Websites have been essential for business success for some time now, but there continues to be a growing need for more than just a website in general.
Because with the rise of cell phones and tablets, the internet – including your company site – is more mobile than ever. So for your company’s website to truly be successful, it needs to be responsive – meaning it works on any device or screen size just as it would on a desktop.
Think about it – how often do you visit a site for the first time on your desktop or laptop? Probably pretty seldom, unless you happen to see or hear about while sitting next to that computer. That’s why having a site that works everywhere is pivotal – you never know where someone will view it for the first time.
Let’s break down what exactly a responsive website design, why it matters, and the benefits it provides to your company.
What is Responsive Web Design?
At its core, responsive website design is a type of design that automatically adapts to various screen sizes and layouts. It takes the design in its entirety – the content, layout, images, etc. – and makes sure it works properly on all devices without requiring you to have a completely different website for every screen size (which is impractical in today’s technology-overloaded world).
Responsive web design ensures you have a mobile-friendly website – something important to customers and your search engine rankings. But there is a difference between a responsive site and a mobile-only website. You can build a website that’s sole purpose is mobile viewing – it typically is similar to your main website but simplified for smaller devices and lives under a different URL.
A responsive site makes it easier for you to only have one website – to build, to maintain, and to update when necessary – just one built more flexibly.
Why Responsive Web Design Matters
Not surprisingly, mobile website traffic has been on the rise for a while now. Add together more people having smart phones and devices and internet access being easier than ever, it’s a recipe for people to spend more time on mobile versions of websites than before.
With people browsing on their phones more, if your site doesn’t work properly or look good on their device, that’s how they are going to perceive your company. That means less sales, less trust and credibility, bad word of mouth, and overall negative impressions. And with how saturated the market is, those bad thoughts turn people right toward your competitors.
But having a website that still accomplishes what your users want and need from any device can make all the difference – in a more positive and long-lasting way. It leads to more positive first impressions, better relationship building, more conversions, and usually more sales and return customers.
How Responsive Web Design Impacts ROI
Your website is an investment into your company’s success, but only if it does what you need it to. Creating a responsive website might seem like it’s more costly up front – both in money and time – but the pros significantly outweigh the cons. Here are some of the key areas having responsive web design improves your return on investment:
Signs You Need a Responsive Redesign
When you understand the importance of having a truly responsive website, you might start looking at your site – and analytics – through a different lens. But while your site might seem to work great on various devices and screen sizes, there are a few key things that can tell you whether your site is truly responsive. If any of these are happening to your business, it might be time for a redesign focusing on responsiveness:
Since your site is often the first glimpse people have into your company, that impression needs to resonate with them no matter where they view it. That’s why responsive web design is essential to your site’s success. When your site adapts effortlessly to phones, tablets, and desktops, you create a better user experience, build trust faster, and promote conversions.
A responsive site doesn’t just look better, it performs better as well. From increased conversion rates and improved SEO to lower bounce rates and maintenance costs, the ROI of a truly responsive website makes the upfront time and cost worth it.
How We Can Help
As a website design and development company in Texas, we know the important role your website plays in your overall success. That’s why our team strives to build custom websites that truly highlight your brand while also speaking to your audience in a way that produces results.
If you want an expert team to look over your current site and see how it stacks up, or maybe you’re ready to jump into a redesign, send us a message! We’ll schedule your free consult then jump into building the responsive site of your dreams.
