By the end of this year, there will be more mobile devices in use than there are human beings on Earth.  Within five years, smartphones will be able to make payments at all major retailers in Asia, North America, Europe, and the Middle East.  Within ten years, smartphones will have largely replaced debit cards, credit cards, and even cash.

As smartphones take the place of our wallets, they will become standard personal items for billions of people.

What Does this Mean for Online Businesses?

In short, it means a global shift away from using personal computers to browse the Internet, towards using mobile devices.  Children born today will grow up in world where most internet browsing and commerce is done on mobile devices.

More practically, it means that your website should be as optimized as possible for mobile, as quickly as possible.

Here is a checklist to make sure that your business is ready for the world of tomorrow:

Is Your Website Mobile-Friendly?

Every single page of your website should have a mobile version.  Not just the landing pages, not just your recent content- Every.  Single.  Page. From your archives and your sitemap on up, your website should be easy to read and navigate on mobile devices.

Does Your Website Design Work on Every Possible Resolution?

The smallest mobile screen still used to browse the internet is the 3” 240 x 320 pixel Samsung Brightside.  The largest is the Acer Iconia Tab at 10” and 1280 x 800 pixels.  The highest resolution mobile device by far is the iPad 3 at 2048 x 1536 pixels.  Other common resolutions are 480 x 320, 480 x 360, 960 x 640, 1024 x 600, 1024 x 768, and 1280 x 800.  Your website design should be responsive enough to look great and navigate easily on all of the above screens.  Take a look at how your website looks on each using the free online tool Screen

Does your Website Need an App?  Does it Have One?

Apps are probably a little over-used by web developers.  Sure, they improve user experience, but they also take time to download and can deter potential visitors.  Here is a great infographic to decide whether or not your website needs an app:
http://socialmedia.biz/2012/10/09/should-you-build-a-mobile-app-or-mobile-website-infographic/

In my opinion, an app is a good idea for your website if, and only if:

1. An app would improve your user experience in ways an HTML 5-enhanced website could not, and
2. Your website is already also mobile friendly.

In short, users shouldn’t be forced to download an app to be able to use your website easily.  Only use an app if you already have locked down the fundamentals.

My Website Needs Some Help.  Where do I Get It?

A great thing about Web 2.0 is that there is an app for everything.  Several apps have come out that can auto-generate mobile websites.  These generally use themes that are attractive, customizable, and responsive to every screen resolution.

Post By DJ (14 Posts)

DJ has been a high profile Internet Marketer since 2001. He is the CEO of TechWyse and as a passionate member of the Internet marketing industry is a key contributor on the 'Rise To The Top' and the InstantMobile Blog.

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