The Power of Mobile Optimization: Why Your Racing Business Needs a Mobile-First Strategy
WHY MOBILE OPTIMIZATION MATTERS
As of November 2024, 64% of all internet traffic comes from mobile devices. More importantly, mobile users are five times more likely to abandon a website if it isn’t mobile-friendly. In today’s fast-paced digital world, a slow or poorly optimized website can mean lost business opportunities, lower engagement, and decreased search rankings.
If your business is not optimized for mobile, you may be missing out on reaching key audiences. Ensuring that your digital presence is mobile-friendly is essential to stay competitive in today’s online landscape.
BEST PRACTICES FOR MOBILE OPTIMIZATION
To make sure your business is race-ready for mobile users, consider these key strategies:
1. Compress Images for Faster Loading
Large image files slow down page load times, leading to higher bounce rates. Use compression tools to reduce image sizes without compromising quality.
2. Minimize HTTP Requests
Each element on a webpage, including images, scripts, and stylesheets, requires an HTTP request. Reducing these requests speeds up page load time and improves user experience.
3. Use Vertical Videos and Infographics
With mobile users consuming more content on social media, vertical videos and infographics provide an engaging, easy-to-scroll format. This is especially useful for businesses in horse racing, where video content showcasing horses, races, and behind-the-scenes moments drives engagement.
4. Enable Browser Caching
Browser caching allows users to store elements of your website locally, reducing load times for repeat visitors. This enhances user experience and keeps visitors coming back.
5. Implement a Responsive Website Design
A responsive website automatically adjusts to different screen sizes, ensuring that users have an optimal viewing experience, whether they’re on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop. We exclusively build our customers’ websites using Squarespace to ensure a seamless user experience with any device.
Enable prior to winning the 2018 Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) at Churchill Downs.
Photo by Steve Heuertz.
HOW MOBILE OPTIMIZATION IMPACTS SEARCH RANKINGS
Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in search rankings. Websites that aren’t optimized for mobile risk lower visibility in search engine results. A mobile-optimized website helps:
Improve SEO performance
Reduce bounce rates
Increase time spent on site
Enhance overall user experience
GET YOUR BUSINESS MOBILE-READY