How Much Mobile Traffic Do Websites Get?
Have you ever wondered how many people actually browse websites on their phones? These days it feels like everyone is constantly glued to their mobile—whether it’s to quickly look something up, shop online, or simply kill some time on social media. But how much of all internet traffic in the Netherlands really comes from mobile phones? The answer might be more surprising than you think.
The Rise of Mobile Internet
Back in the day, we all sat behind bulky desktop computers, but that picture has completely changed. Smartphones have now become our main access point to the internet. In 2024, it was estimated that over 60% of all website traffic in the Netherlands came from mobile devices. By comparison, across Europe the average was around 50%. That makes the Netherlands a frontrunner when it comes to mobile browsing.
And it’s not hard to see why. Smartphones have become deeply embedded in our daily lives. From reading the news, watching videos, and ordering groceries to booking holidays and even managing finances—it’s all done on that small screen in our pockets. For many, laptops and desktops are only used for work or more complex tasks, while mobile dominates everything else.
Differences Between Websites and Audiences
Not every website receives the same share of mobile traffic. News outlets and online shops often see the largest share, as people like to quickly check updates or make purchases while on the go. On the other hand, business-oriented platforms or sites that require more complex actions—like accounting software or project management tools—still attract more desktop users, since a bigger screen is simply more practical.
Audience demographics also play a big role. Younger users are almost entirely mobile-first; their phone is their all-in-one device. Older generations, however, still rely more on laptops or PCs, especially for bigger purchases or more detailed searches. As a business owner, this means it’s essential to understand your audience and their browsing behavior.
Why a Mobile-Friendly Website Is Essential
For companies and website owners, the conclusion is crystal clear: having a mobile-friendly website is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. Google now explicitly takes mobile usability into account when ranking websites in search results. If your site doesn’t scale well or loads too slowly on smartphones, it risks ranking lower in search engines. And lower rankings mean fewer visitors, and ultimately fewer customers.
User experience is equally crucial. Visitors will abandon a site within seconds if it’s frustrating to use on a phone. Think of buttons that are too small to tap, text that requires endless zooming, or pages that take forever to load. In such cases, people won’t hesitate to click away to a competitor.
How to Check Your Mobile Traffic
The good news is you don’t have to guess. Tools like Google Analytics show you exactly what percentage of your visitors come from mobile devices. You’ll also gain insights into how they behave on your site—how long they stay, which pages they view, and where they drop off. This data helps you determine whether your site is truly mobile-ready or still needs optimization.
The Future of Mobile Internet
The trend is undeniable: mobile traffic will continue to grow. With faster networks, more powerful smartphones, and apps that support every aspect of daily life, desktops are increasingly being pushed aside. For businesses, this means optimizing your mobile site will only become more important in the years ahead.
Conclusion
Mobile internet is no longer a side note—it’s the core of how people use websites today. In the Netherlands, more than half of all traffic already comes from mobile devices, and that number is rising. So ask yourself: is my website really mobile-friendly? Because one thing is certain: if you don’t provide visitors with a smooth mobile experience, you risk losing not only potential customers but also valuable positions in search engine rankings.
