17/12/2014
Why responsive web design is the future
You may have heard the buzz about responsive web design following the Google update a few months back which punished websites that weren’t mobile friendly. Suddenly those with separate mobile sites were left rushing about to make alterations or change to a responsive design before the crawlers came and re-read their site. But, just what is a responsive design – and why should we all be adapting this change?
What is responsive web design?A responsive design makes your website viewable on any platform, through any size screen. Be it a desktop computer, a tablet or a mobile phone. Whereas customers were once taken to separate mobile websites which had limited accessibility, responsive design means the same features will be on the site regardless of how you are viewing it. Users won’t be able to tell if your site is responsive on a laptop or desktop, but when viewing on a mobile device they should not require to zoom too much, or have trouble viewing videos or images.
Why should I change to responsive design?
Mobile viewingAside from the Google update, mobile viewing of the internet is increasing year on year. As more and more people begin to view content on-the-go your site needs to be ready for the increase in audience - and the potential for more updates. Tablet computers have also opened up the internet to a new elderly audience thanks to their ease of use, these are just one example of customers who view via a different platform and could benefit from your site being responsive.
Increased salesIf your site is not responsive, its unlikely users will convert. With mobile devices becoming an increasing method of online shopping, it’s important you are not missing out on gaining this custom. It also means that you can chart how users are interacting on your site, as you have one platform on which to manage.
Cost effectiveHaving a responsive design means you have less costs to outlay in web design and development, as you are removing the need for a separate mobile site. However, it also will save you many man hours in updating and optimising both sites. Any marketing strategies you put into place via your website or social media (with links back to your site) will also have more value for money as you are increasing the target audience.
Reassesses your thinkingHaving one responsive website makes you rethink your entire layout and on-page design. There simply isn’t the room on a mobile-phone screen for excess and it forces you to prioritize your content. This could affect your SEO as a bonus as it forces you to decide what the most valuable content is – be it text, images, videos, the list is endless – on that particular page, and how you can make the most of it on a smaller screen. Your SEO will of course, also be increased simply by changing to a mobile-friendly design.
Future proof your ecommerce siteAlthough nobody can be sure what update will hit next, installing a responsive design on to your website now means that you are in the best placed position for whatever comes. They work well on a multitude of platforms, and can save you both time and money in the long run.