Design your website for mobile devices.
Mobile devices such as cell phones have become an increasingly popular way to access the Internet. Many cell phone users browse their favorites websites or query Google and other search engines to find information, watch videos and check their email. Many websites, however, are not optimized for the mobile user. Many websites are designed for desktop users who have a wider viewing area. Designing a website for a narrower viewing space is one of the top considerations a webmaster must make when creating a mobile website. Other than that, mobile websites can be programmed in similar programming languages, such as HTML, javascript and CSS, as desktop websites.
Instructions
What to Include in a Mobile Site
1. Simplify navigation. A mobile screen is smaller so it is important to compress navigation features into a more compact menu. A vertical menu is easier to view than a horizontal menu, which may exceed the width of a screen. Also, remove menu options that aren't as popular such as a link to an About Us page. You may instead include that link at the bottom of the page.
2. Remove extra code. It is important to simplify the Web page code. Remove any code that is duplicate or unnecessary. This will decrease loading time and make it easier for the platform to interpret the website.
3. Include only required images. Keep images to a minimum--the site logo and other images that are pertinent to the information. For example, a mobile website about pet adoptions may need to include a picture of the animal up for adoption, but the mobile version of the website may include only one picture versus the six or seven images of that animal that may be available on the desktop version of the website.
4. Shorten text descriptions. Rewrite text so descriptions are short and to the point. Instead of long, detailed descriptions, use keywords and bullet points that a mobile user can read quickly. This will also keep the Web page from being too long.
5. Create a sub-domain or .mobi extension. Some websites, like Live.com (e.g., mobile.live.com), have a sub-domain for the mobile versions of their websites. Some prefer to have a completely different domain name. A mobile website can have any extension including .mobi (which stands for mobile).
Mobile Applications
6. Convert a current desktop website into a mobile version. There are several online services that will convert a website into a mobile version, including Instant Mobilizer, Mippin and Mowser. These services typically remove and reduce images and text, and vertically streamline the content so it is more compatible for a mobile user. The site may provide a sub-domain for your site (e.g., yoursite.mippin.mobi). You can also right-click on the converted page, copy the source code and paste it to your own mobile website source code. Some of these services cost a fee, while others are free of charge.
7. Design a mobile website using an application. MoFuse and Mobify allow users to design a mobile website from start to finish. Users who aren't versed in programming can still create a conformable mobile website. These services typically require a monthly hosting fee and are more expensive than conversion services.
8. Make a blog mobile. Many applications, such as Mippin, WPtouch and MobilePress, will convert a desktop blog to a mobile-ready application. Mippin allows users to add advertising to their mobile feed and different applications. WPtouch is actually a mobile theme that plugs your Word Press content into a pre-configured design. MobilePress allows users to select their own themes and add advertising to mobile blogs. The website must have a RSS or ATOM Feed. Fees vary per site.
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