A few weeks back, Sarah Etter posted a blog on Monetate’s site called, “Tablet Isn’t Mobile!”

It struck me because it’s something I’ve been hearing a lot lately. Yes – they ARE different. Implementing the same features to cover both tablet and mobile means “leaving money on the table,” she wrote.

Why? According to a Compuware study called, “Engaging the Tablet User: What They Expect from Websites,” tablet users are more likely to expect a “fast and flawless” shopping experience, even better than the desktop experience. Etter wrote that the study showed 46 percent of tablet browsers who had a “bad experience” would turn to a competitor the next time they wanted to buy.

Etter offered the following tips for ensuring a website is primed for tablet shoppers:

– Don’t make an app for that. According to a report from Alexander Interactive, “few [tablet] users actively download apps.” What they really want is to visit a website optimized for their device.
– Streamline the shopping experience. Make sure your site’s design is clean and you place focus on the necessary functions like search bars, etc.
– Implement tap-zoom functionality to make browsing fun on a tablet.
– Offer scrolling instead of pagination for browsing.
– Use larger fonts on product pages for fast, easy reading.

Thanks Sarah for the article! Those of you who’d like more can check it out here.