Advances in technology for smartphones and tablets have meant that consumers are increasingly turning to these devices to browse for goods and services. The focus now for businesses is to grab these consumers on their phones and tablets and turn browsing time into buying time. This is a challenging task however as many people are still reluctant to make large purchases from their smartphone or tablet. Many times it is the site itself which puts off potential customers from making a purchase, with inconvenient navigation and undersized layout. This simple guide will help you to optimize your site to ensure that you harness the mobile and tablet market and increase your profit substantially.

The first place you should start, when optimizing your website for tablets and mobiles, is the site itself. Test your website by accessing it through the most popular tablets and phones on the market, currently iPad, Kindle Fire, iPhone and Samsung Galaxy III. Make note of how easy it is to use, what works and what doesn’t. Next, access your analytics and examine your user’s habitats. Do they purchase items on their phones or tablets or do they use them only to browse? What are they buying? Is it large or small items? Once you know more about your user’s habits then you can tailor content appropriately.

When you have finished the “research” stage of website optimization it’s time to put your findings into action. Some of the most common problems associated with designing a site for phone and tablet is user access. Links which can be easily clicked with a mouse become difficult and frustrating with fingers. Consider changing links to buttons for easier access. Another big issue for website developers is condensing sites with a number of columns into one or two which can easily fit on to a tablet or phone screen. This is incredibly important as it not only affects usability but also the appearance of the site which can attract or put off prospective users.

Also, remember to make the most popular activities stand out. If users regularly search your site then ensure the search bar is large and prominent. Conversely, if users like to click on stories they just come across then make sure these items are located prominently. If you’re a commercial site and people can buy products it is extremely important to optimize your check out page. Keep pages for payment and billing details to a minimum so people don’t have to wait for them to load (this is especially important for users accessing via 3G as these services can sometimes be slow depending on signal strength).

While desktop computers and laptops are still the preferred method for internet browsing, phones and tablets are rapidly increasing in popularity. Take advantage of the “access anywhere” availability of tablets and smartphones to ensure your users will be more inclined to browse and buy from your site.

Author bio:

Sarah Murray works for Appliances Online. When she’s not shopping for smartphones on her iPad she enjoys reading classics and exploring historical sites.