Mobile devices constitute more than half of global internet traffic. If you are a website owner, this means most of your website visitors are using smartphones to access your website and that too over slow internet connections. It also means you need to create delightful experiences for this audience.
You can make use of plugins in WordPress to speed up your website. Another option is to integrate Google’s Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) framework into your site. Don’t let the concepts of “code” and “framework” scare you, though. With a WordPress plugin, you can quickly boost site speed without touching the code. Let’s get to know more about it.
What is AMP?
AMP is the abbreviation of Accelerated Mobile Pages; it is an open-source web development framework developed by Google. AMP aims to reduce load times, mainly on mobile devices, by removing excessive page elements and features needing more resources. Websites with more CSS, HTML and scripts take longer to load when accessed on a mobile device.
AMP was introduced in 2015 to cater the increasing popularity of mobile web browsing and offer a seamless mobile user experience. Slow websites leave a lousy impression on users. If the page load time is over 10 seconds, it leads to a higher bounce rate.
AMP can quickly resolve this problem by creating alternative mobile versions of web pages that axe bulky media content and excess code, leaving a stripped-down page. This eventually leads to fast load times and improved UX.
Why should you use a plugin?
If you are running a WordPress website, AMP plugins are the simplest way to incorporate AMP. These plugins can simplify your work, and all you need to do is install plugins in WordPress, adjust the provided settings, and let the plugin build your AMP site.
If you are still in doubt about whether AMP is a good idea, you must know that AMP can benefit any website that receives mobile traffic. Reducing load times will always positively impact your online business, and a plugin can be a gateway for it. Given below are some of the best plugins to enable an AMP website.
1. AMP
This plugin might be your best pick if you want to implement AMP on your website. AMP plugin is the official plugin from Google’s AMP Project, backed by Automattic. It is free and can effectively make your site mobile-friendly.
You can install this plugin from the WordPress plugins list. Enjoy a functional AMP website after activating it. It doesn’t offer many customizable options; however, you get some useful features.
2. Jetpack
Jetpack is a one-stop solution for WordPress site optimization. It handles essential functions such as SEO, design, backups, marketing, and security. It offers modular features, allowing users to purchase the necessary access inside the plugin.
This plugin offers Google AMP integration to improve mobile UX. When you install the AMP plugin and Jetpack, you can access your AMP tools available inside Jetpack and other controls. Both can further simplify the process of adding AMP to WordPress.
3. SORTD
If you want to amplify your content distribution and maximize ad revenue, then Sortd can be the right pick. This plugin uses world-class technological infrastructure to provide a seamless mobile user experience. Sortd has multiple customization options to create AMP pages that can completely project your brand identity.
Additionally, you can also create Progressive web apps from this plugin. It offers full multimedia integration support along with many beautifully crafted themes. So, you can easily create your own mobile AMP websites and cater to mobile audiences like a pro.
4. AMP for WP
Those looking for high visual customization options in their AMP plugin should consider using this. AMP for WP is a freemium option that can compete with the official AMP plugin. The free version offers only one design whereas the paid option comes with four design options you can apply out of the box.
If you are searching for the best plugins for WordPress free, this is a good option. It has a built-in drag-and-drop page builder compatible with many other page builder plugins. It is recommended to get a paid version to enjoy upgraded features.
5. Easy AMP
easy AMP is yet another effective option to convert a WordPress website into one that complies with AMP standards. True to its name, this plugin lets you create an AMP version with minimal effort.
Some additional features that make this worth trying include SSL encryption and compatibility with Google Analytics. It also offers a cookie consent notice for GDPR compliance. One can also add YouTube videos along with social sharing buttons.
Wrapping up
We all know AMP has been a game-changer for mobile-first website design. Users prioritize site speed over any other factor regarding UX, and nothing will turn them away from a page that takes too long to load.
Fortunately, several WordPress AMP plugins are available nowadays, and many are free. You can quickly boost your traffic, leads, and revenue by catering your mobile users right. To know more about the SORTD plugin, call us now!
