The mobile revolution

In Australia, the way we use the internet has fundamentally changed. Smartphones have become our primary means of accessing information, connecting with others, and engaging with businesses. And thus if you haven’t reframed your communication thinking to a mobile-first approach, you're going to be late to the party.

The statistics are clear: 95% of Australians are using their mobile devices to go online¹. This isn't just limited to younger demographics – people of all ages are embracing the convenience and accessibility of mobile technology. With such a significant portion of both your workforce and your customers relying on smartphones, businesses that fail to adapt risk obsolescence. 

So what does it actually mean? Mobile-first isn't about squeezing your website onto a smaller screen. It’s also not just about having a responsive site. It's a comprehensive strategy that puts mobile users at the centre of your digital presence. This means: .

Prioritising Mobile Usability: Designing websites and content that are easy to navigate and interact with on touchscreens.

Optimising for Mobile Speed: Ensuring fast loading times on mobile data connections, as users expect quick access to information.

Creating Seamless Mobile Experiences: Offering intuitive navigation, streamlined forms, and mobile-specific features like click-to-call buttons.

Pretty much the opposite of the way we have been working. It's time to move past the "why would you do that on a phone?" mindset and embrace the mobile revolution. This applies to everything from learning and development for your employees to customer-facing interactions.

This is going to cost but it will be worth it.

Yep, any change of this magnitude costs money. So what bang do you get for your buck?

Expanded Reach: By optimising for mobile, you tap into the vast majority of Australian consumers and employees who are spending more and more time on their phones.

Improved SEO: Google prioritises mobile-friendly websites in search results, giving your business greater visibility.

Enhanced User Experience: A positive mobile experience leads to higher engagement, increased conversions, and improved customer loyalty.

Improved learning outcomes and retention: Being able to access educational content anytime and anywhere allows learning on the go and increased personalisation which can improve learning outcomes and retention.

So where do you start?

The mobile-first movement is no longer a trend; it's a necessity for businesses operating in the Australian market. By embracing this shift, you'll be catering to the preferences of your customers and employees, improving their experience, and positioning your business for success in the digital age.

• Review all your digital assets on your mobile: Have you ever done this? If this was the ONLY way your employees or customers were getting your message – what would you change?
• Simplify Navigation: Make it easy for users to find what they need with a clear and concise menu structure.
• Test regularly: This is set and forget. Continuously monitor and test your content's mobile performance to identify and address any issues.

Reference
1. ACMA How we use the internet report Dec 2023

By: Angela Hinchley