The Need for Websites to Have Mobile and Responsive Functionality and Features
Now more than ever, e-commerce websites regardless of business type need to be mobile responsive, as most consumers rely on their smartphones when browsing. Even before ecommerce became the new norm, web developers were already adhering to the concepts of Mobile and Responsive Technology. When businesses started realizing the benefits of mobile apps, a website enhanced with functionality of automatically adjusting to any kind of device used for viewing web pages, became extremely important.
One of the early adopters of the mobile and responsive web designs are towing companies whose business models include providing roadside assistance to stranded motorists. In understanding that their potential customers are in some sort of agitated state, it was important that their respective website is easy to navigate and responsive to mobile devices.
What Does Mobile and Responsive Technology Denote?
Considering the growing number of consumers who use mobile devices to view websites, the experience can be enhanced if the layout and content of the webpage automatically adjust to the size of the screen. That is regardless of whether a tablet or smartphone is in portrait or landscape mode; or whether the PC in use has a standard-sized or wide-screen monitor for viewing.
Mobile and responsive web designs for smartphones and tablets typically include rearranging the layout; albeit dependent on the type of business and the key information that customers want to find immediately and with ease. While most retail businesses are more inclined to present images of their products as key contents, towing service businesses tend to be text oriented.
Unlike online retail shoppers, mobile users who view the website of a towing firm would first want to find out if the company also provides roadside assistance. As much as possible, motorists do not want to get in touch with a towing company that will simply tow away their vehicle, particularly in cases when their vehicle stalled as a result of a minor problem. The home page content therefore must immediately present the key information that distressed vehicle owners need to find out quickly.
Example of a Responsive Web Design for a Towing Company
Still using a towing business in presenting an example of a responsive website design, the key information most motorists would look for include:
The location and contact number/s of the towing company, as well as the inclusive hours or days when services are available. As a responsive feature, a potential customer can simply tap the contact number of the towing company, enabling his mobile device to make a call without the need to punch the numbers on the keypad.
The kinds of roadside assistance being provided by the company, which may be provided with details by way of a responsive navigation menu that automatically resizes to fit the screen.
A responsive photo gallery enables vehicle owners to view images of a towing company’s tow vehicles; some even look for photos of the facility and members of its towing team. It has become common nowadays for car owners who travel often, to research about towing companies beforehand. That way, they have a ready list to use as reference in case of an emergency situation in any location.
A responsive web design also integrates Google Maps to allow for quick site location. Let’s say a company engaged in towing san jose located vehicles, receives a request from a customer not native to the area. The latter can send accurate information about his exact location using the readily available Google Maps.
On that note, another responsive feature that should always be present in customer-service oriented towing websites, is the availability of automated forms for Contact Information and “Request a Tow.” Mobile device users needing roadside assistance will be truly appreciative of such functionality. Especially if they are under time pressure, or at worst, figured in a harrowing road traffic accident.