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Nov 15
2009
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Is your property website mobile-friendly?
Nielson reports that the use of mobile devices to browse the web increased 34% from July 2008 to July 2009 (56.9 million). Are you alienating these users from viewing your website? If prospects pass your office and attempt to see more property information from their phones, will they be able to do so?
Why is a mobile site so important?
The rapid adaptation of the mobile web is leaving many companies behind. Although Nielson projects that the majority of mobile phones by 2011 in the U.S. will be smartphones, many companies aren't making the investment in mobile websites. eMarketer predicts that by 2013, nearly 50% of mobile phone users will access the mobile Internet at least monthly.
All companies should consider making the effort to establish a mobile site that is easy-to-use on the go. Mobile research is not only used by Generations X and Y, even seniors are increasingly using the Internet. According to Focalyst over half of Americans ages 62-71 online. With the increase in smartphone sales, it won't be long before seniors start using mobile devices for browsing the Web. Why not make it as easy as possible for prospects to learn more about your property?
From rent research, to maps and directions, there are many opportunities for you to engage your audience where your competitors do not.
Here are some tips to make your website more mobile-friendly:
- Many people use their phones for finding directions, be sure this option is clearly visible and user-friendly so you don't miss a walk-in opportunity.
- Phone screens are small, space is a commodity. By only displaying the navigation on the homepage and including links on supporting pages you will be able to conserve space for the highest priority content.
- Links and buttons should be easy to read and use. Create links in bolder fonts that are easier to touch or navigate.
- Mobile users make spelling mistakes, mistype and take shortcuts. Use drop-down menus frequently, rather than text boxes.
- Include a Back or Previous button on every page. Many mobile browsers do not have these buttons available.
- Download times for mobile browsers are significantly slower, by reducing the size of the images you will improve the end-user experience.
- Although the iPhone is still without Flash compatibility, many other smartphones will be Flash compatible later this year and early 2010. However, by creating simple and easy to use mobile sites you will increase the speed at which users are accessing property information.
