Last blog, we started to get into a do’s and don'ts conversation. I didn’t want that blog to become too long so I stopped myself. Besides, what better way to assure that you will come back to the blog!
 
I consider this list the “unusual suspects” of things to do when designing or updating your website. This list specifically addresses the new ways websites are being accessed. There is a reason Blackberry’s got the nickname "Crackberries" (They are quite addictive aren’t they?) and surfing the internet via a Blackberry or on IPhones is one of the fastest growing ways people are visiting your website.

Websites do not operate the same way on a PDA as they do on a computer or laptop. So here’s the list of other things to incorporate:

1. One of the most important things you can do on your website today is to make sure that your store phone number is on the home page in a text format. Iphones, Blackberries and other PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) can now browse websites and automatically recognize phone numbers. This means that with one click people can dial your store directly. Make sure that your webmaster includes this important feature. Also, make sure that they don’t put your phone number in an image only. It needs to be in a text format. A PDA can not recognize the phone number in an image.

2. Do have a map that is large enough to see on the small screens of a PDA but not so large that a tremendous amount of scrolling has to happen in order to understand it.

3. Don’t have a link to Map Quest for directions where the user is going to have to type in your street address. It’s frustrating to have to go back and forth to get the address especially on your PDA.

4. Do consider having a page specifically for a Mobile/PDA user. People can even surf on a cell phone now. Have a page that is strictly text, with an image or two that supplies easy contact information and a quick list of services. Make sure it’s easily identifiable for mobile users. 

5. On Google, you can now submit your mobile page. Using the Google Webtools, there is a place to submit your mobile page. Ask your webmaster to create a mobile page to take advantage of this nifty feature.

Thanks to Wikipedia who supplied definitions for most of these terms.