With the rollout of Google’s mobile-first indexing, the major question on many SEO professionals’ minds is mobile vs. desktop: which is better?
The answer, of course, is that it depends.
Different users have different needs, and therefore, they use different devices to accomplish those needs.
A study from Consumer Affairs found that people use their smartphones much more than they think.
Another study from Deloitte also shows that people use their smartphones for very different tasks than they use their desktop computers.
When it comes to mobile vs. desktop, there are pros and cons to both devices. But, for people who can make use of both and become device-dependent, they can rule the world (digitally speaking).
Mobile devices tend to be more convenient, because they allow users to easily accomplish all of their tasks on a single device. People use them to do different things like texting, checking the internet, and talking on the phone.
Users also have access to more information immediately via mobile devices, making them an easy way for those on the go to stay connected. Finally, mobile devices are convenient because they are easily portable and lightweight.
However, desktop computers have their own advantages.
Desktops tend to have larger screens, making them ideal for working on long documents or browsing the web.
They’re typically more powerful than mobile devices, making them better suited for certain tasks like video editing or gaming. As a result, users must decide which is better for them: convenience or power. Ultimately, the best device will depend on the user’s needs.
Overall, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. And while mobile devices may be more popular, desktop computers are still an irreplaceable tool for many users.
The debate over whether mobile or desktop is better has been raging for years. Some argue that the convenience and portability of mobile devices make them far superior to desktop computers, while others believe that desktops offer greater power and flexibility for certain tasks. Despite the ongoing debate, there is no clear winner when it comes to mobile vs. desktop. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best device for a particular user will depend on their individual needs.
What Are the Advantages of Mobile Devices?
Mobile devices are more convenient than desktop computers, as they can be used for a variety of tasks on a single device.
Mobile devices are easy to use, as they are smaller in size and have touchscreens.
Users have access to more information immediately via mobile devices than they do with desktop computers. Almost all major companies, be it shopping, finance, food, gaming, etc. offer apps for their services, making access to these tasks even easier for users.
Mobile devices allow for greater portability and flexibility, making them useful for those on the go.
What are the Disadvantages of Mobile Devices?
Mobile devices are not as powerful as desktop computers, meaning that they are not suited for certain tasks.
Mobile devices typically have smaller screens than desktop computers, making them less suitable for working on documents or browsing the web.
Mobile devices can be more expensive than desktop computers.
Battery life is typically shorter on mobile devices than on desktop computers.
What are the Advantages of Desktops?
Desktop computers offer greater power and performance. Their large screens and power make them ideal for tasks like video/graphic editing, music editing, or gaming.
Desktops also offer larger keyboards, making it much easier to work on large word documents, PowerPoint presentations, Excel files, and sending formal emails.
Having a mouse and large screen space allows a user to run multiple programs simultaneously, and also the ability to switch between programs with ease. This is much more difficult to do on mobile devices.
What are the Disadvantages of Desktops?
Desktop computers are typically more expensive than mobile devices.
Desktop computers require more maintenance and care than mobile devices.
Desktop computers can be bulky and take up a lot of space.
Desktop computers are not as portable as mobile devices.
Despite these disadvantages, many users still prefer desktop computers for their greater power and flexibility.
Whether mobile or desktop is “better” ultimately depends on the individual needs of the user. While mobile devices are more convenient and portable, they may not be powerful enough for certain tasks that require higher processing power.
Conversely, desktops offer greater power and performance, but they can be bulky and difficult to move around
Ultimately, it is up to the user to decide which device best suits their needs, and most users often have both devices at their disposal.
Mobile Smartphone Statistics for 2022
Here are some statistics to sink your teeth into, in case you have a reason to persuade somebody to believe them:
51 percent of smartphone users are more likely to use a company or brand’s mobile app when browsing or shopping on a smartphone because they can get rewards or points.
50 percent of smartphone users are more likely to use a company or brand’s mobile site when browsing or shopping on a smartphone because they don’t want to download an app.
30 percent of smartphone users are more likely to use a company or brand’s mobile site when browsing or shopping on a smartphone when making a one-time purchase.
58 percent of smartphone users feel more favorable toward companies whose mobile sites or apps remember who they are and their past behavior.
60 percent of smartphone users have contacted a business directly using the search results (e.g., “click to call” option).
39 percent of smartphone users are more likely to browse or shop a company or brand’s mobile app because it’s easier or faster to make a purchase.
Clearly, there are many people who are utilizing smartphones for more than just certain search tasks. They use smartphones to stay connected to the world around them, and accomplish their day-to-day tasks on the go. Increasingly more people are continuing to flock to the smartphone for certain tasks.
Despite the death blows inflicted upon the platform by mobile devices, desktop continues to remain alive and well as a serious contender. And we don’t think desktop is going away anytime soon.
What Does This Mean for SEO?
Quite simply, most of this data reveals that you need to target mobile devices when you are considering your search strategy. Mobile devices are slowly but surely taking over the online search landscape. This means optimizing your website or app for mobile users, focusing on the user experience, and tracking your mobile traffic to see what is working and what isn’t. It also means developing a strong content strategy that focuses on providing valuable, relevant content that speaks directly to your target audience. Overall, understanding how mobile devices are changing the landscape of online search is critical for any business that wants to stay ahead of the curve.
Has Mobile Really Killed Desktop?
So, has mobile killed desktop? The answer is complex and not as simple as “yes” or “no.” Mobile devices have definitely changed the landscape of online search, but desktop computers are still very much alive and well. Additionally, users continue to use both devices on a regular basis.
Right now, it appears that desktop and mobile will continue to contend with one another for the foreseeable future.
Therefore, businesses today should focus on creating a strong content and development strategy for both desktop and mobile, if they want to please their users and reach their target audience.
