What does “Mobile-friendly” mean?
Google recently announced they would be adding a “mobile-friendly” label to their mobile search results, and it’s made a lot of website owners scramble to update their websites. In fact, on April 21, 2015, Google implemented a new search ranking algorithm that favors mobile friendly websites in their coveted search rankings. A page is eligible for the mobile-friendly label if it meets the following criteria:
Places links far enough apart that users can easily tap the correct one
Tappabilty is huge for mobile, as anyone who’s been frustrated by being unable to tap on the desired button/link can attest. Google recommends that tap targets be at least 7 mm (48 CSS pixels) tall/wide and be spaced with no other tap targets within 5mm (32 CSS pixels), both vertically and horizontally.
Avoids the use of technology that isn’t common on mobile devices
Flash is all but dead for mobile. Google warns searchers away from sites designed fully in Adobe Flash with the warning, “Uses Flash. May not work on your device.”
Uses text that is legible without zooming
Unless you hate your mobile users, don’t make them squint or zoom. Instead, make your site easy to read by using legible font sizes. Google recommends sites use a base font size of 16 CSS pixels then adjust the size based on the font’s properties.
Sizes the screen properly so users don’t have to zoom or scroll horizontally
Nobody likes to see only part of a page at a time. Google provides recommendations for sizing content to fit within the viewport. These include using relative width values for page elements, flexible images and potentially CSS media queries.
A quick and easy way to see if a page on your site is mobile friendly is to use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test tool. Note that this tool checks one page at a time.
How much does a Website cost?
Web design costs are determined by several factors. These include: how many pages your website will have, whether you will need a shopping cart, and whether there will be any online forms. You will also need web hosting and domain name registration. Contact us to get a complete and accurate quote.
Do I need to hire a “local” Website designer?
At Sublime Design Studio, we strive to know our clients as friends, so the distance between us rarely becomes an issue. With e-mail, IM, Skype, and cell phones, it is easy to maintain contact with those with whom we are working, even if they are all the way around the globe.
How long does it take to have a Website designed?
We try to have sample layouts ready for proofing within 3-5 days of receiving all content. . . the time it takes to make the site live, however, varies depending on how many pages the website contains, the complexity of coding, any logo design needs, and our current workload.
What is a domain name?
A domain name is a specific Website address that you want your business to be identified with on the web. The domain names typically end in .com, .net, .org, etc. Contact Sublime Design Studio with your domain name ideas and we will check for availability and facilitate the purchase of your chosen name.
What is web hosting?
Web hosting is the server space you use on the web to store your files and data. Sublime Design Studio will be in charge of purchasing the space and storing your files for you. This step is hassle free for you.
How do I update my site?
In many cases, we will have provided an online admin panel where you will be able to manage your own content, but if your website does not have this facility, or if you just prefer to have us update your website for you, Contact us.
Do you offer any type of discount?
Yes, we offer discounts for non profit organizations. Contact us for details.
Web Site Content – What do I put on my site?
That depends on what you want your site to do. If you are selling a product or promoting a service, you would want to include as much information as possible. The more information people can find on your website, the better.
What is SEO?
SEO, or “search-engine optimization” is the process of optimizing your Website so it ranks well for particular keywords in searches (ex. Google, Yahoo!, MSN, etc.) When building your site, Sublime Design Studio strives to provide you with quality graphics, and to optimize your site with keywords of your choosing.
Companies that specialize in search-engine optimization are very expensive (as much as $5,000/month) and there are no guarantees that they can actually provide the often unrealistic results they promise.
How do I get started – I’d like a free quote?
Contact us using our online form, or call us on our toll-free line, 1 (940) 243-0904. We return all messages within 48 hours.