What is responsive web design (RWD)?

Responsive web design is the way to ensure that your users are able to view your content, in the best way possible, on every device. In this world of ever-evolving technology, desktop websites are no longer good enough. Studies suggest that nearly thirty percent of all Internet browsing in the United States comes from mobile phones alone and that number is rising rapidly. Think about it- most Americans have a mobile device, within arms reach, at all times (even while sleeping). Some say, that by next year, mobile browsing will surpass desktop browsing.

What does this mean for your business?

This means that it is time to rise up above the competition so that your business doesn’t get left behind. Your users expect simplicity, so that is what you should strive for. The user experience could make or break the success of your website because the hustle and bustle of today forces users to find the best AND QUICKEST way to get something done. If your site is not optimized, you will most likely lose them to a more mobile-friendly site.

Why not serve device-specific sites?

With the number of available mobile phones and tablets being so high, targeting every different size would be extremely impractical, not to mention very time consuming and expensive. RWD will cost you more than a desktop-only site but will save you mucho dinero in comparison to the cost of multiple designs and development for each device.

Besides cost effectiveness, what are the benefits of RWD?

To start, RWD withdraws the need to pinch-to-zoom in your mobile browser because the content is for an easy read. Also, if you have content that might not be as important to display on certain device sizes, you can hide it. For example, you have a horizontal navigation bar on your desktop site, but you are afraid it will take up too much room on a smartphone. You will most likely want to hide the navigation and replace it with a menu button until someone needs to use it.

RWD can also help fortify your SEO efforts by directing your users to a single site rather than serving them a different version based on their device of choice.

For more information, view our mobile website design services.