According to comScore, the number of people using mobile devices to access news and information online more than doubled from January 2008 to January 2009.
Since those numbers will only increase with time, it’s smart to start delivering your blog’s content in a more mobile-friendly format.
If you’ve ever accessed Next Generation Chiropractor via your iPhone, iPod Touch, Android or BlackBerry Storm, you already know that it’s optimized for those devices.
My secret?
I use a fantastic WordPress plugin created by the great folks over at Brave New Code called WPtouch.
Just like their website states, WPtouch will deliver an incredibly fast, incredibly smooth experience for your WordPress website visitors on touch mobile devices, easy.
And, they’re right!
Built from the same specs as Apple’s app store, WPtouch loads blazingly fast while providing an intuitive user-interface that’s enjoyable to navigate.
It’s also easy to install. Just hop on over to the WPtouch installation guide for more details.
Once done, I’d also recommend customizing the default settings.
For example, since the name of this blog is fairly long, its title gets cutoff in Safari on the iPhone. I remedied this by customizing the site title.
It now states, On Twitter: @NextGenChiro.
I also went ahead and customized the colors to match the original site as well as uploaded Next Generation Chiropractor’s Twitter avatar into the title bar.
Once complete, here’s what the reader sees when viewing Next Generation Chiropractor via an iPhone:
Another nice feature is the ability for the user to switch back to regular view. All you have to do is scroll down to the bottom of the page and turn off the mobile theme:
Once complete, an alert pops up to make sure this is what you want to do.
After selecting OK, Safari reloads the regular view as shown below:
If you want to switch back, simply scroll to the bottom of the page and turn WPtouch back on. It really is that simple.
So, as more people engage with you and your content via mobile devices, isn’t it time you started offering it in a format they’d prefer to read it in?
If so, download WPtouch TODAY!
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for another great post Dr MacNamara!
I already have the WPTouch plugin installed and activated but had no idea how or what to the set the settings to until now
Quick Question, if I don’t have any of the phones it is used for, how do I see what my blog site looks like on one of them? I heard there is a web site you can use but haven’t had time to find it.
Dr. Heins :: There are a couple of ways you can test your site for mobile device compatibility. They are as follows:
For more information, check out this wonderful blog post titled Testing on Mobile Devices using Emulators.
Want more?
Here’s another excellent blog post titled Making your blog look good on a mobile device.
Great article and tips. The world is using the phone more and more for their computing needs. It will be imperative that your site is compatible with phones. thanks for the plug in instructions.
Dr. Artichoker :: Glad you enjoyed the post. I haven’t heard from you in awhile. I trust all is going well in Denver!
Thanks Doc! Appreciate all your help!
Great Post Dr. MacNamara,
I will take a look at the program and optimize my site for mobile devices.
On a side note, have you tried the Wibiya toolbar, I have installed it on my blog and website.
Dr. Todd P. Sullivan
Dr. Sullivan :: Yes, I’m aware of wibiya but haven’t taken the plunge yet.
How is it working for you? Have you seen an increase in engagement on your site since installing it?
I’ve avoided it because it seemed annoying when I first visited a site using it. But, I see its potential.
Dr. MacNamara,
I have seen more engagement on facebook and more subscribers. I agree I was hesitant because I thought it could be annoying also but it does makes your site standout and get the attention of new visitors.
Dr. Sullivan :: I may test the waters for a few weeks to see how it works. Stay tuned!