Mobile Website Change Slow

Surprisingly, few traditional websites offer mobile specific versions for the mobile visitors. While some of the bigger websites do offer mobile specific sites, the norm is most do not cater to mobile at all.

Mobile website designs range from very basic text only pages to more graphical pages. with the number of smart phone devices out numbering the iPhones and iPads – why not create for the typical phone today.

A Few Mobile Website Ideas

The phrase “Keep it Simple” comes to mind for creating mobile sites, but what makes a good mobile website?

1. Compatibility

Your site should render well in the most typical sizes with the most popular currently 240 x 320. But remember that even bigger sizes such as 480 x 320 are on the rise.

The site should also be xhtml compliant. Try to stay away from javascript where possible. You need to think about the end users browsers.

2. Optimize Your Content

Images shoud be downsized and downscaled to load faster and fit the smaller screen sizes.

Your keywords should be used “wisely” for the smaller screen also.

3. Usability

The site should be usable. Navigation should be clearly stated and easy to use. No scrolling, or tiny tabs.

4. Good Design

Design is very important. Your mobile site should not only look good, but should not feel cramped or cluttered.

5. General Tips

Capture your visitor’s attention and  introduce YOU in the best possible way

Most important information should appear at the top of the page

Small screen – but larger font. You want to be read

Use icons or simple lists to organize your information

6. Examples

YellowPages is a great example of use of color, branding, and simple design. They have simple navigation with a link to their traditional site.

YellowPages

Bank of America offers a very clean and easy to read landing page.

Bank of America

I really like the way icons are used, goes along with the brand.

Burger King

Here McDonald’s is using a simple landing page to collect zip codes.

McDonalds Landing Page

Again great use of icons for navigation.

Roanoke College

UT Dallas uses the simple list approach, but clean and easy to find info.

UT Dallas

For Marina Yachting, great branding look.

Marina Yachting

Creativity with mobile is only limited to those not using mobile. two great mobile sites that show off their creativity.

Travis Berry

Matt Bango