Millennials have the strongest buying power of any demographic – and they also use their phone 150 times a day.

That should be all you need to know to realize that a mobile-optimized website is beneficial for your business.

Think about how often you browse on your cell phone while you’re out and about, or when you’re chilling at home but your laptop is in the other room. That’s how everyone is now surfing the web, too.

It’s becoming increasingly important to have a website that is optimized for mobile. Not convinced? Keep reading to find out exactly why you need to optimize your website for mobile.

4 Reasons You Need a Mobile-Optimized Site

People aren’t just using their smartphones to browse Facebook anymore. New technology, easier browsing experiences, and mobile advertising have all impacted on how, when, and why mobile browsing is more popular than ever.

1. More People Than Ever Use Mobile Browsing

Mobile browsing has overtaken desktop in the past two years. More and more people are using their smartphones and tablets while they’re on the move, thanks to more mobile-friendly websites and ever-cheaper data tariffs.

At some point in the buying cycle, users will use their mobile to make a decision. People who always complete a purchase on their desktop are still likely to consult a mobile website while they are on-the-go or in the research stage.

Think about it: how often have you sat on your couch and seen something cool on the TV that you want to know more about? You swipe open your smartphone and give it a quick Google.

You’ll think about the product, then the next day when you’re at your laptop will open the same website again to have another look. This is a classic example of how users are switching screens to influence their purchasing decisions.

2. People Use Mobile Browsing Differently

It isn’t just the frequency of mobile browsing that is of note: people use different search terms between mobile and desktop use.

That means you need to pull a few SEO tricks to cover both desktop and mobile search queries if you want to boost traffic from mobile sources.

The increase in mobile search is also related to voice search. People are using voice search on their smartphones or devices such as Alexa and Google Home to find the answer to their on-the-go questions.

The words used in voice search will be different to those typed into a search bar, so optimizing your website for mobile will need to include more speech-related search terms if you want to rank well.

3. You’ll Benefit From Local Search Conversions

The rise in on-the-go browsing allows users to find businesses in their area to satisfy an immediate need. For example, if you have a strong desire for takeout you will probably search “pizza in my town” or something similar.

Google’s search results will pick up on your location or search term and provide the most relevant and local results.

Without a mobile-optimized website, you’re missing out on tons of potential custom as search engines push other local businesses ahead of yours in search results.

A shift in how Google looks at your website content means you could be missing out on high rankings in search results just because you don’t have a mobile-friendly site.

The search engine has started to shift towards a ‘mobile-first’ preference. That means website with mobile-optimized content will rank higher in searches than those without. This can apply even to searches on desktops.

3 Tips for a Mobile-Friendly Website Design

Optimize Your Images

While a giant photograph of some of your top-selling products or smiling clients might be eye-catching on a desktop site, oversized images can slow loading speed to a crawl — and seriously mess with the formatting — on a mobile device.

Instead, make sure the images you use on a mobile version of the website are as light as possible. Switch to JavaScript, choose one central image as opposed to a slideshow, and post lower resolution photos.

Don’t forget to crop and study up on the aspect ratio to seriously save on bandwidth and ensure images load quickly and completely.

Stop the Autoplay

We know that video marketing is on the rise, and it’s true that it can be an excellent addition to your overall digital marketing plan.

However, stop to consider if it really belongs on a mobile-friendly website.

Eliminate the autoplay features of a video, and instead allow mobile users to click on a link to be redirected to a video instead.

When it comes to choosing the right mobile video player for a mobile site? We suggest going with an HTML5 player, which is compatible with most mobile devices.

While we’re on the subject of automatic features — skip the pop-ups and automatic redirects to an app store or another site. Not only will it slow things down, but it’s also off-putting to consumers.

Consider Site Design

The final step in learning how to make your website mobile friendly.

Make sure that you’ve optimized your overall site design.

First off, make sure to include follow buttons to your social media profiles, and always ensure your contact information is visible.

When you look at your website, search for things that can be cut. This includes excess plugins, large images, slow-loading graphics, and especially giant walls of text.

Remember that the mobile screen is much smaller than a desktop, so aim to de-clutter your mobile website as much as you can.

