Have you heard of responsive web design and wondered what this actually means? What is all the fuss about and why should you care?
Having a responsive website is crucial to keeping visitors on your site and have them coming back again and again.
In years past, people viewed websites on computers with fairly static monitor sizes. With the onslaught of mobile devices like phones and tablets, some websites were then developed with an alternative sub-site which was appropriately sized for mobile devices.
But screen sizes are no longer standard and websites need to fit a wide variety of displays or risk losing visitors who can't see the website clearly on their device.
The solution to this problem? Responsive web design.
What is responsive web design?
A responsive website adapts itself to different screen sizes, from a small smartphone to a a desktop computer screen. Instead of requiring a user to physically enlarge the site on their mobile device (pinch and zoom) or scrolling from side to side to read text, a responsive site will adjust text and images to properly fit the screen size of the device being used.
When you visit a website, it receives fairly precise details of what type of device you are using e.g. e.g. Samsung S9, Apple iPad, computer etc. The website needs to have the technology to deliver the exact dimensions the device requires and this is achieved through a mixture of flexible grids and layouts, images, and code.
No matter what type of device you are using, the website is then delivered at the appropriate dimensions for what best suits that particular device.
Why your website needs to be responsive
Across the world, more people are now using mobile devices than desktop computers or laptops.
- In 2018, smartphones accounted for over 52% of all online traffic with tablets at just over 12%. Desktops are now in the minority.
- 70% of all digital ad budgets in 2018 were spent on mobile.
- With 94% of users saying they don't trust a website because of its design, an outdated, unresponsive website can seriously hurt your business brand and potential sales.
- 57% of users say they won’t recommend a business with a poorly designed mobile site
- 61% of users are unlikely to return to a mobile site they had trouble accessing
These statistics all stress the commercial importance of having a responsive website for your business.
57% of users say they won’t recommend a business with a poorly designed mobile site.
Since July 2018, Google have even turned the tide in favour of mobile phones by enforcing a "mobile first" approach and favouring responsive websites in search results. For a website which is not responsive this means falling rankings and less visitors, resulting in deteriorating opportunities and sales.
Is your business website responsive?
Updating your website to be responsive and suitable for most devices should be high on your priority list. Keep current customers returning, and give them enough confidence in your business to recommend you to new people.
In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, it is so easy to be left behind wondering what the hell happened!
The sooner you take action to improve your website, the sooner you are a step ahead of your competition.
Contact us for a free website audit and let us help you boost your online presence.