Go Mobile or Go Home – Time to Accept the Mobile-First Approach

In a world where the internet is omnipresent and ever-growing, it is no surprise that businesses are shifting their focus towards mobile. In May 2022, over 58.26% of all web traffic was from mobile devices, which only continues to increase. With this shift in focus comes a new way of thinking for businesses – the mobile-first approach.

What is the Mobile-First Approach?

Mobile-first means that your website and business should be designed to work best on mobile devices before considering anything else. Not only is this more efficient, but it also allows you to target specific demographics more effectively.

Which Industries Should Be Using the Mobile-First Approach?

Google implemented its mobile-first indexing in 2020 when adding content to its search engine. The mobile-first approach is a strategy many businesses use to improve their online presence. By designing and developing websites and apps with a mobile-first mindset, companies can better serve their customers who are using mobile devices to access the Internet.

Many industries can benefit from implementing the mobile-first approach, including retail, healthcare, travel, and hospitality. For example, online casinos should focus on providing mobile-first content. Why? Well, a recent UK gambling survey found that 83.98% of the participants preferred online casinos due to their convenience, and 85.26% preferred gambling on their smartphones.

Benefits to a Mobile-First Approach

One of the benefits of the mobile-first approach is that it helps businesses focus on their customers’ needs. By designing a website or app for a mobile device first, companies can ensure that all important information and features are easy to access and use.

Consumers already use their smartphones and tablets to access information and interact with websites and services. Businesses that don’t offer mobile versions of their products or services risk losing customers who prefer using mobile devices over desktops or laptops. Lastly, it can help businesses to save money on development costs.

How To Implement A Mobile-First Design In Your Business

So, in the modern world of ever-increasing mobile use and ever-shrinking mobile screens, what does it mean to be a “mobile-first” business? As mobile technology evolves, businesses must adapt their strategies to remain competitive. Here are four ways to start thinking about your business from a mobile perspective:

1. Make sure your website is mobile-friendly. To ensure that your website is easy to navigate on smartphones and tablets, use a responsive design or create a separate mobile site.
2. Optimize your content for mobile users. Keep your text brief and use images and videos to capture people’s attention.
3. Use location-based services. Take advantage of GPS and beacon technology to reach customers who are near your business.
4. Think about how you can use apps. Develop custom apps or partner with existing app developers to reach more customers on their devices.

Now, even TikTok is taking over the mobile search scene with its popular hashtag #TikTokTaughtMe. With over 1 billion users on TikTok, nearly 60% are Gen Z, and  40% prefer to search on TikTok and Instagram over Google Search and Maps, according to Google’s SVP, Prabhakar Raghavan.

Bottom Line

The mobile-first approach is a great way to think about the design of your application, as it allows you to consider the user at a higher level than just the platform they are using. This includes things like their location, device, and operating system.  Mobile searching is a billion-dollar industry, according to Google, as mobile search queries have increased by more than 50% since 2012.

So, next time you have a big idea, make sure it works on mobile devices too. In fact, this should be your first thought. After all, the title says it all – go mobile or go home!