Above all, if you include appointment request forms, question and answer forms, or contact forms on your mobile site, ensure they’re mobile friendly.

Need Help Moving to Mobile?

Now you’ve seen just why a mobile-optimized site is essential for boosting your online business, it’s time to revamp your website with this in mind.

If you’re not confident with web development and want to leave it to the experts, get in touch to chat about how we can help.

The post Why A Mobile-Friendly Website Will Boost Your SEO and Grow Your Business appeared first on Exults Digital Marketing Agency.

In today’s digital landscape, nearly anyone can design and run a website, but not everyone succeeds at making their website truly effective. A website is much more than just pretty pictures and text—it requires strategic planning, well-crafted content, and seamless functionality to stand out from the competition, especially for industries like law firms where professionalism and clarity are paramount.

Ultimately, the success of a website hinges on how user-friendly it is. This guide will walk you through the key elements of a user-friendly website and how to win over your audience with a website homepage that excels in law firm website design and beyond.

What Should Be on the Home Page of a Website?

The homepage is often the first interaction users have with your website, making it the most crucial page to get right. Whether you’re focusing on law firm website design or another industry, your homepage should immediately communicate who you are, what you do, and how users can benefit from your services. Here are the essential components that every website homepage should include:

• Clear Value Proposition: Your homepage should clearly state what your business offers within seconds of landing on your page. This is especially important in law firm website design, where clarity and professionalism are key.

• Easy-to-Find Navigation: The main navigation menu should be intuitive and accessible, guiding users effortlessly to the information they seek. User-friendly website navigation is critical to keeping visitors engaged.

• Engaging Visuals: Use high-quality images and graphics that align with your brand’s message. Avoid clutter, but ensure the page is visually appealing.

• Call to Action (CTA): Encourage users to take the next step with prominent, strategically placed CTAs. This could be scheduling a consultation for a law firm or exploring services.

• Social Proof: Include testimonials, reviews, or client logos to build trust and credibility with new visitors. Social proof is an important element of a good website, particularly in industries that rely on reputation.

5 Important Elements of a User-Friendly Website

Many businesses, including law firms, make the mistake of prioritizing aesthetics or content over usability. However, user-friendly websites prioritize the user experience, making it easy for visitors to find what they need and take action. Below are the elements of a good website that are critical to user-friendly design.

1. Simple Website Navigation

A well-planned and easy-to-navigate website is crucial for user-friendliness. Clear, concise page titles and a logically organized menu bar are essential. Overcrowding the menu or burying important information can frustrate users and increase bounce rates. For law firm website design, it’s important to ensure that key information like practice areas, attorney profiles, and contact information are easy to find.

2. Aesthetic Appeal

While aesthetic appeal isn’t everything, it plays a significant role in user experience. A visually appealing website with professional, high-quality images and a clean layout can enhance usability. Consistent branding across your website strengthens your brand identity and makes your website more recognizable and trustworthy. This is particularly true in law firm website design, where a professional appearance can set the tone for client trust.

3. Responsive / Mobile Compatibility

With the majority of users accessing websites from mobile devices, mobile compatibility is non-negotiable. A responsive website adjusts seamlessly to different screen sizes, ensuring a smooth user experience regardless of the device. Test your site with Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to ensure it meets mobile usability standards. Designing user-friendly web design that works well on mobile devices is crucial, especially for industries like law, where clients may be searching for legal services on the go.

4. Simple, Scannable Content

In today’s fast-paced world, users don’t have the time or patience for long blocks of text. Most users skim content, looking for key information. Make your content easy to scan by using clear, bold headings, subheadings, and bullet points. This approach helps users quickly find the information they need, improving the overall user experience. This is a critical aspect of creating a user-friendly website.

5. Quick Loading Time

A slow website can deter visitors and harm your search engine rankings. In fact, if your page takes longer than 6 seconds to load, you risk losing potential customers. Optimize your website’s speed by compressing images, minimizing the use of heavy scripts, and utilizing fast hosting solutions. A faster website not only enhances user experience but also boosts SEO performance. This is a key aspect of user-friendly website design.

Additional Resources for Creating a User-Friendly Website

Creating a user-friendly website involves understanding both your audience and the technical aspects of web design. Below are some additional resources that can help you refine your website:

• Google PageSpeed Insights: Analyze and optimize your website’s speed to ensure a user-friendly experience.

