If you think that we have been focusing quite a bit on making sure that you have mobile friendly content...you are correct. That is because being mobile friendly in everything you do is so important. In October 2014 both CBC and Huffington Post picked up a story from comScore that mobile internet usage was then up to 49% in Canada. And we are sure since October that this has now past the 50% mark. In the US the number of mobile-only internet users exceeded desktop-only users for the first time in March 2015. So yes, mobile is important.

We have already reviewed what to look for on your website to make sure it is mobile friendly as well as shared a Google Tool that you can use to test your site. This week we want you to take a look at your newsletter. 

1. Send yourself a copy of your newsletter (or move an old version into your email inbox) so that you can view it on your smartphone.

2. Is your newsletter mobile friendly?

• Is it one column of text or sections as opposed to two?
• Do the photos fit the page and line up as they were intended to?
• How much text is there to read? Would you read it all?
• Is the font large enough? Does the font color show well on your device?

3. Tips to improve mobile viewing:

• Your newsletter service should now provide mobile responsive templates. Some will be free and some will have a fee ($50 - $75). The easiest way to make your news mobile friendly is to switch to one of these templates. You may have to re-create your newsletter but the time and effort is worth it to ensure all of your customers have a proper viewing experience.
• If you cannot get a mobile friendly template there are other changes you can make. These are also good tips even with a new template.
• Limit the overall length of your news. If you have more content send more newsletters (i.e. send 2 shorter newsletters a month instead of one long one).
• Limit photos and make them all the same size and shape.
• Use basic fonts (no handwriting) and high contrast colors.
• Use excerpts instead of the full text and link back to your website - which of course is already mobile friendly.