More than 60% of all web traffic now comes from mobile devices. Businesses benefit from a mobile-first website design, but apps can take interaction and retention even further. App users have more consistent exposure to a brand’s message, which makes it even more important that the message be clear, concise, and positive.

Mobile apps offer direct messaging and communication. They can range from functional apps to those designed purely for entertainment purposes. But they need to be functional, offer concise messaging, and offer functions that benefit both parties. Ecommerce apps, for example, can use push notifications to generate more sales and improve upselling. The top-rated online casino apps offer secure login and, according to gambling expert Vlad Grindu, enable deposits and withdrawals through the app itself while offering access to a wide range of games.

Mobile users interact with their devices differently to desktop and laptop users. A positive user experience not only pushes the message of the app owner, but it also ensures users enjoy a seamless, trouble-free experience while using the app.

Simple Navigation

Good navigation is important. Use short text that is easy to understand, and combine this with universally recognized labels for even greater ease. Ensure buttons and navigation links aren’t too difficult to click using a thumb or fingertip and that menu dropdowns don’t take up too much screen real estate.

Concise Design

Not all mobile devices have 6.8 inch screens like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Many have 6 inch or smaller screens, and apps should be developed to accommodate as many mobile users as possible. Design for a smaller screen. Ensure text and images display properly on all screen sizes and that your text font size is legible on any mobile device.

Minimal Distractions

Reduce on-page clutter by getting rid of unnecessary distractions. Reduce the number of images you display, and cut your ads, if you have any, down to a minimum. You can only fit a relatively small amount of information on a mobile display, so you need to make the most of every inch.

Optimize Buttons For Fingers

Finger navigation is not as precise as using a cursor and mouse. Recommended button sizes for mobile UX are 44 to 48 pixels, which should make them large enough to be easily found, small enough not to take up too much room on the screen, and suitably sized for fingers and thumbs to press them without accidentally pressing other page elements.

Don’t Forget Landscape

While many people use their phone in portrait mode, don’t forget that phones can be turned on their side and used in landscape. For some users, and with some mobile devices, this is easier. Mobile app design should be optimized for both screen orientations.

Make Text Legible

Avoid using fonts with swirly lines or that are difficult to read and stick with standard typefaces. Use font size 12 so that most readers will be able to easily read the text without having to zoom in. Zooming in is an extra step that some users can struggle with and it can skew the design of your app page, leaving everything slightly out of line.

Optimize Load Time

5G rollout continues around the world, but there are many people still on 4G connections and some using slower mobile Internet than this. Even when using a 5G network, connection quality can vary, and this isn’t the only factor that effects page load time. Optimize load time by using lazy loading and use readily available tools to get an accurate measure of load time.

Targeted Content

Content not only needs to be concise so that it properly fits on a mobile screen, but it needs to be effective. Use targeted content to show users the information they’re most likely to be looking for. This can include push notifications and alerts, as well as the information displayed on the main screens of the app.

Consistency

All of your marketing and information channels need to be consistent. This means using consistent colors, designs, and even a consistent user interface. App users that are migrating from your website should instinctively know where to find information, how to navigate around your site, and recognize your on-page branding efforts.

Reduce Required Steps

The more friction in your design, the more drop-off you will suffer during the customer journey. Minimize sign up steps, reduce the clicks it takes to get to the most important pages, and don’t demand unnecessary information.

Make It Accessible

According to experts, 16% of the global population experiences significant disability. Ensure your design is accessible by offering screen zooming, ensuring your page elements are screen reader friendly, and providing other accessibility features. Not only will this open your app up to a larger audience, but you will gain loyal followers.

Use AI

You can provide knowledgebase and FAQ directories, but these take a lot of navigation and it can prove a real effort on mobile screens. Instead, use an AI chatbot. Users can ask the AI questions, and it will be able to direct them to and provide suitable answers to queries, in most cases.

Make It Social

As well as ensuring a seamless experience for your users, mobile app design should also benefit your business. One way to do this is by including social elements. Add vote buttons, review and rating features, and even allow users to post photos and videos, if it’s relevant to your products and the app itself.

Ensure Good Security

Mobile devices and mobile apps pose certain security risks that desktops and other devices don’t. Ensure your app is as secure as possible using SSL and other features. Display your app’s security credentials, too, so that users can shop or provide data with confidence.

Conclusion

Mobile apps can be highly effective business tools. People carry mobile devices with them everywhere, and if users trust your app and your business, features like push notifications and alerts can provide you with a virtually instant path to your potential customers.