Building Mobile Friendly WordPress Websites

May 15th, 2014 • #WPCME

“The Mobile Web”

According to Wikipedia:

“The mobile web refers to access to the world wide web, i.e. the use of browser-based Internet services, from a handheld mobile device, such as a smartphone or a feature phone, connected to a mobile network or other wireless network.”

TLDR; Any time you use the browser on your phone/tablet, you are connecting to “the mobile web”.

Mobile Devices Are Everywhere

• There are over 1.5 billion smartphones worldwide.– 147.9 million smartphone

users in the U.S.– 62% of the population

• Mobile devices account for 15% of all internet traffic– Primary web access for

28% of Americans

Still Not Convinced?

• Over 61% of people have higher opinions of businesses with mobile sites.

• 95% of smartphone users search for local information.

• By 2015, more people will access the internet via a mobile device than a traditional computer.

Mobile Website Options

Separate Mobile Website

• m.yoursite.com, yoursite.mobi, etc.– Think Facebook

• Created by your developer or via a third-party service:– Duda, MoFuse, Mobify,

Wirenode

• Implemented via redirect scripts

Separate Mobile Website

Pros• Speed & Optimization• Easy to Implement• Allows (modest)

branding• Many Tools & Options

Available• Don’t Have to Edit the

Main Website

Cons• Potentially Bad for SEO• Sharing & URL Management• Another Site you Have to

Update• Can put a limit on content &

features• Content May be Displayed

Improperly• Often Outdated Look/Feel• Requires redirect script - will

be lost if updated• Can look "off" on tablets,

varying screen sizes

WordPress Plugin

• Hybrid Solution – appearance & features of separate site without separate URL

• Many Available Options:– WP Touch, Jetpack, Obox

Mobile, WP Mobile Edition

• Implemented via a custom “mobile theme”

WordPress Plugin

Pros• Only one URL• Only one Website to

Maintain• Easy to Implement• Speed & Optimization

Cons• Branding/Customization

depends on plugin• Content May be

Displayed Improperly – Conflict with Plugins– Conflict with Shortcodes

• Add'l payments, "premium" plugins

• Can look "off" on tablets, varying screen sizes

Responsive Theme

• Your theme adapts to different screen sizes.– Built into the theme’s

code.– Usually implemented

via CSS/jQuery.

• As seen on: WPCME, Small Business Waterville

• Google Recommended

Responsive Theme

Pros• One URL• One Website• Your

Look/Feel/Branding• Content Properly Laid

Out• Works Properly on a

Variety of Screen Sizes• Good for SEO

Cons• Speed & Optimization• Alter/Update Existing

Site, Redesign – Addt'l Fees– Can’t DIY

• Reliant on technology – If no jQuery/Java,

incompatible devices, etc.

Choosing A Mobile Solution

Things to Consider

• Time Involved• Cost• Branding/

Aesthetic• Your Content• Ease of Use &

Management• DIY vs. Hiring

Someone

Which is Best for You?

• If you want fast, [relatively] easy, DIY set up: Separate Mobile Website or WordPress Plugin

• If you only want to manage one website: WordPress Plugin or Responsive Theme

• If your user experience, look/feel, branding, or SEO are important: Responsive Theme

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