Prepare for the "Mobilepocalypse"? Swift and Dirty Strategies to Preserve Your Search Ranking

In today's digital world, mobile devices have become an integral part of our daily lives, and businesses are recognising the importance of optimising their online presence for these devices. According to Chris Lucas, Vice President of Marketing at Formstack, 70% of mobile searches lead to online action within an hour, making it crucial for businesses to ensure their mobile websites are user-friendly and engaging.

One challenge faced by mobile users is the complexity of forms. The average survey now contains 22 fields, which can be daunting for consumers completing forms on mobile devices. To address this issue, consider using a smart form that automatically shows or hides questions based on how users respond, making the process more streamlined and less overwhelming.

Another issue faced by mobile users is the smaller screen size, making it harder to scroll and impossible to scroll horizontally on many devices. To improve user experience, reduce the need for mobile viewers to scroll whenever possible. You can achieve this by making sure the most important content displays in the top few pixels of the mobile page. Additionally, consider using a horizontal layout for checkboxes and buttons to create an illusion the form is shorter.

The convenience of social login is another factor that can significantly improve the consumer experience and reduce time on site. 64% of users who frequently leave sites due to forgotten login information say social login is an option companies should offer. Social Autofill, a feature that automatically populates form fields with information from a user's social media accounts, can increase conversion rates up to 189%.

Google has also recognised the importance of mobile optimization, releasing a new algorithm update designed to improve search experience for mobile users. This update will make mobile optimization a necessity for websites, starting from April 22.

A clear, easy-to-find, and easy-to-use call to action button can boost conversion rates by as much as 320%. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that your call to action is prominent and easily accessible on your mobile website.

However, a poorly designed mobile site can deter users. 57% of users would not recommend a business with a poorly designed mobile site. To avoid this, prioritise a clean, responsive design that is easy to navigate.

As mobile devices continue to dominate the digital landscape, businesses must adapt to this shift. Gartner projects ultramobiles, which include tablets, hybrids, and clamshells, will take over as the main driver of growth in the devices market beyond 2014, with a growth rate of 54%. Therefore, optimising for mobile is no longer an option, but a necessity for businesses looking to thrive in the digital age.

Prepare for the "Mobilepocalypse"? Swift and Dirty Strategies to Preserve Your Search Ranking