• Mobile-Friendly Test by Google: Ensure your website performs well on mobile devices.

• Yoast SEO: Improve your on-page SEO, making your site more accessible to search engines.

• Hotjar: Gain insights into user behavior on your website to make data-driven improvements.

Indicators of Website Success

Success in web design isn’t just about aesthetics or content; it’s about how well your site performs with its intended audience. Key indicators of a successful, user-friendly website include:

• Low Bounce Rate: Users engage with your content and explore multiple pages.

• High Conversion Rate: Visitors are taking the desired actions, whether it’s scheduling a consultation, filling out a contact form, or subscribing to a newsletter.

• Positive User Feedback: Consistent, positive feedback from users suggests that your website is meeting their needs.

• Search Engine Ranking: A user-friendly website often ranks higher on search engines due to better usability and optimized content.

The Importance of Social Proof

Incorporating social proof into your website design is a powerful way to build credibility. Whether through client testimonials, case studies, or user reviews, showing that others trust your services can significantly influence new visitors. This is especially important in law firm website design, where trust is a crucial factor in converting visitors into clients.

The Benefits of a User-Friendly Website

Investing in a user-friendly website offers numerous benefits:

• Improved User Experience: Easier navigation and faster load times create a more enjoyable experience for your visitors.

• Higher Search Engine Rankings: Search engines favor websites that provide a good user experience, which can boost your rankings.

• Increased Conversions: A well-designed website that’s easy to use encourages more visitors to convert into clients.

• Enhanced Brand Reputation: A professional, user-friendly website strengthens your brand’s reputation, making it more appealing to potential customers.

Looking For Professional Website Design?

If you’re in need of a user-friendly website that stands out in today’s competitive digital landscape, Exults is your go-to partner for internet success. Whether you need a website overhaul or a completely new design, our team has the expertise to take your project from concept to completion.

Ready to Elevate Your Online Presence?

Learn more about our mobile compatibility web design services and how we can help you create a user-friendly website that not only looks great but also drives results. Contact Exults today for a consultation.

The post Key Elements Every User-Friendly Website Should Have appeared first on Exults Digital Marketing Agency.

Why are customers choosing to purchase online rather than in stores?  Let’s take a look to find out more.

Convenience

Online shopping is available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  There are no lines, cashiers, or crowds.  The best part?  You can purchase just about anything from the comfort of your home all while wearing your pajamas.  Not to mention, you can purchase things in seconds from your mobile device or computer.

Better Prices

Products online are coming to you directly from the seller or manufacturer, which means lower prices for customers because there is no middleman involved.  Many online sites offer coupons for first time or returning customers, which can eliminate shipping costs, tax, and ultimately save the customer money.

Greater Selection

You can almost always find any product you are looking for online.  Customers can shop from retailers in other parts of the country or even the world without leaving the comfort of their home.  You’re no longer limited to shopping in your local area.  Another bonus is that online stores typically have a higher volume of inventory, with more size and color options.

Simplified Price Comparison

Shopping online gives you the ability to research and compare multiple products at the same time.  Customers can research which is the best product on the market by having access to product reviews and ratings.  Rather than having to drive all over town going from store to store, customers can navigate from one website to another in seconds.

The internet has truly changed the way customers shop.  Many customers prefer to shop online from their mobile device or computer rather than making a purchase in person.  The growth of e-commerce continues to increase, and so does the desire for instant access and 24/7 accessibility.

The post Why Are Customers Choosing to Purchase Online Rather Than in Stores? appeared first on Exults Digital Marketing Agency.

It’s no secret that having a mobile-friendly website can increase your conversions and help you skyrocket to the top of search engine results.

The only problem?

You’re not quite sure how to make a website mobile friendly.

Read on to learn how to create a design that works across multiple mobile devices and operating systems.

Then, learn where you can go to find the professional digital marketing help you need to take your desktop and mobile sites to the next level.

Optimize Your Images

While a giant photograph of some of your top-selling products or smiling clients might be eye-catching on a desktop site, oversized images can slow loading speed to a crawl — and seriously mess with the formatting — on a mobile device.

