What a small business website needs on a phone

When you build a website, it is natural to look at it on a computer. But most people looking for a local business do it on their phone, often standing up and in a hurry. If the website does not work well there, you lose them.

Here are six simple things to check. You can test them right now, on your own phone.

1. It opens quickly#

If it takes more than a few seconds, many people give up. Huge images are the most common cause. They should be resized and compressed before they go on the site.

2. The text can be read without zooming#

If you have to pinch to read, the text is too small. Comfortable lettering and good contrast, especially in sunlight, help a lot.

3. The buttons are easy to tap#

Small links packed close together lead to wrong taps. The main buttons, such as "Call" or "WhatsApp", should be large and well spaced.

4. Contact details are in plain view#

Phone, WhatsApp and address should not be hidden at the bottom of the page. One tap to call or to open the map saves the customer time.

5. Nothing covers the content#

Pop-ups that cover the whole page are annoying, especially on a small screen. If you need to tell people something, do it discreetly.

6. It makes sense in seconds#

Whoever opens the site should immediately understand what you do, where, and how to contact you. If they have to search, they leave.

A quick test#

Ask someone who has never seen your site to open it on their phone and tell you, without your help, what the business does and how to contact it. If it takes them a while, you know what to improve.

If you like, I can look at your site and tell you what I would change first. I work with businesses in Seixal, Almada, Barreiro, Setúbal, Sesimbra and Costa da Caparica, in person or online.