Mobile first – when a mobile website is more important than the desktop version

What is more important: a mobile version of a website or a traditional desktop version? Check out the reasons why a mobile-optimized platform is more important nowadays. 

A mobile-optimized site: a must for every business

Internet users are increasingly surfing on mobile devices. A smartphone as a multifunctional minicomputer runs day and night nowadays – most people no longer turn it off at all. Home computers and laptops are more often used for work purposes. 

In the course of this development, the question arises as to whether it makes more sense for websites to be focused on providing mobile versions. If you have Google Analytics, you can even directly evaluate how many users visit your website via mobile devices. If the number is 50% or more, then it is worth focusing on mobile web optimization.

The concept of “mobile first” goes one step further: it provides that websites are already designed primarily for smartphones during the creation process and only then for the large monitor. As a result, web content is more tailored to the main mobile user and adapted to his needs.

Google has announced that it will now place the Mobile Index above the Desktop Index. If you are also thinking about applying this concept, we have summarized the most important checkpoints for a successful mobile website in this article. If you are interested in what options can be used during website development, Node.js is an open-source server environment and one of the most popular options now. A website built with node.js will definitely satisfy all of your needs. But now, let’s focus on the most important factors that indicate that your website is mobile-friendly.

Space-saving navigation

Navigation is one of the most important tools of a website. Normally, it belongs directly to the top of the page, where the user can find it easily and quickly. In the mobile version, however, it often takes up too much space and displaces important starting elements downwards – so you should resort to a so-called “oncoming” navigation. This consists of a small icon with a navigation symbol, which can be expanded if necessary and presents the subpages. In this way, navigation remains accessible but is not intrusive.

Readable content on a small screen

For your web content to be clearly visible on your smartphone, the texts should be provided with a correspondingly large font size. The mobile user usually has no patience to additionally zoom into the website to get the information he is looking for. Who would like to take a magnifying glass every time to read a book? Good readability is, therefore, one of the most important features of a mobile and user-friendly web design.

Shortened loading time due to slim structure

Another point is the loading time. Let’s continue to assume an impatient user who wants to access your content as quickly as possible and may have a poor Internet connection: In this case, loading time is extended, especially by “heavy” elements such as large images or videos. Try to do without most of them – even if it is difficult. For mobile websites, it is also appropriate to keep all elements as compact as possible due to the lack of space. Of course, this does not mean you should not use any design elements. But limit yourself to selected elements and optimize them in size.

Touch-enabled controls in clickable size

The majority of modern smartphones can now be operated almost exclusively via a touchscreen. The touch ability is, therefore, an absolute must-have. The buttons should also have a suitable size – if they are too small, it makes it difficult to tap with your finger. Overall, large, highly visible elements are very suitable for mobile users because they are user-friendly.

Gesture recognition for easy operation

Based on the topic of touch capability, there is still a very popular function for users: gesture recognition. As a result, the display detects the finger’s movement, and objects can be moved on the screen, also called “swiping.” Such effects are particularly popular in image galleries (in the form of slideshows) and also navigation bars because they offer dynamic and intuitive added value for the user.

Icons for quick contact

Of course, when you create a website for customers or readers, you want them to be able to contact you quickly and easily. Therefore, easily identifiable buttons are recommended that redirect to the contact form or social media channels. You can also display important information such as telephone numbers and e-mail addresses with corresponding icons. Such common graphics have a certain recognition value for users and therefore do not need any explanation. In this case, it seems that websites are already designed primarily for smartphones during the creation process and only then for the large monitor.

Pop-ups as the enemy of the mobile user

Hardly anything is more demotivating for the user than the sudden appearance of advertising. But while these pop-ups can be closed relatively quickly with the conventional desktop monitor, this is usually a little more cumbersome with the smartphone and can also cause additional effort and nerves for the mobile user. For this reason, you should be careful to avoid pop-ups.

The added value of mobile-first

If you integrate all these points into your website, you will definitely benefit from it. “Mobile first” has many advantages: smartphone websites have little space and focus on the essentials, which is really important for the user. This creates a lean content structure and an easy-to-use design solution.

The desktop version can also benefit from this. The focus on the most important contents of the website offers new perspectives for improved clarity and prevents the page from overloading with unnecessary elements. And if you want to install additional elements, you can easily do this as well.