Instead, make sure the images you use on a mobile version of the website are as light as possible. Switch to JavaScript, choose one central image as opposed to a slideshow, and post lower resolution photos.

Don’t forget to crop and study up on the aspect ratio to seriously save on bandwidth and ensure images load quickly and completely.

Stop the Autoplay

We know that video marketing is on the rise, and it’s true that it can be an excellent addition to your overall digital marketing plan.

However, stop to consider if it really belongs on a mobile-friendly website.

Eliminate the autoplay features of a video, and instead allow mobile users to click on a link to be redirected to a video instead.

When it comes to choosing the right mobile video player for a mobile site? We suggest going with an HTML5 player, which is compatible with most mobile devices.

While we’re on the subject of automatic features — skip the pop-ups and automatic redirects to an app store or another site. Not only will it slow things down, but it’s also off-putting to consumers.

Consider Site Design

The final step in learning how to make your website mobile friendly.

Make sure that you’ve optimized your overall site design.

First off, make sure to include follow buttons to your social media profiles, and always ensure your contact information is visible.

When you look at your website, search for things that can be cut. This includes excess plugins, large images, slow-loading graphics, and especially giant walls of text.

Remember that the mobile screen is much smaller than a desktop, so aim to de-clutter your mobile website as much as you can.

Above all, if you include appointment request forms, question and answer forms, or contact forms on your mobile site, ensure they’re mobile friendly.

Otherwise, none of your hard work will pay off!

Need Professional Help Creating a Mobile Friendly Website?

Sometimes, the best way to create a mobile-friendly website is to leave it to the professionals.

That’s where we come in.

We’re a full-service digital marketing agency, which means that we can help you with mobile-friendly design in addition to SEO, social media, and more.

When you’re ready to transform your site and web presence as a whole, reach out to us.

The post Going Mobile: 3 Tips for a Mobile-Friendly Website Design appeared first on Exults Digital Marketing Agency.

Use Descriptive Metadata

The title tag on your page appears at the top of the browser, and search engines also use it to display the page in the search results. The title tells users and the search engine what’s on your page. Google only displays up to 78 characters in the title, so you want to keep them short and relevant with the keywords toward the front.

Optimize SEO for Mobile

Google once used the desktop version of a page for ranking. However, as more people use their mobile phones for browsing online, the search engine company is now beginning to use the mobile version for ranking. Therefore, ensuring your site is optimized for mobile usage is essential.

Update Content Regularly

Google views content regularly updated as relevant, offering higher rankings to websites that often update content. Since content is the number one thing that drives people to your website, you want to ensure relevant and quality content created just for your users.

Blog Optimization

To maximize your blog’s potential, you can take a few essential actions.

• Including relevant keywords is important to increase visibility of your posts on search engines.
• Promote your blog on social media channels to increase visibility and attract new readers.
• Don’t forget to engage with your audience by responding to comments and creating opportunities for discussion.
• Ensure the content is interesting for your target audience. This will help drive organic traffic.

Landing Page Optimization

If you’re looking to improve your website’s performance, then landing page optimization is a must. A landing page is the first thing your audience sees when they arrive on your site, so making a good impression is crucial. Optimization aims to ensure your landing pages are engaging, easy to navigate, and quickly deliver the information your visitors need. There are many ways to optimize your landing pages, from improving page load time to adding clear calls to action.

Use Authoritative Links to Improve Ranking

Linking is also important in your site. Avoid using “Click Here” for your links since that phrase has no value with search engines. Instead, use phrases that are rich with keywords for your links. Also, make sure to periodically check for dead links throughout your site.

Along with these tips for improving Google rankings with SEO, contact Exults to see how this full-service agency can help you with all your digital marketing needs.

FAQs

How do I refine Google search results?

To refine your Google search results, you can use a variety of operators and filters to narrow down your search. Some tips for refining your search results include:

1. If you are searching for a specific phrase or term, put it in quotes to ensure that Google only returns results that include that exact phrase.

2. Use the “site:” operator followed by the site’s URL you’re searching for.

3. To find results from a specific time range, use the “daterange:” operator followed by the start and end dates in Julian format.

Can you pay Google to rank higher?

