Design Tips For Mobile Blogs And Newsletters - #infographic

Are you resisting the urge to go mobile? If so, there’s a strong possibility you’re missing out on the opportunity to convert scores of followers into customers. Consumers are on the go and as a result, Internet usage via mobile devices has skyrocketed. In fact, 65 percent of emails are accessed initially from a mobile device, VentureBeat reports.

So, if blogging and newsletters are a part of your marketing strategy, you need to cater to the needs of mobile users. Otherwise, readers will leave your website, unsubscribe from the mailing list and seek more mobile-friendly options.

Fortunately, there are ways to clearly convey your message to smartphone users without compromising the essence of your brand.

For Blogs

If you use a template for your blog site, select the mobile-optimized section if you want to have a separate theme for mobile devices. Some platforms automatically lay out the contents in a cohesive manner while others may require a few tweaks.

You also have the option of creating a mobile-friendly blog site from scratch. While mobile sites are easy to customize and get up and running, updates aren’t necessarily simultaneous with your desktop site, and there may be redirection and Google ranking issues, notes Social Media Examiner.

With responsive design, the content on the page automatically adjusts to the device it's being viewed on. This means there’s no need to run two distinct websites or risk the mobile-version not displaying correctly. Furthermore, as the sizes of phones continue to change, especially with the introduction of the iPhone 6 and larger phablets, options for integrating interactive content on your mobile site are improving.

Regardless of which route you take, the following infographic from MainStreetHost presents some important design considerations:

Click image to enlarge.

Newsletters

If you use a platform, such as MailChimp or AWeber, to create and distribute your email newsletter, they have a host of templates that have a mobile-optimized version. These take the hassle out of creating the perfect layout.

A few additional newsletter design tips to keep in mind:

1. Less is more. Chances are mobile users are on the go and strapped for time, so if you’re long-winded, readers may click off before they reach the main point of your message.
2. Bullet points trump extensive paragraphs since mobile users are much more likely to scan the contents while on the go.
3. Add sharing icons to the top of the newsletter to avoid unnecessary clutter in the sidebar.
4. Use images and large headers in lieu of small text to communicate your message.

Also take a look at the

Test the Waters

Before sharing your blog, newsletter or any other communication with the world, access it from an Android, Apple Blackberry and Windows device to make sure everything works and looks presentable. Finally, be sure to reference your platform’s reference materials for additional tips.