As a website designer, I understand the importance of creating a great user experience for every device, especially mobile. But, not everyone is aware of the significance of mobile-first design. This is why I’m here to explain the reasons why your new website needs a mobile-first design approach, specifically through progressive advancement.
Designing your website with the ‘graceful degradation’ approach may cost you more in the long run, leading to potential disastrous implications and wasted investment. Instead, opt for progressive advancement to future-proof your website and provide a seamless experience for all users.
Shakeel Quadri BSc
What is Progressive Advancement?
Progressive advancement is an approach to web design that starts with the simplest, most accessible version of a website and gradually adds more complexity as the user’s device and capabilities allow. In other words, it is a mobile-first approach that ensures the website is accessible and functional on any device or browser, while also taking advantage of advanced capabilities when available.
Why Progressive Advancement is Important for Your Website
Mobile usage on the rise
According to Statista, mobile devices accounted for 61.6% of global website traffic in the third quarter of 2021. This trend is only going to continue as smartphones and tablets become even more ubiquitous in our daily lives. Ignoring mobile users means you’re potentially ignoring a significant portion of your audience.
Search engine rankings favor mobile-first websites
In 2015, Google announced that it would start using mobile-friendliness as a ranking signal for search results. This means that if your website is not mobile-friendly, it may not appear as high in search engine results as those that are. This is a compelling reason to prioritize mobile-first design.
Mobile users have different needs and behaviours
Mobile users have different goals and behaviors than desktop users. They’re often looking for quick information or completing a task on the go. This means that the design and functionality of your website need to cater to these specific needs. A mobile-first approach ensures that you’re meeting the needs of your mobile users first and foremost.
Increased engagement and conversion rates
A mobile-first website is more likely to engage and convert mobile users. A study by Google found that 61% of users are unlikely to return to a mobile site they had trouble accessing and 40% will visit a competitor’s site instead. Additionally, mobile-first design can lead to faster load times, which is essential for keeping users engaged.
Improved user experience
A mobile-first website with progressive advancement leads to a better user experience. Users don’t have to wait for unnecessary content or features to load on their device, and they can access the essential information or functionality quickly. Additionally, a mobile-first design forces you to prioritize content and simplify the user interface, which leads to a more intuitive and easy-to-use website.
Conclusion
In today’s digital age, a mobile-first design approach is essential for any website. Progressive advancement ensures that your website is accessible and functional on any device or browser while also taking advantage of advanced capabilities when available. By prioritizing mobile-first design, you can improve your search engine rankings, engagement, and conversion rates while also providing a better user experience. So, it’s time to embrace progressive advancement and start designing your new website with a mobile-first approach.
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Business owners, don’t settle for outdated websites or wasting money on ineffective marketing. Opt for one of my Mobile-First websites to get ahead of your competition and increase sales.