Smartphones And The Internet
Have you ever thought why anyone would want to bother viewing the Internet on their Smartphone? Most websites take an age to load and are primarily designed for desktop or laptop computers, aren't they? Why should businesses be alarmed if more Smartphones are being sold than desktop computers and laptops put together? Why should they consider that according to BBC News* almost 50 per cent of Internet users are going on-line using their Smartphones to search for products and services. Apart from big brands like M&S, the Financial Times and a host of other Blue-Chip companies why should SME's bother to jump on the band wagon? They shouldn't and here's why.
Speed
Most Smartphones these days have Wi-Fi built-in as standard and Wi-Fi hotspots are easy to find. They're in pubs, hotels and even McDonalds. Although you don’t need a Wi-Fi connection to browse the internet when you're out and about, most Smartphones come equipped with 3G technology.
And so what if we have faster access to downloading data on our phones; normal websites, designed for desktops still take an age to load on a Smartphone. To fix this shouldn't companies have a Mobile Website an App or something, that requires less data and appears within seconds, but still has all the relevant information a user would be looking for when they used a mobile phone to go on-line.
Websites On A Smartphone Are As Good As A Broken Link
Is this not 2012? When I visit a website on my Smartphone, like thousands of others, why do I have to zoom and pinch to view the information that I need. In fact, it’s like a poorly designed desktop website that I can't find my way around. If the truth be told, I actually like being treated as if I'm stupid. I want to be signposted to the information I need within seconds. However, I'll much more likely leave the website altogether, if I can’t find what I want quickly, and that's another potential customer lost. Don't companies care?
Mobile Screens Are Too Small
Desktop websites for...well...desktops, so what is the point of showcasing them on a screen that is about 2" square? The old adage of “its best to have a poorly presented website than no website at all” just doesn't cut it when businesses know they could give their visitors a greater mobile experience, but often they don't. Thousands like me want to see clear text and graphics on their Smartphones. I don't want to feel like I live in a retirement village in Eastbourne and have to get my bifocals out to see a webpage on my Smartphone. I'm a customer, have you thought about my experience?
What's The Point In The Mobile Web ?
If I am out and about, in my car or on the train and I want to book a romantic meal with my wife, I don't get the Yellow pages out of my bag or get my laptop out just to book a table. I am not even going to use the one portable device that I and millions of others carry everywhere, my mobile phone! And why? Because most business websites on my Smartphone don’t have a button I can immediately call to book a table. When I have found the Contact Us details on a page, I then have to get out a pen (that works) and a piece of paper (because my memory is not what it used to be) to write down the telephone number and then type the number in to call. Where is the logic? I have a powerful Smartphone in my hands, why can’t I just click one button from a Mobile Web App to call a restaurant and hey presto, be talking to someone taking my booking.
Conclusion
Millions of people carry their Smartphones everywhere. We use them and look at them more times throughout the day than any other electronic device, and they are always with us. People demand that Smartphones solve their every problem. They are powerful computers and yet 79% of UK companies have not developed a Mobile Web App or any Mobile Website strategy to catch the growing army of Smartphones users; many of whom, can't put them down. Increasingly we're also becoming more reliant on our phones to shop and update our Social networking sites. I'm sure there is a marketing opportunity there for businesses to lead consumers to a clearer Mobile platform retelling what they do and sell, but sadly few see it.
Although these very forward-thinking organisations did. Some of our clients:
Although these very forward-thinking organisations did. Some of our clients:
Author: Paul Wykes E-mail paul@smartwebapps.co.uk
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