It is possible to use paid advertising (such as Google Ads) to show up at the top of SERPs. This is not the same as organic search rankings. Attempting to manipulate search rankings through unethical or spammy tactics can result in penalties or even removal from Google’s index.

The best way to improve your website’s visibility in search results is through quality content creation, strategic keyword targeting, and ethical SEO practices.

How does SEO work?

Optimizing your website and content is the process of enhancing your visibility and ranking on search engines. engine results pages. When someone searches for a certain target keyword or phrase, search engines like Google use algorithms to determine which websites and pages are most relevant and valuable for that query.

The post Ultimate Guide to Improving Google Search Rankings appeared first on Exults Digital Marketing Agency.

Make Sure Cover Images Look Great on All Platforms

Creating a dynamic cover image is important for all social platforms. After all, you want to convey your brand identity and let followers know exactly who you are. Keep in mind that most social sites require different cover image dimensions for desktop and mobile, which could mean your image is cropped strangely on one platform vs another. Some platforms, such as Facebook, require text to be in within certain guidelines in the middle of the photo which can require some editing compared to Linkedin or Gooogle Plus. You want to ensure all logos, slogans or copy don’t get cut off due to dimension differences.

Create Ads Specific to Desktop or Mobile Users

When you want to attract only desktop or mobile users with your social media ads, take advantage of targeting options. Keep in mind what device your target market will probably see your posts or ads and edit them accordingly. When creating Facebook ads, you can view how the ad will appear on every device so you can optimize and ensure everything is edited properly. You can even target your ideal user’s device type solely to make your targeting extremely specific if you think one device is more effective then another.

Think Carefully About Copy Length

Consider the length of your ad copy when targeting followers on different platforms. Desktop users may be willing to read longer posts, but mobile users are far more likely to prefer copy that’s short and to the point as well as posts that they don’t have to expand to read in their entirety. Conciseness is key – people are looking for the highlights and compact information. Using bullet points and bolded highlights can help people understand the message you are conveying and hopefully spark their interest.

Ensure Visuals Are Easy to Understand

Both desktop and mobile users are attracted to images on social media, but not all images work well for both platforms. Images with a lot of small details or indistinct colors might work just fine on desktop, but mobile users could may not be able to see them properly. When you want to target mobile users, try bright, saturated images that are easy to decipher on a small screen.

Whether you need help with social advertising or community management, our team can help. Contact Exults today to give your social presence a professional edge.

The post Optimizing Your Social Accounts for Desktop and Mobile Users appeared first on Exults Digital Marketing Agency.

Here are just a few ways you can prepare.

Create a Responsive Website

Migrating your existing content into a fully responsive website will help when the mobile-first initiative goes live. Google has maintained a desktop-first index and has promised to continue crawling desktop websites after the change, but you’re still doing yourself a favor if you update before launch.

Google will update any responsive websites with mobile annotation updates to speed up the indexing process, which gives you an advantage. Fortunately, you still have time, as the initiative isn’t scheduled to roll out until 2018 or later.

Add Content to Your Mobile Site

Most businesses publish most of their content on desktop sites. The bad news is, if your mobile site has less content than the desktop version, Google may only see the lackluster mobile version, which can reduce your search rankings. While switching to a responsive website is ideal, you should be adding plenty of content to your mobile site in the meantime.

Focus on Expandable Content

Google hasn’t weighed expandable content as heavily on desktop websites, and by “expandable content” we mean information hidden in tabs and other expandable boxes. With the mobile-first indexing, however, this hidden content is given full consideration by Google because it makes more sense on mobile.

Start planning your long-term SEO strategy now with Exults. Contact us today to partner with an experienced full-service agency that anticipates these changes and can help you prepare.

The post Get on Board with Google’s Mobile First Initiative appeared first on Exults Digital Marketing Agency.

1. Offer a Mobile App

Offering a mobile app for your customer base adds another dimension of awareness in the marketplace. You don’t need an industry-leading app, but simply having one adds a lot of value to your overall marketing push. Keep in mind, an app may not be perfect for every industry.

2. Text marketing

Engaging in a casual and friendly text marketing campaign can effectively market your products when on a limited budget. Everyone has a smartphone nowadays, so reaching large population segments shouldn’t be a problem.

