Responsive Web Design: What Is It?
With Google’s recent algorithm change, having a mobile-responsive website is more important than ever. You’re probably wondering “what does that mean?” Well, we’re here today to explain what it means and how it affects your business.
Basically, a website with responsive design changes the layout and spacing of different elements based on the screen on which it is viewed. For example, the site will look different on a laptop screen than it will on a smartphone, but the basic elements are still all there. More importantly, there’s no pinching to zoom in, or moving the window to read content, or tapping on the wrong link because they’re too close together! This is all accomplished through the code on the back end, and is ultimately important because you want to keep your audience on your website as long as possible…not have them get frustrated and close the browser.
Before responsive web design, most companies would create two versions of their website: one for the desktop, and a separate mobile one for smaller screens. However, this became an issue as more screen sizes became available…not to mention the fact that design and optimization efforts had to be doubled for the two different sites. Responsive web design solved these issues by providing the business owner with one website that works, no matter what device is used.
Why Go Responsive?
Wondering why you need to go responsive? Here are a few reasons.
Recommended by Google
Google is the number one search engine choice, taking up a whopping 67% of the search engine pie. So when Google speaks, it’s always best to listen. Google says that responsive web design is its recommended mobile configuration as well as the industry standard practice. They even recently changed their search algorithm to reward websites that are optimized for mobile.
Remember when we said a responsive design website uses just one set of code, regardless of the device? That means that a responsive design also has only one URL. One URL makes it easier for Google to crawl, index, and organize content. It also makes it much easier for users to link to and share with other users. On the flip side, separate sites (one for mobile and one for the desktop), means two different sets of code and two different URLs, making Google work twice as hard. You get the idea!egardless of the device? That means that a responsive design also has only one URL. One URL makes it easier for Google to crawl, index, and organize content. It also makes it much easier for users to link to and share with other users. On the flip side, separate sites (one for mobile and one for the desktop), means two different sets of code and two different URLs, making Google work twice as hard. You get the idea!
Responsive Design Works Across Devices
New mobile and desktop devices with new screen sizes are being introduced each day. How can you keep up with new devices with new variations in size, functionality, color, and display orientation? Many new devices can switch from portrait to landscape at the swipe of a finger. How can programmers keep up?
One of the biggest advantages of using a responsive website design is that the pages being displayed are based on the size of the screen and not the device. So no matter what size the screen is, it will display properly. The beauty of using this type of web design, is that it will still display properly when web browsing, even as new devices are introduced (TVs, watches, glasses, etc.). The display page responds to the device being used.
Going forward, it will be critical to provide mobile users a positive and easy-to-use experience when looking at your website. Years ago, having a mobile website was a ‘nice to have’ feature, but not a necessity. That’s not the case any longer. Having a mobile website is a necessity and not having one will negatively impact the growth of your business.
Speed is Key
Did you know Google recommends that the content above the fold on a mobile device should load in under 1 second and the entire page in under 2 seconds? That’s not likely to happen when loading a desktop website on a mobile device. If your mobile user has to wait too long for a page to load, guess what? They’re probably outta there. Chances are they will leave your site.
Wondering how well your current website performs on a mobile device? Google Developers has a tool to check your mobile site’s speed.
The choice of screen sizes and resolutions is growing every day. Creating different website versions for each device is no longer a viable option. A responsive website can handle current as well as future devices, giving your audience the fastest and most attractive web design that they are accustomed to viewing, regardless of device. It’s not just about having a pretty site, but also one that’s functional across platforms. Web companies like ours are seeing a major shift in what audiences expect – and they expect a website to look great and load fast, regardless of their device.
GTECH Designs is a Baltimore-based web marketing firm that is committed to helping impact-makers spend more time doing good. For more information, contact us at 410-775-4100, email us at [email protected], or get in touch with us via Facebook or Twitter.