Before we start looking at all the options offered for solving SEO issues in mobile web, let us look at some surveys by Harris Interactive (here). They show that only a quarter of cell phone users are receptive to banner ads on their phones, text-based or otherwise. However, they are attracted to relevant context ads returned alongside search results. Unless a new model of advertising is found to be better than the current system on the web, the current model will bring in the traffic from mobile search.
So far, we have discussed what has gone on in the past. We will look at the present, which includes the iPhone and .mobi sites. And we will look at new software that may revolutionize mobile search in the future. They will be powered by new devices and maybe (we can only hope) new systems and business practices.
The Apple Effect
The Apple effect is so astounding that it is anti-climatic. Gadget hounds have integrated the iPhone into their ensemble with little or no complaints. The word used to describe it seems to be a cliche, but in the case of the iPhone, that word comes naturally. The system is intuitive and the user interface makes web search easy. Physically interacting with it is easy. It is a complicated device that is unbelievably easy to use.
But enough of me spouting about how great the iPhone is. Let's look at what has happened with it. Using the iPhone to search the web is painless. Now, not only can you peruse e-mails, but web pages and Google Maps can be used regularly, and all in a way that allows the full potential of web sites to be viewed. No images are cut out and text is read easily.
This is a portent of what we have coming in the future, since the iPhone is already here and more devices and supporting software are coming. Once developers are able to develop add ons that can work on various hardware, instead of the current mess we have (companies seeking to keep third party operating systems out of their phones), we could see a situation in which phones go to a browser-style arrangement, instead of hardware companies trying to develop software, or even worse, software companies, such as Symbian, creating software that is incompatible with applications built by other companies.
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