The importance of a mobile-friendly ecommerce website

When it comes to ecommerce, to say that mobile responsiveness is a requirement is an understatement. As of July 2023, almost 60% of worldwide web traffic is accessed by mobile devices.

With the ever-increasing number of people using smartphones and tablets to browse the internet and make online purchases, having a mobile-friendly ecommerce website is no longer just an option—it is a necessity. This article explores the importance of optimising your ecommerce website for mobile devices, highlighting the benefits it offers to businesses and the enhanced user experience it provides to customers.

The Mobile Revolution

Mobile devices have revolutionised the way we access the internet and shop online. The convenience and portability of smartphones and tablets have made them the preferred choice for browsing, shopping, and conducting transactions. According to Exploding Topics, there are 4,32 billion mobile internet users globally, with over 92% of web users accessing the net via mobile phone. Failing to have a mobile-friendly ecommerce website means missing out on a significant portion of potential customers.

Improved user experience

Mobile optimisation involves adapting the layout, design, and functionality of your website to fit various screen sizes and resolutions. By optimising for mobile, you provide users with easy navigation, faster load times, and a visually appealing interface that enhances engagement and encourages conversions. In fact, an article on Business.com indicates that a website with 1 second load time has a 40% conversion rate, but an increase to 2 seconds drops it to 34%, and a 3 second load time drops the conversion rate to 29%.

Increased reach and visibility

Mobile optimisation extends the reach and visibility of your ecommerce business. With a mobile-friendly website, you can tap into the vast audience of mobile users and attract potential customers who prefer to shop on their smartphones. Moreover, a mobile-friendly website is also more likely to appear in mobile search results, as search engines like Google prioritise mobile-friendly websites in their rankings. This means higher visibility and exposure to potential customers, ultimately leading to increased organic traffic and sales.

Competitive advantage

In today’s highly competitive ecommerce landscape, staying ahead of the competition is crucial. By having a mobile-friendly website, you gain a competitive advantage over businesses that have not yet optimised their online stores for mobile devices. Customers are more likely to choose a website that offers a seamless mobile experience over one that is difficult to navigate on smaller screens.

Mobile commerce growth

The rise of mobile commerce, commonly known as m-commerce, is a significant trend that cannot be ignored. Of all global mobile internet traffic, 47% is used to pay for something bought online. By having a mobile-friendly ecommerce website, you tap into this growing market and cater to the increasing number of users who prefer to make purchases using their smartphones. Ignoring the m-commerce trend means missing out on a substantial revenue stream.

Social media integration

Mobile devices and social media go hand in hand. People spend a significant amount of time on social media platforms, and they often discover products and make purchasing decisions while scrolling through their feeds. Having a mobile-friendly ecommerce website allows for seamless integration with social media platforms. By optimising your website for mobile, you ensure that users can easily access your online store from social media links and advertisements, driving more traffic and conversions from social media channels.