As the popularity (and affordability) of internet-capable mobile devices grows, more and more webmasters are starting to optimize their sites for mobile browsers in order to reach this new generation of internet users. Optimizing your site for mobile browsers can make it easier for mobile users to find you, leading to increased traffic and revenue. Here are a few things to consider when optimizing your site.

How will mobile users access your site?

Deciding how you want mobile users to access your web pages is the first step in the process of optimizing your site for mobile browsers. You have several different options.

The first, and one of the most common ones, is to simply use the same URL for both the desktop and mobile versions of your website. There are many benefits to this option, the main one being that users don’t have to worry about imputing different URLs. They can follow any link or search result to your site. You’re only task here is to modify the design and content of your site so that it is as mobile-browser-friendly as possible. Of course, if the content of your page is rather complex, making your entire desktop site mobile friendly might be impossible.

The other option is to add a subdomain to your site specifically for use in mobile browsers, usually something like mobile.yoursitename.tld. This is a great way to deliver mobile-specific content to your users. You can adapt the design and content of your mobile site so that it caters specifically to the needs of mobile browsers, which will result in a smoother and faster browsing experience for mobile device users.

Optimizing content for mobile browsers

Mobile users tend to go online in search of specific information. Movie times, transit schedules, etc, so they can do without excess content. Here are some of the things you should take into account when optimizing your site content for mobile devices.

Remove all content that would not be relevant to people on the go. If you have a retail page, for example, your mobile users probably don’t need to know the full set of technical details and drawings of a product. Basic features and retail price are enough. You can also do away with most of the small print. You don’t need to include the fact that you’re an equal opportunity employer, for example. You can also leave out things like mission statements and detailed company history. Provide basic background information in your about page and way for users to contact you.

Content for mobile optimized sites should be succinct and to the point. If you think users would benefit from more information, instruct them to visit the desktop version of your site for further details on any given topic.

Try to avoid placing large advertisements on the mobile browser’s screen. Small mobile screens fill up very easily, and large banner ads will not only take away from the main content of the site but they will also increase loading time. For the fastest results, considers running your mobile optimized site entirely without online advertising displayed.

Finally, give all of your mobile optimized pages a MOBILEOPTIMIZED meta-tag, so that mobile browsers know that they don’t have to shrink down the content for that page.