
“I really hate how this website looks on my phone. I can’t find anything.”
That’s the last thing any web developer wants to hear.
We’ve been designing websites for 9 years, and in that time, we’ve watched mobile usage explode. What used to be a box to check off at the end of a project is now the starting point. If your site doesn’t work flawlessly on mobile, it doesn’t work.
More and more people are browsing on the go, from larger screens with faster connections. But their behavior is different. Mobile visitors are often distracted, in a hurry, or multitasking. They want answers fast. If they can’t get to what they need in the first few seconds, they’re gone.
Designing for mobile first means creating a website that respects the time, attention, and limitations of mobile users. Below are five trends we’re seeing and implementing for our clients, each one backed by real-world examples of brands doing it right.
Sticky Navigation and Thumb-Friendly Layouts
Top navigation is fine on desktop, but on mobile, it’s not natural. People use their thumbs. Trying to tap a tiny menu at the top corner while juggling a coffee isn’t fun.
Sites like Nike.com and Airbnb.com put key navigation at the bottom of the screen where your thumb naturally rests. This includes menu icons, filters, and even account controls. It’s not just easier, it’s faster.
Why this works: Mobile users don’t want to hunt. Bottom navigation reduces friction and puts the most important actions within reach. It also feels more intuitive because it mimics native mobile apps, which people are used to.
Streamlined, Friction-Free Forms
Nobody wants to fill out a complex form on their phone. The more fields you ask for, the more drop-off you’ll see. Sites that win on mobile use forms that are short, smart, and take advantage of device features like auto-fill and numeric keyboards.
Shopify.com nails this on its mobile checkout. It uses large, easy-to-tap inputs, logical progressions, and minimal distractions. They even let you pay with Apple Pay in a couple of taps.
Why this works: Every unnecessary input is a chance for someone to bail. Smart forms remove obstacles, speed up signups, and improve conversion rates. Think less typing, more tapping.
Performance-First Design: Fast, Clean, Lightweight
Speed matters, especially on mobile networks. If your site doesn’t load in 2 to 3 seconds, people are out. Modern mobile-first design is all about stripping out unnecessary clutter and keeping things light.
Visit Stripe.com on your phone. It’s blazing fast, even on a weak signal. The visuals are crisp, the layout is tight, and there’s zero fluff. Everything feels like it’s been edited down with purpose.
Why this works: Mobile users don’t have the patience for bloated scripts, oversized images, or auto-playing videos. Clean design with strong performance not only pleases users but scores better with Google too.
Web That Feels Like an App
People spend most of their phone time in apps. So it makes sense that mobile websites are starting to behave more like apps, with swipeable content, smooth transitions, and minimal loading screens.
Notion.so and Tiktok.com/business are great examples. Their mobile sites load fast, feel native, and use animation and gesture-based interactions to make navigation feel seamless.
Why this works: When your site feels like an app, users stay longer and engage more. Familiarity creates comfort. Plus, the smoother the experience, the more professional your brand appears.
Content That Gets to the Point Fast
Mobile users aren’t scrolling through ten paragraphs to get to the point. The best mobile sites prioritize what matters most right up top, and push everything else behind toggles or expandable sections.
Go to Zillow.com on your phone. You’ll see price, photos, map, and a call to action within the first screen. Details like HOA fees or school zones are available, but you have to expand them. Smart, clean, effective.
Why this works: It respects the user’s time. You’re not hiding anything, you’re just organizing it in a way that’s easier to digest. This helps users make decisions faster and with less effort.
Across dozens of websites, over 80% of our Google Ads traffic comes from mobile devices. If your mobile site isn’t fast, clear, and easy to navigate, you’re leaving conversions (and ad dollars) on the table. Mobile-first design isn’t optional when mobile is the majority.
Final Thoughts
Mobile-first design in 2025 isn’t about shrinking your desktop site to fit a smaller screen. It’s about building intentionally for how people actually use the web today. We’re talking shorter attention spans, smaller devices, and less room for error.
These trends aren’t just theory. We’re actively applying them across industries, from real estate to e-commerce, and seeing the results in bounce rates, conversions, and user satisfaction.
If your site feels clunky or hard to use on mobile, let’s fix it. Reach out and we’ll take a look. Mobile-first isn’t the future. It’s right now.