Mobile Responsive. What is it and why it matters.

Just more than a decade ago, the smartphone was introduced to the world, and the concept of mobile technology exploded onto the marketplace. It didn’t take long for one of those mobile devices to creep into the hands of just about every consumer, and therefore, every industry has had to adjust accordingly. The travel industry, in particular, has noticed a shift in the preferences of travelers who are relying heavily on mobile websites to do their research and finalize their bookings.

At one point, mobile was considered an alternative or a supplement to desktop devices. Today, however, 50 percent of global internet users report that their primary tool for accessing the web is their mobile device. Since 57 percent of consumers will not recommend a business that doesn’t have a good mobile website, it’s becoming more important than ever before for you to have a mobile responsive website for your tour and activity company.

Why mobile responsive matters

• Mobile web usage has now eclipsed desktop web usage, and this appears to be a permanent change for consumers. The majority of your travelers are going to be pursuing your website from their mobile device, so your website needs to adapt to their screen so that it’s easy for them to get the information they need.
• Mobile responsive websites drive conversions. Consumers trust mobile websites, and they are willing to finalize their bookings from the comfort and convenience of their smartphones. Without a mobile responsive website, your prospective travelers are going to abandon your site and head for the competitor’s website where they can finish the task at hand.
• Mobile responsive websites provide you with additional opportunities to promote your business. These websites allow you to display vivid, high-resolution images and engaging videos, which will capture the attention of your target market segment.

Mobile friendly versus MOBILE RESPONSIVE

The terms mobile friendly and mobile responsive are sometimes used interchangeably, but there are notable differences. A mobile friendly website is one that functions properly on a mobile device, but has the same layout and concept of a desktop device. Mobile friendly websites are necessary to maintain a high ranking on the search engine results page, but they are not always the best option for your business.

A mobile responsive website, however, is a dynamic website design that adapts to the screen of the individual user. For example, a desktop user will see a larger, more intricate display with different features. A mobile user will see a more basic concept of the website with a user-friendly menu that includes larger print and fewer words per page. This is the preferred website design of most users, and it’s the type of website that will ultimately increase conversions.

Building a mobile responsive website that drives conversions does not have to be a difficult undertaking. With the right technology in place, you can easily create a customized website that helps you develop a brand identity while taking advantage of the shifting trends in the travel industry. For more information, here are 5 Focus Areas for Going Mobile.

For more information on how Rezdy can help you build a mobile responsive website, begin your free demo today.

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