The Must Have Features For Any Mobile Website Design

There are a number of differences between designing a website for a desktop computer and a mobile device – the web access between the two is completely different, the screen sizes are worlds apart, and even the situation of the user is unique (as in, the user of a mobile device is generally on the move and cannot browse at leisure). If you work extensively with mobile website design, there are four features that you should ensure you include in every project you tackle:

• Auto redirect
  This redirect should take users to your desktop computer website. All mobile websites should have the functionality to detect what sort of device is being used to access it and be able to send the user to the most appropriate site. If they are using a desktop computer, you will be able to provide the user with a very different experience than they would receive with a mobile site.
• Call to contact button
  This is the name given to a certain type of functionality that allows a user to press a button that automatically dials the number of your business. If a user is on the road, they may not have a pen and paper to jot down your contact information or be able to memorize your phone number, so this makes it easier than ever for users to contact you.
• Driving directions
  This should be something that is included on all mobile websites, but it is often the feature that most designers leave off. By not including driving directions, you are going to send users away from your website (to other sites like Google Maps and Melways) to find you. By including directions on the website, they can remain on your page for longer.
• Location map
  Posting a Google Map on your mobile website design can be critical in helping users to find your business. Whilst posting your address can be helpful, being able to actually see where you are located in relation to nearby streets and landmarks can mean that they get to your store or office much faster than if they had to pull over and plug your address into their GPS.

If your business is just branching out into the world of mobile website design, it is important that you ensure the four features outlined above are included in every project that you work on. This will ensure that users are given the most rewarding experience possible, as well as making it easier than ever for them to contact and locate you. And, if you have already created a number of mobile sites, you should go back and make sure that each of these features has been included.