The e-commerce sector is predicted to total over $7.9 trillion in just a few years. If you want to stand out as a super seller, a community connector, an authority in your field, whatever it may be, make sure that your digital sites and platforms are compatible across all devices. Poor device compatibility is something that drives new and loyal users away like nothing else, all while jeopardizing the success of your business. The good news? You can optimize your platform to up the loyalty and satisfaction by improving device compatibility. We’ll walk you through it.

Are Users Leaving? Blame It on Poor Device Compatibility

The digital world is more interconnected than ever before, with users accessing content across almost unending devices. This goes beyond smartphones and tablets to include smartwatches, smart TVs, gaming consoles, in-car displays, and more. If your platform fails to function seamlessly across these devices, you risk leaving out a significant portion of your audience (or sometimes, all of them).

What Cross-Platform Compatibility is All About

Cross-platform compatibility and responsiveness can be tested so that your digital platform provides a consistent experience, regardless of the device being used. This involves responsive design, which adapts your layout and content based on the screen size and orientation of the device. However, cross-device compatibility is not just about adapting to different screen sizes; it also involves ensuring that the platform’s functionalities, user interface, and user experience remain intact across various devices.

What is Responsive Design?

Responsive design is a web development approach that creates dynamic changes to the appearance of a website, depending on the screen size and orientation of the device being used to view it. This is achieved using flexible grids and layouts, images, and CSS media queries.

This means the layout of a website can stretch and shrink depending on the size of the screen. Instead of using fixed sizes, it uses proportions, so everything adjusts automatically. Then the website/platform looks good, whether you’re viewing it on a small phone or a big computer monitor. Responsive design comes with a few other benefits, too, including:

• Improved User Experience. Providing a consistent and optimized experience across devices increases user satisfaction with your platform and thus, likes, follows, and purchases!
• Increased Reach. With more people accessing content from different devices, a responsive design will see that your platform is accessible to a broad audience, versus just those on a laptop or smartphone.
• SEO Brownie Points. Search engines like Google prioritize responsive websites in their rankings, which boosts your visibility and drives more organic traffic to you.

Beyond Smartphones and Tablets

While optimizing for smartphones and tablets is a good first step, it’s equally important to consider other devices that users well... use. You want to design a platform that works seamlessly across any device, regardless of font type, graphics, or branding. These usually include:

• Smartwatches. With the growing demand of wearable technology, check your platform or app for compatibility with smartwatches. This compatibility can be fantastic for quick interactions and notifications. 
• Smart TVs. As more users stream content through smart TVs, having a platform that provides an optimal viewing experience on larger screens can set you apart from competitors that don’t.
• In-Car Displays. In-car displays are becoming a common medium for accessing information and entertainment. A platform compatible with these displays can provide users with a seamless experience, even on the go.

Five Steps to Achieve Device Compatibility

1. Conduct  Serious Testing. Regularly test your platform on various (real) devices to identify and address compatibility issues. You can use simulators if you don’t have the device in front of you.
2. Use Flexible Layouts. Employ flexible grids and designs that adapt to different screen sizes and orientations, so the layout is good to go across devices.
3. Optimize It! Be sure that your platform loads quickly and functions smoothly. Slow loading times can frustrate users and drive them to a competitor’s platform.
4. Prioritize Easy Access. Design your platform with careful consideration of color, typography, image tags, and ease of access to ensure everyone can fully enjoy it.
5. Stay Fresh with Trends. Stay updated on the latest advancements in device usage. Devices and the technology behind them are always improving, and this is how your platform remains relevant and user-friendly.

Don’t Let Device Compatibility Woes Drive Users Away

Ignoring device compatibility is a risk no business can afford to take. Prioritize a cross-device compatibility approach and embrace a responsive design so that your platform provides an exceptional user experience across all devices. Position your brand as a leader in the digital space.

Ready for a backstage pass into how we can do this for your brand? Fill out the form below and we’ll show you how small changes make a big difference. Don’t let poor device compatibility drive your users away. Take the first step towards creating an engaging experience for everyone.