Most ecommerce website operators are aware of the importance of adapting their websites to a mobile audience as more and more people use their mobile phones for searching and purchases. Two key terms are often used when describing mobile websites: mobile-friendly and mobile-optimized. Below is an overview of a mobile-friendly versus a mobile-optimized website, as well as some advice about which type of mobile website to invest in for your business. Mobile-Friendly Websites A mobile-friendly website is generally an HTML-based website that doesn’t contain Flash or any other features that would hinder viewing the site on a smartphone. It is relatively easy to view, but the viewer usually has to scroll to read the entire web page, zoom to view important information, and perform other tasks that make interacting with the website less user-friendly than it could be. Mobile-Optimized Websites Most mobile-optimized websites contain only the information that a viewer needs most, and provides large buttons and tap-to-call features that makes accessing the rest of the information easy. It doesn’t require any scrolling, and the user experience is generally higher. A mobile-optimized website, unlike a mobile-friendly website, is specifically designed for use on a mobile phone. This means the information is strategically laid out and designed so that it fits on a small screen. Most mobile-optimized websites contain only the information that a viewer needs most, and provides large buttons and tap-to-call features that makes accessing the rest of the information easy. It doesn’t require any scrolling, and the user experience is generally higher. Which Mobile Strategy is Right for You? Depending on your client or customer base, a mobile-friendly website may be enough. For example, if you cater to a local audience and don’t sell a lot of products online, a mobile-optimized website may not be as imperative. However, if you sell the majority of your products online, then you want to make sure your customers experience the best possible usability no matter what device on which they access your site. In this case, a mobile-optimized website is important, and it grows more critical by the day. Speak to a Clarity mobile consultant today to learn more.