At the beginning of 2015, a new era of internet web browsing was acknowledged by Google. Internet usage on smartphones and tablets surpassed desktop PCs in 2014. Now Google gives priority to websites that are “mobile-friendly” meaning they load faster and offer better user experience not only by the looks, but also functionality. If your website doesn’t follow the “mobile-friendly” rules, you are hurting yourself more than you think.
It’s not an option. It is absolutely mandatory.
Not only does Google now give ranking priority to websites that are mobile friendly, but also downgrades (penalises) those that are not. Having a non-mobile-friendly website lowers your chances to get found on the web, especially if you are a local business. Local businesses are generally found via longer keywords such as “dentist in Seattle city centre” or “Best podiatrist in northern Sydney”. This means that the search is focussed to fewer results and if your website is not mobile friendly, competing practices will appear above yours. With 90% of mobile users using Google as their search engine, you need to pay attention to how Google works.
Mobile Internet users are different
Mobile users mostly have a different intent when searching online. While a desktop user might take his time to explore your website, a mobile user most probably wants to see the pricing page or class schedules, books an appointment or get contact information. In other words, mobile users are looking for something specific and are ready to take action. Helping them to do what they want via their small screens will only help your business.
If you are a local health practice, mobile website optimisation can be the key for your business growth. It will increase your chances to you get found online and get more patients. The most basic test is simple: Take a look at your own website on a smartphone. Do you see the same thing as you do on your computer (only smaller)? OR has your website re-arranged its layout so that you can use the information easily? Are you able to get around your website, click on links, read the text and fill in forms without having to zoom in and out all the time? Does it load fast?
There are several ways to make a website mobile-friendly, but only a few best-practices. If you have any concerns, get in touch with us and we’ll be able to tell you.
If your local practice isn’t keeping up with technology, you really should reconsider or risk falling behind your competition.