Why Your Website Needs a Responsive Design

A responsive website is the same site, same links, and same content – on every device. The only difference is that it is coded in such a way that it will respond gracefully to whatever size device it is being viewed on.

Let’s face it. We have become a multi-screen world where the majority of people move between devices to accomplish their goals. In fact, the number of devices people carry with them has increased immensely over the last few years bringing the worldwide average to 2.9 devices per person and a national average of 3.0 devices per person. The most common device being used is the smartphone, which has become the starting point for all online activities. Following close behind are laptops and tablets, typically being used for longer web interactions and activities.

The increase in multi-screen users has created a need for better user experience across all devices, meaning traditional web design techniques just don’t cut it anymore. Web designers have identified this issue and are now developing responsive websites to solve this problem.

So why do you need a responsive website?

Well, it’s an investment. Website trends tend to come and go, but responsive websites are not a gimmick. We live in a multi-screen world that’s moving toward an infinite number touchscreen interfaces and mobile device sizes. Adopt this technique now, and you’ll save later.

Responsive websites are also super easy to manage! Don’t get fooled into buying a separate site for your smartphone. A responsive website uses the same site, links and content. Edit your website once and it will change everywhere.

And finally, Google will love you. In June 2012, Google Analytics announced that they prefer you use a user-friendly, responsive website. This is because responsive websites have one URL and the same content regardless of device, which makes it easier for Google to accurately crawl and index your site.

Not to mention that a responsive design creates a better user experience for your customers. You’ve probably visited a site where you had to pinch and zoom to get the screen to be readable. And then you clicked a link, it refreshes the page, and you’re back to where you started before you zoomed. Frustrating, isn’t it? A responsive website eliminates the need for zooming and makes it easier for customers to navigate your site no matter what device they are using.