Mobile first is a key web design principle. It means you prioritize the mobile experience when creating your online portfolio or website.
What is Mobile first?
Mobile first is a design and development strategy. You start by creating a website for the smallest screen, like a smartphone. Then, you add features and adjust the layout for larger tablets and desktops. This ensures the core experience works perfectly on mobile.
Why is this important?
Most clients will first find you on a mobile device. If your site is slow or hard to use on their phone, they will leave quickly. A mobile-first site provides a better user experience, which helps you win more work and appear more professional.
How does it work?
You design the simplest, most essential version of your site for a phone screen. This focuses on fast loading and easy navigation. Then, using CSS media queries, you add more complex layouts and features for wider screens. The desktop version is an enhanced layer on top of the mobile core.
Pros and cons
The main pros are better performance, higher search engine ranking, and improved user experience for the majority. A potential con is it can feel restrictive initially, as you must prioritize content over complex desktop-only features. However, this constraint often leads to cleaner, more effective design.
Conclusion
Adopting a mobile-first approach is no longer optional for freelancers. It's the standard for creating accessible, fast, and client-friendly websites. By putting mobile users first, you ensure you don't miss out on valuable opportunities.
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