When was the last time you came across a business that didn’t have its own website? In today’s digital age, it’s practically a given that a company possesses a website that consumers can visit in order to learn about them. In addition to websites becoming the preferred source of information, consumers have also started using mobile devices over traditional desktop computers. Now you’re probably asking, what’s your point? The point is that responsive web design is the only way to go in regards to crafting a website. Responsive web design refers to the development of a website that is compatible with a multitude of devices including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.
As time progresses, more and more websites are beginning to adapt this responsive format, meaning that you should too. That being said, allow us to take you through some of the reasons why responsive design is so important.
When it comes to managing a website, slow load times can mean the death of you (not literally of course). Visitors are no longer willing to wait 30 seconds to a minute for your website to load and will leave if things are taking too long. Even if your website loads quickly on desktops, the same may not apply to mobile devices. That’s why it’s important to ensure that website is responsive. A mobile-compatible website is able to auto-adjust its format to fit smartphones and tablets, increasing load times in the progress. In other words, visitors will feel more inclined to stick around.
What’s the point of having a nice website design if no one can find it? Depending on the type of business you manage, most individuals will locate your website through some sort of search engine, whether it be Google, Yahoo, or Bing. Now, your search ranking will determine what page and position your website ends up on. In order to ensure that you’re ranked in a good spot, you need to make sure your website falls within certain criteria – one of them include being responsive. Sites that are responsive with mobile devices are more likely to be ranked higher on search engines than ones that are not. It may not be your saving grace in regards to a high search ranking but it does make a difference.
The days of having to walk into the store and purchasing a product are behind us. We now live in a digital age, where a majority of commerce is done online and on the go. If consumers are not shopping from their desktop computers, they’re doing it in the car, on the train, and even at the gym. That’s why it’s more important than ever to make sure that your website is compatible with smartphones and tablets. Chances are these are the devices that consumers will be using to visit your site. No one wants to do a whole bunch of scrolling just to find the item they want. Responsive web design puts everything a visitor needs to see right in front of them and organizes it. Favoring those with mobile devices is the best way to see positive results.
As a business owner, you don’t need me to tell you that professionalism is everything. Having a responsive web design is a good sign of professionalism and that you’re someone who cares about your digital presence. Your website is just as important as your physical place of business and that needs to be displayed through your design. Consumers that have a difficult time navigating your website will be more reluctant to delve deeper and may even perceive you as an amateur. Everything in business is based on professionalism including your website. Do the right thing – make your site responsive.
In the time since its conception, social media has exploded into a global phenomenon. Everyone and their grandparents are now using it, and that includes businesses. Just like with shopping, a lot of social media usage is mobile, with Facebook and Twitter designing applications for smartphones, and mobile-specific platforms like Snapchat and Instagram increasing in popularity. Social media is a great way to drive visitors to your site but if consumers are on mobile devices that means you need to be as well. Responsive web design makes it much easier to integrate your site with various social media platforms. That way, everything is connected and visitors can go from Twitter follower to loyal customer at the press of an icon.
Are you interested in responsive web design? If so, don’t forget to check out our responsive web design services. Also, visit our responsive web design blog posts for additional information on how you can spruce up your current site. Till next time!
Maqsood Rahman is the brain trust behind multiple SEO Agency startups, and has become a thought-leader in the entrepreneurial space by providing wisdom and advice based on his decade of startup success. The digital age has opened the opportunity to everyone, and Maqsood Rahman is passionate about providing an opportunity for anyone willing to work both hard and smart. He also writes about his personal experience on StartupNation.