Mobile website

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Annew
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Mobile website

Post by Annew »

I wonder if any of you good people could take a moment to see whether my mobile site displays OK on an ipad or blackberry (or other mobile device) - it looks ok fine on my iphone.

http://www.mobile.thebartonpoughill.co.uk/

Thanks
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Rocket Rab
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Post by Rocket Rab »

Works fine on my iphone, too.

Nice idea, I like it very much, and aren't mobile versions of full-size websites are the next marketing must-have?

Not sure how complicated it is to achieve? Sips tea and turns to Google...here and perhaps here, for starters?
Annew
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Post by Annew »

I have to admit RR that I did not produce the site - but the chap that does my website offered to trial it for me.

Apparently it's very easy, but my web guy told me that there is a golden rule of less is more in the sense of content and photos for a smart phone screen.
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wallypott
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Post by wallypott »

I can see it fine on my bb. I have been without internet all week except said bb, so no access to pims and had endless enquiries to type. Not ideal but we've had a lovely week off, despite having all 3 houses full for the first time ever. Now youngest has ouchy ear so off to try my Spanish at the doctors.
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CSE
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Post by CSE »

More information:
http://mtld.mobi/
Our website is much simpler than yours Anne.
http://www.ribeirasacra.mobi/
Never try to out-stubborn your guests.
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Gwion
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Post by Gwion »

This is an interesting topic. I notice more and more of my enquires have the 'sent via my blackberry' etc.

I have to admit I never browse the internet on a mobile device as i seem to be tied to my desk most of the time. So i cant really compare it to other experiences I've had. But Annew's website looks great on my blackberry.

Casasa, we're you advised not to put any pictures on there? I think I'd like to see one. I know Anew's was a free trial but do you mind me asking how much yours cost.

How do people find these mobile sites. Wouldn't a link from your full website get lost to a mobile user? I guess a prominent link isn't the answer as you don't want pc users going there.
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CSE
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Post by CSE »

We bought the domain name. The hosting etc will depend on the provider.
The web page was written using an on line programme. We have to include a link to the site on our website: http://www.mobisitegalore.com/
When we first used this service advice was not to use photos. Maybe it is time to update the website.
Never try to out-stubborn your guests.
Annew
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Post by Annew »

My mobile site will go live tomorrow and I'll report back on mobile site traffic. Thanks for your input chaps.
If you want to find me, Google The Barton Poughill!
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Gwion
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Post by Gwion »

Annew wrote:My mobile site will go live tomorrow and I'll report back on mobile site traffic. Thanks for your input chaps.
That would be great. Could you give us comparison stats for your standard website over the same period. Ta.

I'm guessing you knew this, but for others, apparently the redirect to the mini site is automatic for mobile devices. Some clever script on the server is the best way apparently. Aren't computers clever!

There's a great little discussion full of useful links here .
http://forums.creativecow.net/thread/16/856081

I thought this was a nice basic design guide.
http://www.webcredible.co.uk/user-frien ... ines.shtml
More tutorials available here.
http://komunitasweb.com/2009/03/29-tuto ... bile-site/

'Mobify' seem to be one of the leading solution suppliers. They have an interesting blog here.
http://blog.mobify.me/

More official guidlines.
http://www.w3.org/TR/mobile-bp/
http://www.utexas.edu/web/guidelines/mobile.html
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Gwion
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Post by Gwion »

Just had a look at our website stats for screen resolution. Bear in mind we don't get that many visitors. We have a page width of 1000px so I've only broken the figures down below that level.

Date range 01 April - 01 May
Total number of visits: 4648
Screen resolution 1000px and above (proper computers): 4388, 94.41%
Screen resolution 640px (Iphone4): 4, 0.09%
Screen resolution 320px (Iphone, blackberry): 109, 2.35%
Screen resolution 700-1000px (no idea what these are): 143, 3.08%

It would be interesting to see if these percentages change for people with a mobile site. But as it stands I think I've come to the conclusion that it's not worth the effort just yet. But I'll keep an eye on things.
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Gwion
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Post by Gwion »

Annew wrote:My mobile site will go live tomorrow and I'll report back on mobile site traffic. Thanks for your input chaps.
How's the new mobile site going Annew? I'd love to know what you're thoughts are now that it's been running for a while.
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Annew
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Post by Annew »

Hi Gwion

Just had my analytics report on Friday - my mobile site had less than 1% of the number of hits than my normal site has- but almost all of them were from direct searches rather than referral from a third party site (interesting!). However, early days, so I'll keep and eye and report back.

I don't get a breakdown on devices used to access the site, just the browsers used. I'll investigate that one further.

I do think that having the mobile site is a good idea, but I guess it'll take time to prove itself!
If you want to find me, Google The Barton Poughill!
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Gwion
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Post by Gwion »

Hi Annew

I've noticed that Analytics have just introduced some new mobile user stats. Do you have your own Analytics account? If not, you should try and get into it. It takes a while but well worth it. I'd be happy to help if you have any questions.

Anyway, the new reports states that from the 1st of January to the 17th of July 4.76% of my website visits are from mobile devices. Still not significant perhaps but compared to the same period last year this is an increase of 1034.34%. That's not a typo! Over one thousand percent increase.

With regards to your 'direct' traffic. Do you put a link in your email signature perhaps. I bet this direct traffic is coming from there. If you don't already do so, you can change the link address to allow analytics to log this. e.g. change the link to:
http://YOUR_URL/?utm_source=signature&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=email%2Bsignature

I too have a lot of direct mobile traffic. Most of it is coming from people using their IPhones to check emails and clicking on the links within. This should perhaps influence our thinking on mobile website design. People seem to be doing their initial research on a proper computer but then reverting to their mobile devices once they've made contact.
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Clive in Abruzzo
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Post by Clive in Abruzzo »

Annew wrote:I have to admit RR that I did not produce the site - but the chap that does my website offered to trial it for me.

Apparently it's very easy, but my web guy told me that there is a golden rule of less is more in the sense of content and photos for a smart phone screen.
It's easy peasy lemon squeezy, even I was able to do it...
Annew
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Post by Annew »

Ah Clive, it maybe lemon squeezy to you, but I have difficulty in even updating the parts of my website that I have access to! Technophobe is my middle name!

Despite running several succesful businesses, I still rely on the professionals to produce stuff I know nothing about :oops: (that extends to my other business interests apart from my holiday rentals and farm).

Mind you, keeps them in business and that's good for the British (and worldwide) economy in these troubled times!
If you want to find me, Google The Barton Poughill!
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