Mobile Devices

There has been a HUGE shift in the way we view the internet; ipads, tablets, touch screens, 360 screens, laptops and the good old PC all now have to cope with using web sites. How do they do it?

If you are using a mobile device you are probably accessing social media through applications (apps) which are designed to cope with your touch screen devices and lets face it – much faster to use than the actual website!

But what about websites?

If you aren’t using apps then your phone or tablet struggles to work it’s way around a large website loading lots of files and scripts. Menus, text and forms can be much harder to use and could be off putting to a mobile user.

I’m thinking about having an App…

More and more apps are being developed and there are some great pieces of software out there to design your own app – but beware as some of them charge extortionate amounts in monthly fees when actually a one off payment with small reoccurring hosting fees is going to save you money (unless it wants updating every week)!

I haven’t got a mobile device, does this affect me?

If you are using the good old laptops and computers then you are coping with just about any website being thrown at you and you don’t need to worry about the world of applications – but if you have a website out there on the WWW then it doesn’t mean your users aren’t struggling with it.

How do I know if my website is mobile friendly?

Bearing in mind the amount of users now accessing the web from a mobile device it might be handy to check your website to make sure it is suitable for the WWW. (We offer a free checking service if this interests you, see below)

Some handy hints!

1) Your website should respond to different mobile devices automatically
2) It should bear in mind touch screen users – lots of drop down menus isn’t good!
3) If you have a very large or cluttered website it might be worth having a mobile skin
4) Keep designs uncluttered and easy to read.
5) Make buttons large enough for touch screen users make your website much more accessible.
6) If using wordpress look out for responsive themes as this will make your website much easier to view no matter which device you use.

How has this affected design?

For 2012 we are seeing much larger button designs, 1 page websites with scroll functions and responsive web design to fit any screen size and recognise mobile devices and pointed them at easy to use designs.

Less reflective designs are being seen with an emphasis on 3D using banners and ribbons with lots of textured effects. This might not be the design that suits everyone but don’t be surprised if your designer includes some elements in their mock designs.

Flash websites are turning in to relics as even though approx 26%* of mobile users are with apple * their devices don’t support flash – it might be worth querying with your designer if it’s something you want or they suggest.

So don’t forget to bear in mind your mobile users and the varying platforms they use.

If in doubt we offer a free mobile checking service for any website with no details or sign up required. Just e-mail hello@opendoormedia.co.uk with the subject “CHECK I’M MOBILE” with your website address in the message and we’ll e-mail you back results within 24 hours.

Statistics
*approx 40% Android 26% apple and remaining Blackberry and others according to figures published Jan’12 PC Pro

NO.1 North West, UK

TOP 20 UK

Visit our Profile on WWDC

Who are WWDC?

WhichWebDesignCompany was setup by two enthusiastic entrepreneurs; Radoslav Toth and Nasrin Hafezparast.

The idea for WWDC came about during the time we designed and developed websites for clients. We thought the web design industry was under fire and receiving bad press. We had clients coming to us after paying money to another company (or a computer enthusiast working from his bedroom) who just could not deliver. It resulted in us seeing hideous websites which did absolutely nothing, in fact had a negative impact on the clients business. But how was the client supposed to know? The web designer would tell them he would create a website, it would cost $200, and it will do everything they had asked. Did the ‘company’ really understand the clients business, their target audience, the graphical and functional aspects of usability and did they create a full specification for the client based on this? Some know how to develop a site with a bit of PHP code, but do they have an eye for design? From what we saw, we thought that something was going seriously wrong …

Businesses with little knowledge of the Internet and websites were losing faith in the web design industry. We decided to create a central resource and database of web design companies with the main focus of allowing clients to independently rate and review the services provided by a web design company. And at the same time, to create a website which can be easily used to help clients search for a web design company that meets requirements and criteria – whether that’s location, budget or services required. And so WWDC was born!

(extracted from http://www.whichwebdesigncompany.com )

Visit our profile http://www.whichwebdesigncompany.com/uk/profile/opendoormedia to read client reviews!

Reading a new article  sourced from BBC News (27th Jan 2011)‘Google tells Welsh firms they are losing business without web presence’ revealed that 40% of businesses in Wales have no on-line presence. Google said UK government figures show some 83,000 Welsh firms do not have a website of their own to promote their goods or services. I for one was quite shocked to hear this as having boosted many businesses sales with webdesign and social media marketing, I have seen the benefits and ROI (return on investment) that it has brought. The Welsh government has urged business to use digital technology to “innovate, grow and access new markets” (BBC News)

40% of businesses in Wales have no on-line presence

In one case study, Sofatech UK came to us some 6 years ago (has it been that long already!) requiring a website with the most important aspect being that it appeared  on Google. We are pretty pleased with ourselves that it appears NO.1 on Google and Yahoo! for keywords “sofa repair, wakefield” and also appears on Page 1 for the surrounding areas their business covers. It is no surprise then that it has boosted their business.

Keeping in touch with Gary from Sofatech he told us…

We have had a lot of enquiries from our website, is has been very useful for bringing in new business

which is great news for them, and to us! Take a look at their website www.sofatechuk.co.uk 

In response to this article ODM are offering a 15% discount on ALL web design and social media marketing to businesses registered and trading in Wales.

Have a professional website designed and built by a professionally recommended design company with great customer reviews from only £85+VAT READ MORE

Contact Open Door Media today for professional design, marketing and advice on building the web presence your business deserves – and more importantly bringing in fresh custom!

Read the whole article from BBC News here

Open Door Media are excited to announce that we have a new partner in design with Nathan O’Brien Photography! We can now offer professional product and corporate photography to all of our clients at our Rossendale offices.

Our photo sessions can last for half and full days with optional catering and from only £80 including all of your images on disk with more options for digital enhancement.

Contact our design team today to book your photo shoot with Open Door Media.

Thank you to our customers for recommending us for 2012!

We hope that being a recommended agency will give our new customers peace of mind that we are indeed a design company that works hard to achieve the very best for our clients and will continue to do so.