There is much talk about responsive web design: what it is and why it should matter. Every day, there are more users with smartphones using the internet. In fact, “55% of American adults have a smartphone and 63% of cell internet users go online mostly using their phones, and not using some other device such as a desktop or laptop computer” (PewResearch Internet Project).
And so it is without a doubt that if your website is not viewed correctly on a mobile device, you will be detracting a big percentage of potential customers. So here’s the simple breakdown as to why you should have a responsive website that is compatible across different platforms.
1. Cost
A responsive website is basically ONE website that has a code that will determine how the website will act if the resolution of the website changes. The difference between a responsive site and a mobile site, is the fact that it is one consistently, branded website as opposed to a completely new website designed to only function for mobile devices. What this means for you is less money coming out of your pocket. Although a responsive website might be a bit more costly than a regular website, it will never amount to building both a regular website and a mobile website. The best part is that not only will development costs be lower, but when it is time to maintain your website, you will not have to dish out two separate budgets, since changes done to the main website will reflect when it’s responsive.
2. Efficiency
A responsive website “responds” to the resolution or dimensions of the device being used to surf the internet. So if your website is responsive, it will adapt to the tablet or mobile device being used without compromising the design or functionality of the website. The end-user will get the exact information he/she needs without feeling frustrated about the interface and moving on to the next website.
3. Leads
Lower Bounce Rate
Most users want immediate information and only stay on the website for more than 2 seconds if they like what they see. A responsive website helps the important information display in a clear manner on all devices. This means that your website’s responsive design will not deter your customer thus preventing them from moving unto your competitor’s website.
Rankings
As you may now know, Google is the number one search engine in the world and as such, it must ensure that Google users are getting the best experience. If the bounce rate (the amount of users going to your website and clicking back to search results) is lower, Google improves rankings for your website because it figures that people that are staying on your site like what they see.
End Result: Conversions
Your rankings will improve with a responsive website, meaning that more traffic will be driven to your website. Both bounce rate and rankings will help in converting prospects into customers.
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