twitter What can('t) you do with your Facebook cover images? (+ inspiration for yours!) http://t.co/o9XoKDgK  read moretwitter What are your kids doing this summer? Many Revelers little ones are going to camp at @camp_pendalouan. Hail Pendalouan! http://t.co/EE6bGjGt  read moretwitter Our very own John Garner, a.k.a. the "video man", shot helicopter footage today for the be nice campaign. http://t.co/CJXEHL74  read moretwitter RT @jasonpiasecki: Get a copy of my Pinterest and Facebook Timelines for Business presentation for the White Lake Chamber http://t.co/Dl ...  read moretwitter RT @network180: Woot! RT @Our recent work with @network180 as well as the Community Family Partnership and the Kent Coun ...  read more

Revel.

Mobile Site vs. Mobile-Friendly vs. Mobile App. Which is right?

Mobile Internet use is skyrocketing, with smartphone and tablet usage growing dramatically in the last year alone. If you're thinking of capitalizing on this, make sure you know the difference between a mobile-friendly site versus a mobile site.

Mobile-Friendly
A mobile-friendly web site conforms to web standards for displaying on a desktop computer as well as devices like iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, etc. These sites use HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML5 rather than non-standard technologies like Flash.

Mobile Site
A mobile web site is a site that is designed specifically for smartphones, not a desktop computer. Mobile screen real estate is smaller and must be used more strategically. These sites are streamlined to display the most pertinent information from the full version of the web site.

Mobile App
Mobile applications are software applications designed to run on smartphones and tablet computers. They are available through the Apple App Store, Android Market, and BlackBerry App World. Unlike mobile sites and mobile-friendly sites that are accessed within a browser, apps function as stand-alone programs. However, they will frequently redirect you to a browser for further web exploration. They may also contain stripped-down browsers of their own. It is important to note that apps can only be used by consumers who have an operating system that supports them - i.e. Blackberry OS, iOS, or Android.  Those who do not have those operating systems but still have mobile web access will be able to reach mobile and mobile-friendly sites.

Mobile-friendly iPad

Example of a mobile-friendly web site on an iPad.

  

Mobile iPhone

Example of a mobile web site on an iPhone

Moble iPad

Example of a mobile web site on an iPad

Which is right for me?
The majority of web sites nowadays are developed using mobile-friendly technology. We have adopted that philosophy at Revel.

If a sizable portion of your audience is accessing your web site via mobile devices, a mobile web site is merited. You can determine that by viewing your Google Analytics reports and surveying your customers.

If you're looking for a stand-alone tool, consider a mobile application. However, ask yourself this as a litmus test: "Can this be done within a web browser? Would this benefit from being able to interact with other sites in a browser"? Apps are good but you may find upon further investigation that a mobile-friendly or mobile site might be just the ticket you're looking for. You may save money in the process by going with a mobile or mobile-friendly site as well.

When in doubt, give your friends at Revel a shout.  Let's talk about where your site is now and where it can go in the future.