too many elements or information can be overwhelming and challenging to navigate, resulting in a poor user experience.
- Use Small Fonts – Small fonts can be hard to read on smaller screens. Use larger fonts to make it easier for users to read your content.
- Use Too Many Images – Although images can enhance the visual experience, too many can look cluttered and overwhelm the user. Even worse, too many pictures can slow your mobile website’s loading time, and you know what that means…see ya later customers.
- Neglect Optimizing for Mobile and Using Special Mobile Features – Mobile devices have many added features that can enhance your design, like location-based services or push notifications. And did you know that Google and other search engines give preference to mobile-friendly websites in their search results? If your website isn’t optimized for mobile, it may be harder for potential customers to find you online.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help – If you’re not skilled at mobile optimization and design, hire someone who is. As more and more people use mobile devices to access the internet, having a mobile-friendly website is no longer optional but essential for any Dealer wanting to stay competitive in the market.
As a Dealer, providing a seamless and easy-to-use mobile experience can improve your chances of converting potential customers into paying customers. By following these simple mobile design do’s and don’ts, you should be well on your way to success in this digital age.
If you have questions or need support with mobile design, Leadbox is here to help.
