Nowadays, it is more important than it was 10 years ago to create a website that not only looks gorgeous on desktops using browsers like Firefox, Microsoft Edge and Chrome, but to make them functional and visually appealing on Android and Apple devices. 

• As of January 2024, mobile web traffic had increased to almost 60% internationally. Mobile traffic on the Internet has increased by 75% overall since 2015. As of June 2024, this percentage was estimated to have risen by one percent. 
• 92% of internet users connect to the Internet using a mobile phone. 
• In 2011, 6.1% of web traffic was measured to have come from mobile devices. 
• Mobile access data fluctuates depending on the affluence of the region. 

 Thankfully, WordPress has automatic mobile optimization and capability features for web designers to use and ensure that your pages are easy to navigate and look just as engaging (or better!) on smaller screens.

However, some themes look better than others and not every page designed for desktop viewing translates over to mobile devices in a beneficial way, even now in 2024 where mobile browsers have the majority of the market share. 

If you are trying to adapt your old website design to be more accessible on mobile devices or want to know how you can optimize your pages for mobile traffic, read on.

We design engaging websites for any purpose the translate over to smaller screens seamlessly with complete functionality using Divi with WordPress to build our WordPress designs and Sim-Dif. Links to these design tools can be found on our resources page if you would like to explore what we think are the best utilities for designing cross-platform pages that guarantee organic traffic and a longer website visit. 

 1. Test Your WordPress Theme On A Mobile Browser / Device 

While WordPress has integrated mobile Optimization tools built in, it isn't 100% reliable. The multiple view options in the editor will display the website in a mobile design view, but this won't always translate to an actual mobile device. Often this comes down to the padding, width, and alignment of your containers or blocks. In-line text that wraps around images when viewed on a desktop does not perform the same way on a mobile device, which is very linear.  Even viewing your design in mobile view will not always display the actual formatting. 

2. Stick to Linear & Vertical Blocks / Boxes 

When designing a mobile optimized website, think linear. In line graphics with text that wraps around graphics will often display in a juxtaposed position on mobile devices. By sticking with a linear and vertical content alignment in the theme, you have a better idea of how the mobile version of your site will display on an actual mobile device. 

3. Adjust Padding & Content Width 

These features can be found under the advanced tab when editing your theme and can be used to reduce unnecessary space or add additional spacing between blocks, particularly headers and footers which often times are much too large for mobile devices on standard themes. You can remove the header and footer of course, but it doesn't have to be if it's an integral part of your design. Adjusting content width and alignment to vertical and full width will also ensure that images and text can be viewed in line with each other when scrolling on a mobile device. 

4. Use CMS & Web Design Software That Specializes  Mobile Website Design 

Sim-dif is an inexpensive web design app that was created for mobile friendly web design with integrated SEO tools and customization very much like WordPress. Sites created with Sim-Dif follow the same block - style as newer WordPress themes and allow for many of the same functions as WordPress with ease of access. I have used Sim-Dif to create this site and typically use Elementor or Divi for WordPress sites which have more mobile friendly themes than standard WordPress with the same block or container building in the visual builder. The only downside to Sim-Dif is it is limited to the integrated blocks and plug ins associated with your subscription tier and does not allow custom CSS. 

5. Consider Designing A Mobile App 

Some services may consider mobile app development over optimizing the desktop version of their pages. This is a great solution, particularly for platforms and service providers, and AI has opened up accessible and easy app development tools such as Appy-Pie that allow for no-code app creation at an affordable price. Creating an app companion will also allow for more opportunities to gather usage data and will automatically optimize the speed and presentation of your pages, creating a direct line for conversion. 

Creating an app may not be an option for all business and individuals. It depends on your audience, the service you offer, and how you choose to interact with your clientele. Apps can be created for virtually any purpose and adapted for download on independent hosts, Google Play, and the Apple App Store. More advanced developers may opt to request a Dev Kit from Google for Android or Apple for publishing your app on these trusted platforms.