Embracing mobile support for better customer quality of life features

Mobile support for business websites has been a must ever since the popularisation of the smartphone.

These ubiquitous systems are now responsible for over 60% of global internet traffic, and this trend is only likely to grow. Despite this fact, many retailers are happy to do the bare minimum in catering to smartphone and tablet platforms.

To truly maximise retail potential, there are new and more cutting-edge approaches to mobile system integration worth of exploration. While not all of these might be applicable or viable right now, they're important to remember in the future, as elements to work towards as the mobile market continues to expand.

Adjusting Websites to Fit Multiple Devices

Though most users of mobile phones are on slate style devices, the dominance of these screen sizes and shapes is not what it once was. Today, folding phones and even tri-fold systems are gaining popularity, and these can necessitate adjusting business websites. Instead of developing websites which cater exclusively to traditional layouts, it’s now important to ensure every part works with arbitrary and unusual resolutions and aspect ratios.

For an example of this approach in action, consider a modern cutting-edge entertainment website such as those offering online slot games. These services are built on the new HTML5 practices to offer compatibility over a range of desktop, laptop, smartphone, and tablet systems. This extends to games like Raging Waterfall and Pond Life, which similarly scale to fit different screens and user needs. A good modern website needs to follow these practices, to better suit the more varied devices of tomorrow’s users.

Adopting More Technological Solutions

Once you’re comfortable your website and features are future-proofed, consider going a step further with QR and even augmented reality systems. QR codes are already used in many aspects of business, and can extremely useful for helping customers navigate your retail site.

A QR code available at the door, for example, could link to a map of your store's layout, to show customers exactly where goods are without needing to distract an employee. They could also provide up-to-date stock information, aiding customers in finding prices, and even suggesting similar goods or specials.

Augmented reality approaches are a little further away but are still seeing early adoption by some forward-thinking retailers. This is where a mobile camera can virtually superimpose a retail good into the real world. AR could show customers what a room would look like in different colours, to help them buy paint.

It could also project a new television or sofa into a lounge, to help with planning and interior decoration. This kind of tech can save considerable time and help drive customers to purchases they’d otherwise be unsure of, so it’s an area to watch closely.

Improved integration of more advanced technology into retail business doesn't need to be rushed, but it does need to be approached proactively. The above are all systems becoming increasingly standardised, so it’s a matter of how ahead or behind the curve you wish to be. Take a look at your competitors, see what you can do that they don’t and you’ll be in a better position to ease yourself into the next generation of retail tech.