Whether it’s a site made specifically for cell phones or not, every website now needs to be adaptable for mobile devices. However, handhelds read a lot differently than large computer screens. That means that web development adjustments must be made.
Keeping that in mind, what are these necessary adjustments? Which changes are most important and which ones can be overlooked? Below are nine mobile-friendly features that must be included in order to keep handheld viewers coming back:
Buttons That ‘Click To Call’
Millennials love to have everything right at their fingertips. Mobile devices are a big part of what makes that possible. Technology has also shortened the attention span of frequent users. That means if something is too difficult to access, they have no problem giving up and finding something that can satisfy their needs quicker.
Most people nowadays also don’t travel to check out a store or product. They will call first, make sure they can find what they’re looking for at the location and then make the trip out there. This makes “click to call” or “click to SMS” buttons imperative.
Don’t forget during web development that the easier a navigation process is, the better. More people will inquire after your product or service if “click to call” buttons are included.
Lay Out Directions
Once a viewer does decide they want to take the next step and visit your store location, it should continue to be an easy process. Include a mobile map in web development that can easily guide potential customers to you without any hassle.
This can be done by including a Google Maps widget. Also be sure to include step by step directions along with the map itself so that customers won’t give up and turn the car around.
Keep Contact Forms Simple
Although most will simply call a company to make an inquiry, some people prefer email or contact forms. Make contact forms as short and simple as possible so that again, contacting you is not a hassle. Difficulty is one of the top things that will turn away interested but flighty customers.
Web development should revolve around simplicity. Especially in regards to how a customer can contact personnel. The easier and faster it is for them to accomplish their goal, the more likely they will be to return.
Create Collapsible Content
Content should also follow the principle of simplicity. It is easy to get carried away with too much information during web development. Although it all may be important, choose the most relevant information to feature first.
Then, use collapsible content so that users don’t have to scroll down the page at all. This way one touch of a minimize button can bring up new content without cluttering the screen.
Tricks To Easy Navigation
Once a customer decides they want to explore past the home screen of a website, navigation should be effortless. One way to do this is by including a “back” button at the bottom of each page. Also, make links or other pages bold and pop out so that there is no doubting buttons are buttons.
Don’t just focus on the homepage aspect of web development. Make sure that every single page is easy to explore, and that all signs point to home. It shouldn’t be difficult for customers to get back to the main page.
Include Video Content
Another part of the millennial generation that is taking over the technology world is video. Millennials (and most people for that matter) are stimulated by sight. They connect better with images flashing on a screen rather than words.
Videos not only grab attention, but they are more successful at holding that attention too. 41 percent of users prefer video over text. Even if it is just an introduction to your company or product, include at least one video in web development.
Make Buttons LARGE
As discussed before, navigation should be easy. That means you should make buttons bolder and bigger. If it is an important button that will spread the word about your site, make it bigger than the others. It will more likely catch the eyes of browsers that way.
Social media links should especially should not be hidden. Use the logo for each social media outlet and make it look like a button that when customers click on, it will take them right to the outlet. Specifically, buttons should be designed during web development to be between 45 and 57 pixels.
Don’t Forget the Link
Although you may already be planning to include “back” or “home” buttons in your web development, don’t forget to include the entire link. This way if someone wants to copy and paste or open your website in a different browser, it is uncomplicated.
After including all of these important features, remember that usability is key. Simply ask yourself if anyone could get frustrated while using your site on a mobile device or otherwise. If the answer is yes, then it’s time to rethink your web development.
