More websites are now loaded on smartphones and tablets than on desktop computers, a milestone that underlines how computing is rapidly shifting to mobile devices and which threatens companies reliant on traditional PCs.
Statcounter, a research company that tracks internet use across 2.5m websites, said 51.3pc of pages were loaded on mobile devices in October, the first time they have surpassed desktop and laptop computers.
This is up from less than 5pc in 2010 and less than 25pc three years ago. Smartphones accounted for 46.5pc of traffic, against 4.7pc for tablets.
The growth of high-speed mobile networks, more powerful smartphones and first-time sales in emerging markets have seen smartphones become many people’s most important, or only, computer.
The data excludes the use of apps such as Facebook and WhatsApp, which account for a significant proportion of mobile internet usage.
Aodhan Cullen, Statcounter’s chief executive, warned that many small businesses and retailers have websites not designed for phones and tablets. “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,” he said.
If your customers have to pinch and zoom or scroll to view you could be losing out on business. Over 53% of sites are now accessed via mobile devices, don’t miss out!
Nettl at digiprint offer bespoke design, mobile ready responsive sites that really do the business!