3. Create a Mobile-ready Website

A poorly optimized website for mobile devices will leave mobile users frustrated and unable to take advantage of the products you are offering. Ensure a mobile-friendly website is created that supports those on a mobile device. In addition, Google and other search engines are taking preference mobile sites because it is estimated that 60% of users on the web are using a mobile device.

4. Add a Mobile Payment Option

For a comprehensive mobile buying experience, mobile payments must be added. It would be unacceptable if the buyer was ready to buy but could not do so because there needs to be more functionality.

Is your website mobile-friendly? Give us a call, and we’d be happy to bring you into this mobile world!

FAQs

What is mobile marketing?

Mobile marketing refers to advertising activities promoting products and services through mobile devices, including tablets and smartphones. The marketing campaigns are designed to cater to an individual’s location by utilizing modern mobile technology features such as location services.

What are some popular mobile marketing methods?

Mobile marketing strategies encompass several crucial types, including SMS, social media, location-based, proximity, and in-app marketing.

What is mobile marketing vs digital marketing?

Digital marketing refers to utilizing digital channels, such as websites, social media, search engine advertising, and email, to connect with customers and promote products or services. Mobile marketing is a subset of digital marketing that focuses on reaching customers who use mobile devices to access information.

The post 4 Mobile Marketing Tips appeared first on Exults Digital Marketing Agency.

In an attempt to make the mobile ad “unskippable” 3 versions were created:

The Original:

The control in the experiment. 30-second video starring 3 guys who grab the Mountain Dew drink, start dancing, and everything in the setting joins in on the dancing.

The Big Punch:

Re-cut of video that starts with bold product shot and countdown, signaling that something cool will happen. Viewers are dropped into the middle of the action and the story unfolds from there.

Pure Fun:

Re-cut of video that drops viewers into the middle of the action with no music or any real sense of what exactly is happening. Music kicks in and ad shows different dancing elements; it is significantly longer than the first 2 ads at 1 minute 33 seconds

Findings:

The view -through rates for all 3 ads were about the same when looking at the views from desktop computers, however, this was not the case with mobile. The “Pure Fun” video with no conventional  story-line or structure was viewed at a 26% higher rate than the other 2 cuts on mobile.

This experiment suggests that it may be time to look past our ideas of customary ads when it comes to mobile. The experiment has shown us that we can make an impact with longer and richer stories; more or less, content that does not necessarily feel like an ad.  Unlike on desktops where the shorter and quicker the ads are, the better, mobile ads prove to be more successful when they are longer, richer and even a bit stranger, luring the viewer in to watch more.

To read the full article click here.

Below is the third and most successful “Pure Fun” video. What are your thoughts on this ad?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=32&v=l–keZ4aOdE

The post How Video Advertising is Evolving for Mobile appeared first on Exults Digital Marketing Agency.

Mobile devices are the new convenience standard- surpassing tablets and laptops.  They’re easy to carry, full featured, and always connected. As the saying goes, “due to overwhelming demand…” your search results will now be even more refined on a mobile device.

Starting April 21^st websites that are mobile friendly will be clearly labeled if you are browsing from a mobile device. Additionally, mobile- friendliness will be a ranking signal thus giving websites that mobile compatible ranking priority to mobile visitors.

If you’re concerned about potential limitations on your site, you can use Google’s Mobile Friendly Test resource. The tool will outline any inconsistencies or load issues along with showing you what your site looks like on a standard mobile browser.

Check out how our own site did:

To address this new shift, we recommend either developing a dedicated mobile site, or converting your existing site to a responsive format. There are advantages to both, and ultimately the most effective method will depend on your needs.

A dedicated mobile site is best for local businesses that offer several products or services, or are looking to drive foot traffic. A mobile site should be a condensed version of your main site and have the pertinent information potential customers would need quickly. Examples of this could include contact details, address, pricing information, or product offerings.

Responsive design involves re-coding your existing website to actively respond and adjust to screens of all different sizes. This format works for businesses that provide products or services that require more information or involve a more in depth buying cycle. In this case, even if on a mobile device, users will be looking for information to support their decision.

The post Mobile Compatibility is Now More Important than Ever appeared first on Exults Digital Marketing Agency.