For the first time since around 2001, Mobile device sales have now surpassed the sales of traditional desktop/laptop computers. “Personal Computing” should now officially be changed to “Mobile Computing”. i.e., Smart Phones and Tablets. Technological advancement just never sleeps.
What does this mean for existing or potential Web site customers? And what does this mean for Web site design/development service providers? Some fundamentals will always stay the same, such as site and content optimization, but obviously a growing percentage of Web site visitors will be viewing from smaller on-the-go computing devices…and both sides have to get ready. Now.
For potential Web site customers, it means having even more options to reach your customers than ever before. For us here at Contemporary Communications, it means we will move forward putting even more emphasis on “Responsive and/or Adaptive Layout” methodologies for all of our Web site design/development efforts. Responsive/Adaptive is not a new concept, we’ve discussed it here before, but it just means that a Web site is more accommodating and view-able to a wider variety of computing devices, with myriad different screen sizes. The mandate is clear; this type of hybrid Desktop/Mobile Web site is now almost a requirement, or you run the risk of not reaching all of your intended audience.
All this change in Mobile device adoption is only a good thing, by the way. There are some 35% of Americans that still do not have some form of the “always on” Internet connection, like many of us currently enjoy from home and work. Most Mobile devices being purchased now are of course bundled with Web access, or data plans. This just means more people are connected, and more people than even before are able to view the Web, or participate in other Internet-based services…from just about anywhere in the world.
The new hybrid PC/Mobile Web sites should open up new customer opportunities as well. With Geo-location features now included on most Mobile devices, any Web site can take advantage and provide location-specific content for their visitors. With their Mobile devices, your customers can now translate signs, translate words, voice search the web, recognize a face, show the quickest way to a restaurant, show you where their friends are in real time, show where they are on a map, and of course getting navigation assistance as they drive.
All options with potential to better connect with your customers. Get ready for Mobile…and communicate with your customers/audience on whatever device they use the most.
Did I mention Mobile e-commerce? Shopping via Mobile devices increased 81 percent in 2012
