Mobile browsing has now passed desktop usage for the first time according to a recent report by Stat Counter.
According to a new report from Stat Counter of Internet usage in October 2016, mobile browsing was actually higher than desktop.
Internet usage by mobile and tablet devices exceeded desktop worldwide for the first time in October according to independent web analytics company StatCounter
Its research arm, StatCounter Global Stats finds that mobile and tablet devices accounted for 51.3% of internet usage worldwide in October compared to 48.7% by desktop.
“This should be a wake up call especially for small businesses, sole traders and professionals to make sure that their websites are mobile friendly. Many older websites are not,” commented Aodhan Cullen, CEO,
Mobile apparently accounted for 51.3% of all browsing and desktop accounted for 48.7 percent. It should be noted that the mobile browsing figure includes mobile devices and tablets. You can find out more details over at Stat Counter at the link below.
The Rise of Mobile Browsing
The shift towards mobile browsing has been a long time coming. With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, more people are accessing the internet on-the-go. This trend is not just limited to social media and casual browsing; it extends to e-commerce, online banking, and even professional work. The convenience of having a powerful device in your pocket that can perform almost all the functions of a desktop computer has revolutionized how we interact with the digital world.
For instance, mobile apps have become a significant part of our daily lives. From ordering food to booking a cab, mobile apps offer a level of convenience that desktop websites often can’t match. This has led to an increase in mobile-first strategies among businesses, where the primary focus is on optimizing the mobile user experience.
Implications for Businesses
The implications of this shift are profound, especially for businesses. A mobile-friendly website is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Google has even started to prioritize mobile-friendly websites in its search rankings, making it crucial for businesses to adapt. A website that is not optimized for mobile can lead to a poor user experience, resulting in higher bounce rates and lower conversion rates.
Small businesses, in particular, need to pay attention to this trend. Many older websites are not mobile-friendly, which can be a significant disadvantage. A mobile-friendly website can improve user engagement, increase time spent on the site, and ultimately lead to higher sales and customer satisfaction.
Moreover, the rise of mobile browsing has also led to the development of new technologies and frameworks designed to enhance the mobile user experience. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), for example, offer the functionality of a mobile app combined with the accessibility of a website. They are fast, reliable, and can work offline, making them an excellent option for businesses looking to improve their mobile presence.
Another important aspect to consider is mobile payment systems. With the increasing use of mobile devices for online shopping, integrating mobile payment options can provide a seamless checkout experience for customers. Services like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and various other mobile payment solutions are becoming increasingly popular, and businesses that adopt these technologies can stay ahead of the curve.
The shift towards mobile browsing is not just a passing trend but a fundamental change in how we access the internet. Businesses that fail to adapt to this new reality risk being left behind. Ensuring that your website is mobile-friendly, investing in mobile technologies, and staying updated with the latest trends are essential steps to thrive in this mobile-first world.
Source Stat Counter
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