The Best Wordpress Plugins to Make Your Blog Mobile-Friendly

I've recently been experimenting with several different Mobile Wordpress plugins to make http://FerbsCosmetics.com to look better on cell phones. (How's it look?).  It seems like extensive plugin testing has become the standard when facing a new Wordpress need.  I've been able to narrow it down to four - each with their own, unique pros and cons. 

All of these will allow you to switch to also view the full website.  Every mobile web page should have that link at the bottom, but keep it at the bottom.  You'll be surprised how many your mobile users actually prefer to stay on your mobile website (as obvious as that sounds).

1.  MobilePress

MobilePress is a WordPress plugin with the ability to use customized themes. The plugin also allows specific themes for specific devices / mobile browsers, such as iPhone, Opera Mini, Windows CE Mobile and other generic handset browsers.

For more information and a full set of docs, please visit the official MobilePress website at http://mobilepress.co.za

Final Verdict:  In the end, I choose mobile press for their clean, professional look and also their obvious display of actual page links.  in addition to loading fast, it seemed to work well on the seven different mobile devices I've tested, including, Android G!, Ipod Touch, Samsung Memoir and more.  If you know of anything better - please let me know!


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2.  WordPress Mobile Pack

The dotMobi WordPress Mobile Pack is a complete toolkit to help mobilize your WordPress site and blog.

It includes a mobile switcher to select themes based on the type of user that is visiting the site, a selection of mobile themes, extra widgets, device adaptation and a mobile administration panel to allow users to edit the site or write new posts when out and about.

You are welcome to comment about the pack, suggest new features and ask for help on our public forums, available on [mobiForge](http://mobiforge.com/forum/dotmobi/wordpress "mobiForge WordPress forum").

Final Verdict: Very robust and a close 2nd - but did not like how it seemed to hide the web page links.  If I have some time, I might revisit and disect the theme to my specific needs

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Features highlights:

  • mobile switcher**, i.e. the plug-in automatically suggests desktop or mobile presentation, but lets users switch to the other and remembers. Read more about "switching" on [mobiForge](http://mobiforge.com/designing/story/a-very-modern-mobile-switching-algorithm-part-i "A very modern switching algorithm Part I")
  • base mobile theme**, crafted by a top UK mobile design team, the WordPress Mobile Pack comes with a base theme and 3 color variations that you can choose. All mark-up is valid XHTML-MP 1 and the site scores 5 on [mobiReady](http://mobiready.com "mobiReady")
  • device adaptation**, the plug-in has basic recognition of mobile devices and is capable of rescaling images, splitting articles and posts in multiple pages, simplifying style and remove media. With the upcoming release of [DeviceAtlas Personal](http://deviceatlas.com/wordpress "DeviceAtlas Personal"), full adaptation will be implemented.
  • mobile admin panel**, allows the blog managers to access the admin interface, specifically designed for mobile, with simplified access to the most common features such as editing a post or approving comments.
  • mobile ad widget**, easily enable mobile ads with AdMob or mobile Adsense
  • barcode widget**, add to your full site a barcode that devices with a suitable reader can use to quickly visit the front page of the mobile site, or deep link within it


3.  WPTouch

WPtouch automatically transforms your WordPress blog into an iPhone application-style theme, complete with ajax loading articles and effects, when viewed from an iPhone or iPod touch.  The admin panel allows you to customize many aspects of its appearance, and deliver a fast, user-friendly and stylish version of your site to your iPhone and iPod touch visitors without modifying a single bit of code (or affecting) your regular desktop theme.z

Please visit http://bravenewcode.com/wptouch/ for a full description & updates on the WPtouch plugin.

Final Verdict: Man I loved the design and layout but it did not work on my G1 Android.  :(

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4. WordPress Mobile Edition

WordPress Mobile Edition is a plugin that shows an interface designed for a mobile device when visitors come to your site on a mobile device.  Mobile browsers are automatically detected, the list of mobile browsers can be customized on the settings page.

For more information visit the Plugin FAQ page: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wordpress-mobile-edition/faq/

Final Verdict: Much too basic for me (although usually less is more...)

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BONUS. Google Reader:


WGoogle Reader?  Of course - that's what it was made for! (I think).  Learn how to make a mobile friendly version of your blog with Google Reader RSS feed in a few simple steps. For the more advance, you may want to reference Mike Davidson's post on how to Make Your Site Mobile-Friendly in Two Minutes (although I'm sure it will take most users more than two minutes)


My Overall Final Verdict: Just do it - sooner than later.  Everyone's getting smart-phones and reading small print on small design templates is a non-productive fad.  If you need more detailed specifications i recommend reading 7 Amazing Plugins to view your Wordpress Blog on any Mobile Device (iPhone, PDA…)


@AnthonyCerreta

 

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