Every website is unique and thus requires unique features in order to function optimally. For example, a clothing store’s website needs to be able to display its products differently than a law firm’s website would showcase its services. However, the one thing that all websites have in common is the need to support whichever device is used to view them. Responsive web design allows developers to ensure that, no matter which device is used, the layout will look great.
What is Responsive Web Design?
You might have heard of the term “mobile-friendly,” but responsive web design encompasses so much more than that. These days, people can browse the web using anything from a television set to a smartwatch. In order to fully maximize a user’s experience, each device must be supported. Responsive web design entails building a website so that the layout adapts to the screen size. If you’re viewing a website with a widescreen monitor, you might see three columns of content at once, whereas the site will only display one column on a smartphone.
Why is Responsive Web Design important?
One of the many benefits of having a responsive website means you don’t need to maintain two versions of your website. In the past, developers used to divert traffic to desktop versions and mobile versions of websites. Unfortunately, this split approach meant that each version had to be updated, revised, and maintained separately. If a user on desktop switched to the mobile version and was not able to find the same content, he or she likely chose never to revisit that website.
With responsive web design, you only have one website which adapts to whichever device is being used to view it. This means that while the design may shift, the content will remain consistent, no matter the device. Somebody visiting your website on a PC at work might return to your site on his or her iPad at home, and it’s vital that the user’s experience is not lessened.
What other benefits does Responsive Web Design provide?
A significant advantage that responsive websites have over unresponsive websites is a huge boost to their search engine rankings. Search engines like Google prefer responsive websites and rank them higher than unresponsive websites. If SEO is important to you (and it should be!) then you need responsive web design.
Having a mobile-friendly website is absolutely crucial these days. According to the IGS Mobile Survey, 40% of respondents replaced their desktops or laptops with a tablet. 56% of smartphone users and 73% tablet users make purchases on their mobile devices. The numbers all point to one conclusion: if your website is not responsive, then you will lose traffic to your competitors that utilize responsive web design.
Regardless of your industry, profession, or audience, your business will always benefit from a website that looks great on any device. At Business Website Builders, we make responsive web design a priority. Every website we create is built to look great on any device. Contact Business Website Builders today to find out how we can build you a responsive website for as low as $495.