Mobile conversion are <50% of desktop

[Tonearm]

I've gone to great lengths to optimize my site for mobile devices, but my mobile conversion rates are still less than half of my desktop conversion rates. Is that just the nature of the beast? Has anyone been able to do better than that for an online store?

[buckworks]

FWIW, as an AdWords advertiser we find that mobile conversion is maybe one-quarter the conversion rate of desktop users.

So we reduce our mobile bids by 75%, sometimes more.

Mobile conversion rates are likely somewhat niche-dependent, but I do think it's the nature of the beast that they're significantly lower than desktop.

[Leosghost]

I wonder if mobile conversions are not higher in cases where users have some variety of "sync" operating between their phones and other larger screen devices ( on which it is easier to navigate sites in depth, use shopping carts, enter addresses, choose colours and sizes etc )..I suspect that those visitors who use apple devices are more likely to have "sync" ( if they have more than just an iphone ) and may convert better ( if "sync" affects conversions ) due to it..

buckworks I know is an apple user..any "confirmation", or thoughts ?

I know "sync" is available from android devices ( I do not know about blackberry or winphones ), but I see less evidence in non tech users of it's use..

In neither case am I taking into consideration "lost" conversions" due to accidental clicks on adwords due to the interface of mobile phones..which must be high in comparison with tablets which have more space fro fingers to be accurate and avoid accidental clicks..

[tangor]

My experience has been mobile in the 25-30% range. I doubt a phone user (usually on commute to look at sites like some I manage) has time or inclination to do any "shopping".