I remember being eight and all I wanted for Christmas was "Game and Watch" games. Game and Watch by Nintendo, was a handheld gaming unit made in the early 80s, with an LCD screen and very simple motion. In my mind, this was the seed of the moblie generation and I'd like to believe that this revolution may have started with me. ;)
Almost 30 years later, I have colleagues and clients of all ages who now embrace the mobile revolution as much if not more than I have. The need for connectivity in the business environment has grown exponentially greater with the advancement of mobile technology.
According to AdAge, there are about 275 million wireless subscribes in US alone. As these consumer mobile trends become more robust, clients expect their partners and suppliers to have the necessary mobile devices so that they can conduct their business faster and more efficiently. A recent study in the UK found that 65% of smartphone users regularly access the mobile web. This says to me that creating a mobile version of your website can no longer be ignored. Accessing the mobile web is fast becoming a part of our personal and business lives.
What is a mobile website and how is it different from a regular website?
Mobile websites, sometimes called mobi's, are specifically designed for viewing on mobile devices such as iPhones, Droids, Blackberries, etc. Until recently, websites were designed to be viewed on a 13" or larger monitor. But with the smartphone's smaller screen and a much slower internet connection, websites in their current form cannot perform as well as planned. Hence, the need for websites to be specially created for mobile phones.
Here are five reason why you should have a mobile version of your website:
- Most importantly, it's an extension of your website and your brand.
- It provides key information quickly and easily to the user.
- Because a mobile site is an abbreviated version of your main website, it's easier and faster to navigate.
- No pinching to enlarge just to read and no broken flash links.
- And finally, it demonstrates that you are conscious that your client's time is valuable.
The age of the mobi has arrived, get onboard or get left behind. At Moiré, we take great pride in being the first professional services marketing agency to launch a mobile website. Every website we design and develop includes a mobile version - that's how important we feel this communication tool is to our client's future success.
