The rise of mobile devices as our go-to tools for searching and learning has turned the world of web marketing upside down. It’s not just about optimizing for those coveted top search engine rankings anymore; it’s about grooving with mobile users like never before. In the good old days when desktops ruled the web, content presentation didn’t change much, except for some snazzy infographics here and there.
But guess what? these days, we are all glued to our mobiles. If your content isn’t “mobile-ready,” it’s not much fun.
With Google’s mobile-first indexing, there’s been a ton of chatter about how to make your website mobile-friendly. Most of that advice is on point, but it tends to focus on jazzing up the overall look and feel of your site, not so much on the content itself.
So, you might wonder, should mobile content be different from desktop content? Well, the answer is no. Content for mobile and desktop should be almost identical, with just a little twist in presentation. But here’s the thing: we should shake up the way we write for mobile devices. I mean, if we’re saying desktop and mobile content should be the same, it’s only natural that writing for mobile should change the whole web writing game, right?
One of the main differences between desktop and mobile content is how it’s served up. Desktop screens are like giant stages and they can handle loads of content all at once. But on those mobile screens, it’s not so easy. That’s why it’s all about “chunking” content on mobile.
Chunking content for mobile is the bee’s knees. It cuts down on the endless scrolling while letting readers choose their own adventure. And here’s where we can take a cue from mobile and bring it back to the desktop. Those content chunks? They’re like cool info blocks. You can jump straight to what interests you, and it’s all good because each section is like a self-contained groove.
Now, web writers have been using headings and subheadings forever to break up content. It’s great for readability and a bit like mobile chunking because it helps readers hop around. But our content usually flows in a straight line, like a dance routine.
Instead of just using headings to shake things up, let’s break up the content itself, like a mix tape. Each section becomes a self-contained jam, complete with its own headings and subheadings. It’s like a content party on the page, making it easier to go through those long reads.
But hold up – some folks say SEO wants too much content. My take? Put your visitors first, always. Don’t sweat the amount of content on a page. Just focus on dishing out what they need, whether it’s a short paragraph or a content jam session. If the content feels like too much, don’t stress. We can still make it accessible on demand, just like mobile’s got that chunking vibe going on.
For desktop, there are plenty of ways to do it. Show a teaser with a “continue reading” button, or break it into tabs like a playlist – specs, reviews, and features. Keep the list on the page and minimize scrolling.
Oh, and about those hidden chunks? Search engines might not give them the front row seat, but that’s cool. The visible text still shines brightest, and the hidden stuff is like the backstage pass. But trust me, it’s no more devalued than content you have to scroll to see.
So, the web’s evolving, and it’s time to break out some new moves. Mobile’s leading the way, but that doesn’t mean we can’t bring those cool lessons back to the desktop. Let’s change the way we think about writing for the web and get ready to rock the content scene, no matter the device!
Mobile vs Desktop content strategy
Now, it’s time for a dual campaign and a killer marketing strategy that’ll make you the star of the show. But which side should you choose in this showdown?
Now, let’s break down the moves:
Accessibility to Kinds of Content: On mobile, keep it short and sweet. Less is more, and make sure your message shines through in that limited space.
Messaging Priorities: Desktop lets you juggle multiple calls to action, but on mobile, it’s all about one at a time. Keep it simple and focused.
Formatting the Right Images: Match your image format to the platform. Cropped and portrait for mobile, landscape for desktop. Get your groove on!
Screen Location: Think about where your audience is when they engage with your campaigns. Home, commute, or somewhere in between? Adapt accordingly.
Times When Devices are Mostly Used: Mobile on the go, desktop for deep dives. Combine them for a killer strategy.
Kinds of Traffic: Mobile users are on the move, so make it easy for them. Simplify, share, and streamline.
User Experience: Keep that UX design sharp. Mobile and desktop are like different instruments in the band, and your audience wants a smooth performance.
User Intent: Different devices, different vibes. Tailor your copy to match the audience’s intent.
Here’s the deal- 93% research on mobile, but only 17% complete purchases there. So, tweak your mobile strategy to stay top-of-mind when they switch to desktop. But guess what? Desktop marketing isn’t going anywhere. It’s all about being where your audience is, whether it’s mobile, desktop, or both. Omni-channel marketing and slick display ads are your ticket to a seamless, on-brand experience that keeps the groove going.
