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/ Web design

Should my website be mobile-first?

Yes. Around 65–75% of UK small business traffic is mobile, and Google indexes the mobile version of your site.

/ 01

The short version

Mobile-first doesn't mean 'looks OK on a phone'. It means the phone layout is the one you designed properly.

/ 02

What actually matters

  • Tap targets at least 44px — thumbs aren't mouse pointers.
  • Phone number as a tap-to-call link in the header.
  • Body text 16px minimum; no pinch-zoom.
  • Forms short enough to complete one-handed.
  • Sticky call or WhatsApp button for service businesses.

/ 03

The bit most people get wrong

Responsive isn't the same as usable. Plenty of 'responsive' sites just shrink a desktop layout into an unreadable column.

/ 04

What to do next

Open your site on your own phone and try to book, buy, or contact yourself. Time it. Anything over 30 seconds needs fixing.

/ 05

Where RIOT fits in

We're a small Colchester studio helping UK SMBs get mobile design right without agency waste or freelancer flake. If you've read this far and you want a second opinion on your specific setup, book a 20-minute call and we'll tell you honestly whether it's worth doing anything at all.

We work with clients across Essex, Suffolk, London and the wider UK — and remotely with brands abroad. No lock-in, no monthly retainer minimums, no pretending your problem is bigger than it is.

/ FAQs

Common questions

Do I need a separate mobile site?

No. One responsive site, designed mobile-first.

What about tablets?

They fall between the two breakpoints — check, don't design specifically for them.

Still not sure?

Book a free 20-minute call — we'll answer your specific version of this question with no sales pitch.

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Ashley Scott
Studio Lead
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