DNA site to feature extensive Facebook integration

We’ve been playing around with Facebook’s API and really taking advantage of all it has to offer with an upcoming site we are building for Downtown Naperville Alliance. A company like Facebook releases its API to the public so that other software developers can design solutions that are powered by its service. In the case of Downtown Naperville, we are using the API to allow site visitors to log in with with their Facebook credentials. Once logged in, they will be able to save favorites, post comments, submit reviews and check in. It’s a great way to integrate social media into the web browsing experience and it’s a perfect fit for Downtown Naperville. 

10 reasons why you need a mobile friendly website!

Mobile device sales and mobile traffic have grown substantially over the past years. For businesses, this creates a tremendous opportunity to reach new customers. Surprisingly, most businesses have been slow to react. In fact, less than 5% of businesses have a mobile friendly website or a stand-alone mobile website. Listed below are ten good reasons why every business should have a mobile friendly website.

1. Mobile Internet use is skyrocketing
Don’l look now, but the world has gone mobile. In fact, mobile device sales are incredibly strong and consequently mobile Internet usage is skyrocketing. In fact by the end of 2014, mobile Internet traffic is expected to surpass desktop Internet traffic.

2. There are 2 billion smartphone users out there
A staggering 2 billion people worldwide have a mobile device. This means more and more people will be browsing the web with their shiny devices. A mobile friendly website will help you capitalize on this growing demand.

3. Search is very popular on mobile devices
People will use their mobile devices to search on the Internet. In particular, they will search for businesses that are close to their location. In fact, after social networking, search is the second most popular user activity. A mobile friendly website will help you get discovered and connect with consumers.

4. Moblie users spend money
Whether you’re selling online or locally, connecting with mobile users is good business. That’s because mobile users have higher incomes and stronger spending habits than desktop users. In addition, mobile users have a stronger trust and more confidence when buying via a mobile device.

5. Mobile friendly sites reach all audiences
We love apps, but unfortunately not everybody will download, let alone use your app. That’s why a mobile friendly website is important. With a mobile friendly website, you’re accessible to anyone with a smartphone or tablet. Simply put, you’re just a click away. 

6. It’s a better user experience
Unless your site is optimized for mobile, it’s probably a nightmare to use. Users are greeted with type that’s too small and they are forced to scroll or pinch to navigate your site.  A mobile friendly website creates a much better user experience.  Fonts are readable, navigation is easy and information is accessible.

7. Social media is mobile
Social media is the most popular activity on mobile devices. Go to the major social media websites and you’ll discover they are all optimized for mobile. Users have come to expect this from social media and it’s only a matter of time when they will expect it from every website.

8. A mobile friendly website gives you a compeitive advantage
Most businesses don’t have a mobile web strategy, let alone a mobile friendly website. With a mobile site you are staying ahead of the technology curve. People will perceive your business as progressive, user focused and technologically advanced. This is a huge competitive advantage.

9. Data speeds are getting better and faster
Mobile carriers such as Verizon. AT&T, Sprint, US Cellular and T-Mobile have invested heavily in infrastructure. Over the past years we have seen data speeds on mobile devices increase dramatically. Connectivity has improved too. It’s only going to get better which will lead to more customers and more mobile traffic.

10.  Search engines are investing heavily in mobile search technology
Search engines such as Google, Bing and Yahoo! index mobile and mobile-friendly sites separately from non-mobile sites. In addition, these companies are investing heavily in the development of mobile technolgy that leads to faster and better search results. They recognize that mobile search will soon be the most popular way to search on the Internet.

Summary
A mobile friendly website is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.  Without it, you’re frustrating users, driving away traffic and missing opportunities. Now is the time to become mobile. 

At Echo Design Group, we are a recognized leader in mobility. We build websites and web applications using responsive web design, a technology where websites automatically adjust to the device. This allows our sites to work on any device whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, e-reader, laptop or desktop. No pinching or zooming necessary.