Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

Hi to everyone...just trying to setup my 1st mobile site for myself as a test.

Do I add the mobile site files to a sub directory called "M"...or do I need to register another website with the .mobi extension?

I an a little confused at this part:confused:

Thanks!

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

You can do whatever you wish, actually. It's a personal/business choice. As long as it works fine, it's all good.

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

So either method is valid...does each one require a redirect script as the top of the index file?

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

When I first tried to sell "Mobile Sites" I came across an objection I wasn't expecting;

"Oh!...thanks Don! That's a GREAT Idea to have my website seen on Mobile Phones! I'll have my "WebMaster" set this up for me! Bye!"

When I first heard that...I flipped. I did NOT give my prospect something that ONLY I could provide. I gave him MY Ideas...and he thanked me for them....however....he DIDN'T NEED ME.....to provide him with the solution! He had ANOTHER CHOICE!

So....that taught me a lesson re: Mobile Sites;

"Offer something ONLY YOU CAN PROVIDE!"

For example: There's 2 business niches that (I think) are PRIME PROSPECTS for Mobile Sites; Locksmiths & Towing Cos!

Let's say I want to interest a Locksmith in having ME create a "Mobile Site" for him. Let's say his regular website is "TopekaLocksmith.com"... rather than telling him I will create a Mobile Site for him....using his EXISTING website addy (adding a ".M" in front with a re-direct script) (which he can have his WebMaster easily make for him)....I create a NEW Domain....something I CONTROL....something that his WebMaster can't do anything with!

So....if he already has the Domain, "TopekaLocksmith.com"....I would look for "LocksmithInTopeka.com" or....(something that strokes his EGO) ... like "TopekasBestLocksmith.com"!

Now....when I get his Interest Up about having a website that CAN BE SEEN on Cell Phones....I show my UNIQUE....one-of-a-kind Mobile Site that I CONTROL!

So....with this example....I'd create a ".M.TopekasBestLocksmith.com"! and....ONLY little ol' ME...can get IN! Therefore allowing ME to charge MY prices!

Don Alm....one-of-a-kind kinda guy

Because I like to offer programs that are UNIQUE for my prospects

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

Here's how I handled that exact question with a recent client. They asked me the same question - m.domain.com or domain.mobi? Since I didn't build their domain.com, I asked if they could contact the webmaster. Well, they actually subscribe to some system where they build the site themselves. Fine - how much do you know about FTP, HTML, etc? Not much. So .mobi it is! I like this better anyway. I registered the domain, but pushed it to their registrar - not a big deal. But I host the .mobi so if they ever stop paying hosting, the site goes offline. They have the site files and should be able to move/upload it elsewhere. I like some sort of control.

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

Thanks to both of you guys for the help...so then after I get the .mobi I simply need to add that re-direct in the index file of they main site so it will know a mobile device is accessing the site and forward it, correct?

(Meaning you have to beg their webmaster to update the index file and hope he does not jump on the bandwagon)

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

Yes. There are multiple scripts that do the mobile redirect, and yes it would have to be inserted at least on the home page of their site.

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

Thanks again for the help, I really appreciate it

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

Being a .mobi is not as important as creating dir in your hosting site for mobile. There are ways to do this - sub dir or sub domain. Either way you need to point the search for mobile to that dir.

1. I found this article interesting - no affililation - just good food for thought http://mobithinking.com/best-practices/mobile-seo-best-practices

2. http://www.google.com/mobile/

3. http://searchengineland.com/top-3-takeaways-from-google%E2%80%99s-inside-search-event-82531

I also posted a video in the mobile section here with a Google eng talking about search on mobile.

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

That was part of my problem when I looked into this. There isn't a standard yet and it's hard to find any information on which scripts support the most phones and desktop browsers.

Did you find a standard that works well for you?

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

there is no standard at all.

its the same in advertising

i guess that the standardization willl come later on.

for now its like in ads no metrics that are clear from one company to the other.

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

So if I wanted to test this on my own site without buying another domain name...could I just create a sub-folder called www.testwebsite.com/M ?

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

Be careful when purchasing and using a .mobi domain name since there are a few requirements you must adhere to and if you don't, you run the risk of having the domain taken from you. A lot of people are totally unaware of this.

The .mobi requirements are as follows:

• The home page of your site must be coded in valid XHTML Mobile Profile
• Your site must be available without the user having to type www e.g. domain.mobi
• The home page of your site must not use frames

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

How does flash fit into that scenario Will?

And W3C test compliance ? I've seen some websites that look as though they would play fine as a mobile site...but come up 0% in the test...
IE: If a business thinks they can buy the respective .mobi and be all set to go mobile they are sorely mistaken?...this certainly would play in our favor...

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

You would NEVER use flash on a mobile site. I wouldn't even recommend it on standard websites nowadays. Remember, Apple devices do not use flash.

In regards to compliance, the higher the score the more mobile devices your website will work across. The compliance test is a great way to see all the things wrong with a mobile website.

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

You would NEVER use flash on a mobile site.

That was my point exactly...look how many fancy sites there are that people paid high dollar for, and they won't work at all on mobile - yet they get the impression it will be no problem...

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

Yes, I actually discussed this in one of the other threads recently. This is a technique I've been using lately that has been working very well. There seem to be a lot of restaurant websites out there that use flash. This renders the sites almost useless on iPhones and iPads. The mobile market is huge for restaurants so if you can go along and show them how their site looks (or doesn't look) on an iPhone they will have no choice but to fix the problem. It either means having their main website redone or just getting a nice mobile optimized version to complement their main website. No prizes for guessing which option appeals to most of them.

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

There's tons of restaurant websites *still* using Flash. I was chatting with an owner of a big London webdesign agency and he said a lot of web design companies create a 'flash website' as it looks visually appealing and 'expensive'. The owner usually has no knowledge on how a site should be usable on other devices - they just want it to look pretty. They can then come back and upsell them iPhone apps, mobile sites etc..

The main problem when trying to sell to restaurants (I've found) is that the owner/decision maker is usually extremely busy and a lot simply have no money. Because of this I usually have to price cheaper for them or set up a recurring fee so that it's affordable.

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

It's the problem with most businesses - everyone is crying poor at the moment.

Having said that I will never lower my fee just because a client claims they can't afford it. If they want to miss out on all the mobile business they could be getting then that's their problem, I'll just go to their competitor who sees the sense in spending a little to gain a lot. There's no need to work with these people who are not 100% serious about their business - from experience these are always the clients who end up being the biggest pains in the backside anyway.

By reducing your fees you are setting the tone of your future relationship with that client. It will be hard for you to ever charge a premium price for any services in the future. They know that they can always cry poor and get a chunk taken off the fee.

If you offer a premium service then charge a premium price... and don't be scared to do so. If people don't want to pay that price, move along. As soon as they see you are negotiable it immediately devalues the product/service you are offering. It makes sense, right? If you truly believed the service you are offering would increase their business and profit then why would you be prepared to lower your fees - I wouldn't and you shouldn't.

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

Thing is I can create a mobile site in 30 minutes and put them on a monthly fee of 30GBP that's set up via PayPal. Include in the contract that updates will cost them additional fees and you're onto a winner.

Plus you can add a link to your web design company at the bottom as you're offering it so cheaply.. they're also extremely happy with the price and will refer other businesses.

Personally I wouldn't turn a business down that easily but I guess that's just me.

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

That's a nice solution for overcoming a sales objection.

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

Best Answer...yes, flash is pretty much useless. Certainly for mobile devices.

Re: Do I create a "M" directory...or just register a .mobi?
 

Nice approach. I am in the process of testing many of ideas on these mobile threads.