Think about the last time you visited a city website. Were you sitting at a desktop computer or scrolling on your phone? For most people, the answer is obvious. Over 60% of all web traffic now comes from mobile devices. That number is even higher for municipal websites, where people are often looking for quick answers while on the go.

Yet, many city and municipal websites are still designed with desktop users in mind. This leaves mobile visitors having to deal with tiny text, slow load times and pages that don’t fit their screens. The result? A disappointing experience that leads to more calls and work for your staff.

In today’s hyper-digital world, your municipal website can’t just settle for “mobile-friendly.” Here’s why a mobile-first approach is critical for local governments and how to get it right using proven strategies.

Why “Mobile-Friendly” Doesn’t Cut It Anymore

In the past, most websites were designed for desktop computers first, with a mobile-friendly version as an afterthought. This approach often led to scaled-down, clunky mobile experiences where users had to zoom in, scramble for links and deal with slow-loading pages.

A mobile-first website flips that approach entirely. Instead of adapting a desktop site for mobile, it’s designed from the ground up with small screens in mind. This ensures that all key information is easily accessible with just a few taps.

Key benefits of mobile-first design:

• Fast load times for residents accessing services on the go
• Seamless navigation with large buttons and simplified menus
• A better experience for users who primarily browse on their smartphones

In short: a mobile-first approach isn’t just about making a website look good on a phone. It’s about making city services more accessible to everyone, no matter where they are.

The Most Common Mobile Mistakes Municipal Websites Make

Many city websites claim to be mobile-friendly, but residents report a different experience. Here are the biggest mistakes that prevent users from getting the right information at the right time. By revealing these mistakes, you can ensure your municipal website avoids them.

Mistake #1: Cluttered Menus That Make Navigation a Nightmare

A full-sized menu might work on a desktop . But on a phone, long drop-down lists and dozens of menu items make it difficult to find key services.

How to fix it:

• Use a clean, collapsible menu (often called a “hamburger menu”) that expands only when tapped.
• Prioritize the most-used services at the top of the menu.
• Keep categories simple and intuitive—no government jargon.

Mistake #2: Slow Load Times That Drive Visitors Away

On a desktop, a slow website is annoying. On a phone, it’s a total dealbreaker. Mobile users expect pages to load instantly—if they don’t, they’ll leave and carry on with their day.

How to fix it:

• Optimize images and videos to load quickly on mobile.
• Reduce unnecessary animations and large file sizes.
• Use a fast, reliable hosting service that prioritizes mobile performance.

Mistake #3: Tiny, Hard-to-Click Links and Buttons

If users have to zoom in just to tap a link, your site isn’t mobile-first. Small buttons and tiny text create a frustrating experience.

How to fix it:

• Make buttons large enough for easy tapping, with enough space between them.
• Use clear, readable fonts that don’t require zooming.
• Avoid using hover effects—mobile users don’t have a mouse.

Mistake #4: PDFs Instead of Web Pages for Information

Many municipal websites still rely on downloadable PDFs for forms, meeting agendas and schedules. On a phone, these files are slow to load, difficult to read and often impossible to fill out.

How to fix it:

• Convert important PDFs into mobile-friendly web pages.
• If PDFs are necessary, ensure they are optimized for mobile viewing.
• Use web-based forms instead of forcing users to download or print documents.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Mobile Users in Search Rankings

Google ranks websites based on mobile performance. If your site isn’t optimized for mobile, it’s less likely to appear in search results when residents look for city services.

How to fix it:

• Run Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to see how your site performs.
• Ensure all text, images, and buttons display correctly on small screens.
• Use structured data to improve visibility in mobile search results.

Prioritize Mobile. Stay Ahead Of The Curve.

A functional municipal website must make life easier for residents, not harder. Whether someone is checking city council meeting times, paying a bill or reporting an issue—they shouldn’t have to settle for an outdated site that makes them go on a scavenger hunt.

That’s where Slamdot’s team of expert web designers can help. With two decades of experience and dozens of municipal websites in our portfolio—we understand your needs. Most importantly, we know what your residents are looking for and how to deliver a seamless digital experience.

Want to learn how to modernize your municipal website? Contact us today for a quote to learn more!

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