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Learn the various methods for creating and implementing a mobile-friendly version of your WordPress website. We will discuss Separate Mobile Sites, WordPress Plugins, and Responsive Themes, and which will be best for your business and situation.
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Building Mobile Friendly WordPress Websites
May 15th, 2014 • #WPCME
“The Mobile Web”
According to Wikipedia:
“The mobile web refers to access to the world wide web, i.e. the use of browser-based Internet services, from a handheld mobile device, such as a smartphone or a feature phone, connected to a mobile network or other wireless network.”
TLDR; Any time you use the browser on your phone/tablet, you are connecting to “the mobile web”.
Mobile Devices Are Everywhere
• There are over 1.5 billion smartphones worldwide.– 147.9 million smartphone
users in the U.S.– 62% of the population
• Mobile devices account for 15% of all internet traffic– Primary web access for
28% of Americans
Still Not Convinced?
• Over 61% of people have higher opinions of businesses with mobile sites.
• 95% of smartphone users search for local information.
• By 2015, more people will access the internet via a mobile device than a traditional computer.
Mobile Website Options
Separate Mobile Website
• m.yoursite.com, yoursite.mobi, etc.– Think Facebook
• Created by your developer or via a third-party service:– Duda, MoFuse, Mobify,
Wirenode
• Implemented via redirect scripts
Separate Mobile Website
Pros• Speed & Optimization• Easy to Implement• Allows (modest)
branding• Many Tools & Options
Available• Don’t Have to Edit the
Main Website
Cons• Potentially Bad for SEO• Sharing & URL Management• Another Site you Have to
Update• Can put a limit on content &
features• Content May be Displayed
Improperly• Often Outdated Look/Feel• Requires redirect script - will
be lost if updated• Can look "off" on tablets,
varying screen sizes
WordPress Plugin
• Hybrid Solution – appearance & features of separate site without separate URL
• Many Available Options:– WP Touch, Jetpack, Obox
Mobile, WP Mobile Edition
• Implemented via a custom “mobile theme”
WordPress Plugin
Pros• Only one URL• Only one Website to
Maintain• Easy to Implement• Speed & Optimization
Cons• Branding/Customization
depends on plugin• Content May be
Displayed Improperly – Conflict with Plugins– Conflict with Shortcodes
• Add'l payments, "premium" plugins
• Can look "off" on tablets, varying screen sizes
Responsive Theme
• Your theme adapts to different screen sizes.– Built into the theme’s
code.– Usually implemented
via CSS/jQuery.
• As seen on: WPCME, Small Business Waterville
• Google Recommended
Responsive Theme
Pros• One URL• One Website• Your
Look/Feel/Branding• Content Properly Laid
Out• Works Properly on a
Variety of Screen Sizes• Good for SEO
Cons• Speed & Optimization• Alter/Update Existing
Site, Redesign – Addt'l Fees– Can’t DIY
• Reliant on technology – If no jQuery/Java,
incompatible devices, etc.
Choosing A Mobile Solution
Things to Consider
• Time Involved• Cost• Branding/
Aesthetic• Your Content• Ease of Use &
Management• DIY vs. Hiring
Someone
Which is Best for You?
• If you want fast, [relatively] easy, DIY set up: Separate Mobile Website or WordPress Plugin
• If you only want to manage one website: WordPress Plugin or Responsive Theme
• If your user experience, look/feel, branding, or SEO are important: Responsive Theme
Announcements
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