Heads up! To view this whole video, sign in with your Courses account or enroll in your free 7-day trial. Sign In Enroll

How to Market Your Business

Well done!

You have completed How to Market Your Business!

Sign up for Treehouse Back to Library

Browsers, Devices, and Apps

2:31 with Dan Gorgone

One assumption we cannot make about our business website is that it will be viewed by everyone the same way on the same browser on the same device. Business owners have a responsibility - and a challenge - of providing a solid experience no matter how the user sees it, so we must anticipate these different experiences and plan accordingly.

Things to Consider

  • Have you viewed your site on multiple browsers, such as Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc.?
  • Have you viewed your site on multiple devices, such as laptops, phones, and tablets?
  • Does your company have a mobile app? If so, is it available for iOS and Android?
  • Does your company have a mobile website? If so, how does it differ from your regular website?
  • Is your website responsive?

Related Discussions

Have questions about this video? Start a discussion with the community and Treehouse staff.

Sign up

    Related Discussions

    Have questions about this video? Start a discussion with the community and Treehouse staff.

    Sign up

    One assumption we cannot make about our business website 0:00
    is that it will be viewed by everyone the same way, 0:03
    on the same browser, on the same device. 0:06
    Business owners have a responsibility and a challenge of providing a solid experience 0:09
    no matter how the user sees it. 0:14
    So we must anticipate these different experiences and plan accordingly. 0:16
    However, ensuring usability doesn't necessarily mean ensuring the exact same design 0:22
    or experience across all devices. 0:26
    Based on the needs of your users, you have a few options to consider 0:29
    as you bring your business to the mobile world. 0:33
    You might choose to make your website responsive. 0:36
    [Build a Responsive Website - Project now available at Treehouse] 0:39
    A responsive site changes its shape and layout based on the browser window and device type. 0:41
    This can be a very elegant solution. 0:45
    However, it may require rewriting your entire site or building a new one from scratch 0:47
    to take full advantage of the flexibility. 0:51
    Detecting the user's browser and device can also help you figure out what to show them. 0:54
    By using special codes called media queries, 1:00
    your server can detect how users are accessing your site and adjust accordingly, 1:02
    displaying a full version or a mobile version. 1:07
    In some cases, companies might decide to point mobile users directly to an app download 1:10
    if they believe users will get the best experience that way. 1:15
    Mobile site or mobile app? 1:19
    This is a decision many businesses struggle with, 1:22
    and it requires some analysis of your business to figure out which option to choose. 1:25
    Some of the advantages of mobile apps 1:31
    are that they can be accessed directly on mobile devices, 1:33
    its content can be downloaded so a web connection may not always be needed, 1:36
    and it can be designed with specific purposes in mind, 1:41
    meaning you don't have to include everything from your site. 1:44
    However, apps can be expensive to develop, 1:48
    and they require specific programming knowledge. 1:50
    So unless you have access to great iOS or Android courses 1:53
    like we have here at Treehouse, the learning curve can be challenging. 1:56
    Satisfying the needs of your customers should be a central concern. 2:01
    So if a mobile app will benefit users, keep them engaged with your business, 2:05
    and lead to profitable conversions, it's an option worth considering. 2:10
    However, if your website can satisfy the needs of your mobile users even on a smaller screen, 2:14
    perhaps with a responsive layout, you may not need an app at all. 2:19
    In either case, give every user a chance to be successful 2:23
    no matter how or where they connect with you. 2:27

    You need to sign up for Treehouse in order to download course files.

    Sign up

      You need to sign up for Treehouse in order to set up Workspace

      Sign up