Posted Jul 13, 2010 02:42PM

You may or may not know that smart phones (Iphone, Droid, Blackberry, etc.) are projected to out sell desktops by 2011.  That is an enormous number and a good predictor of where communications are heading. 
 
The question is - are you ready?

Ok so what if there are a billion smart phones! Why does that matter to your company?  Well the answer is simple really... accessibility.   The ability to deliver information any time, any place is probably the number one reason why it makes sense for companies to invest in a mobile site -- especially if their target audience is mobile - and they are.  Now that you know you need a .mobi site (didn't I convince you in under 10 sentences?!)
 
We find it is always fun to learn from mistakes so let's take a look at a couple "no-no's"  when it comes to .mobi sites and then you can avoid them!
 
1.  Don't treat your mobile user like a desktop user

Let's face it, you think that your entire 100 page annual report is the most important piece of information out there right?!  Wrong.  Mobile users don't want to download all that information, never mind READ it all on a tiny little screen!  The first rule of creating a superior mobile experience is to think about the kinds of things you want to do when you're out and about:  you want fast access to information, you want services that recognize you are out and about, you want location aware and activity specific information.  Millions of words, slow downloads, humongous images, and a navigation system that works only partially, is not exactly what the user is looking for.  The best thing to do when creating your mobile site is to take out the most valuable information and get rid of the rest!  GASP!  I know... I said it... discard some of your content!  It seems harsh, but in the end will create a more USEFUL experience.
 
2.  Embrace the capabilities of the Mobile Device

Yes, certainly developing for a mobile device is limited.  Your working space is that much smaller and there are a plethora of other limitations that would cause me to talk geek, but I'm sure you would rather I not.  So I will mention that there are many things that can differentiate a mobile site and really embracing all the functionality of the device is key.  For instance, you can enable your users to send a text for input, polls, or blog posts. You could allow your users to pay for an item with their phone while on the go.  How about utilizing location awareness and offer a coupon when the user is nearby?  So many options here to create the ultimate experience! 
 
3.  Not letting the entire world know about your .mobi site

It takes quite a bit of time and resources to create the ultimate mobi experience so the worst thing you can do is not tell anyone about it! This may sound like a no brainer, it's shocking I know,  many awesome mobi sites are under promoted.  If you advertise in anything... anything at all... it is more likely that your audience is closer to their mobile device then their computer.  There are some things your customers will only be able 
to do on your .com site and others they can only do on your .mobi; the more you promote your mobi experience the more people will utilize all that it offers. 
 
So now you know 3 things not to do, we hope that it will get your creative ideas flowing and come up with a .mobi site that will be a sick experience for your users.    Think of what they are doing when they are utilizing their phone, typically standing in line, on the go, or connecting with friends and family. Just remember, if you wouldn't want to see it on your mobile device then chances are your viewers won't either!

<< Back to blog entries