Tech trend watchers have been repeating one message over and over this year: When it comes to mobile, bring your A game. More and more devices are the first, and sometimes only choice for consumers. It’s now generally accepted that mobile is crucial to business success. Current researchers aren’t focusing on “if” mobile is important, but rather “how” consumers are behaving on their phones.
In 2018, more than 50% of customers will use mobile first for all their online activities.*
According to official Google statements, more than 50% of search queries globally come from devices. Some search experts say the number is already inching closer to 60%. The category with the highest percentage of mobile search volume is Food and Beverage” with 72%. Following the restaurant industry, is Health, Sports, News, Lifestyle, and Retail.
We Know Mobile is Important
While these industries might be leading, at Web Design by Knight, we make sure the websites of all our clients are mobile friendly, no matter their business. Whether you are a new client with a new website, or a client with an older site that needs to by updated, we are constantly reviewing internal components to make sure Google recognizes your site as mobile friendly.
By 2020, mobile wallets are expected to surpass credit and debit cards in the U.S.*
Security walls are getting higher and deeper. Because devices are becoming more secure, more payments will be made with mobile wallets. Experts say in-store phone payments are expected to exceed $500 billion by the year 2020. In addition to whatever existing security our clients may have with their hosting company, Web Design by Knight offers additional firewalls and protection for your website.
However, before someone can purchase from your website, they first have to find it. As search grows, Google is constantly tweaking its engine to provide consumers with the most relevant and secure results. Sites that are not secure are now being identified is such. Mobile indexing was also introduced earlier this year.
More Search Changes at Google
Additionally, this week on their 20th anniversary, Google released more changes to its search product. In honor of the auspicious occasion, Google is rebranding its news feed. The new design will show up as “Discover” on all device browsers.
Content appearing under Discover will be the most relevant results, not necessarily the most recent. Interactive sliders will allow the user to personalize their search. Google will remember those choices to tailor future search results. Over time, the links displayed will allow the user a more comprehensive and deeper search experience. Discover will also support multilingual items, allowing for English and Spanish search results.
We Are Here For You
If you’d like to learn more about what it means to be mobile friendly, here’s a quick test. At Web Design by Knight, we will continue to share trends with you, so that your business remains competitive, secure and easy to find. As always, if you have questions about search or any other aspect of your website, feel free to contact us.
*Gartner