Link to article by Karen McGrane originally published November 5th, 2012

Target Reader: Web development strategists, teams, website owners, SEO professionals

Man checking the Internet on his mobile

  • The Feds are moving in the direction of supporting a more diverse ecosystem of devices, trying to keep pace with culture and technology changes
  • Millions of Americans view their mobile device as their primary connection to the Internet
  • Organizations must develop content and strategies for mobile
  • Tips for making this easier:
    • Use a CMS for site construction and development
    • Separate content from presentation
    • Be intentional about mobile, develop a strategy and a roadmap

Key Quote

“Delivering content on mobile isn’t an afterthought. It’s a requirement. It isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.”

Commentary

Just one more voice in the deafening chorus that tells us to optimize and develop for mobile.  The one difference is that some of these statistics are new to me, and are unsettling.  I know that I’ve accepted mobile in principle, but always procrastinated because it’s a hassle.  The numbers tell me that’s not possible if I want my clients to succeed.

Fact Gallery

Fact Source
35% of Americans have no Internet access at home (88% of Americans without a high school diploma) Pew Research
51% of Black Americans and 49% of Hispanic Americans rely on mobile for the primary Internet access Pew Research
55 percent of those Americans who own a mobile phone have a smartphone—and two thirds of people who had acquired a new phone in the previous three months chose to get a smartphone. Pew Research
By 2015, more Americans will access the internet through mobile devices than through desktop computers International Data Corporation