When responsive mobile design first hit the scene, it was seen as a fringe technique. More recently, however, it has evolved into a mainstream practice, with businesses who opt out being left behind.
For those unfamiliar with responsive design websites, they’re websites capable of adapting automatically—with its content and layout fitting the screen size the viewer is using. This is true whether a user is viewing on a desktop, mobile device or tablet.
What are the benefits of responsive web design
More users than ever are realizing that digital platforms aren’t only the future but the present. If your business has yet to embrace utilizing a responsive website, consider the following benefits that your business can reap.
Cost-effective
The goal of every business is to have the business run while not paying more than it needs to. Businesses that can cut costs where they can yet still be effective is the aim of every company. This means that if businesses are trying to use both a mobile and a non-mobile website, it can lead to unnecessary expenses. What’s more, having a responsive website negates the need for a non-mobile website entirely.
Easy to manage
While it may seem like more work is required to maintain a responsive website, it’s actually the opposite. It takes more effort to maintain websites that are device-specific. When needed, changes are much easier to make to changes to a responsive website, due in large part to the flexibility they provide.
There’s also the added benefit of being able to make these changes in-house rather than needing to hire out a designer as you can make changes independently with a responsive website.
Enhanced user experience
Along with cost-effectiveness, another goal of business is to provide the best user experience (UI/UX) possible. By providing your visitors with a professional-looking, fast-loading website with high picture quality and interactive capabilities, your business will be more attractive to those who use your website.
If you can couple this with your site being fast-loading and responsive, you can really make a positive impression.
Higher conversion rates
Often with responsive websites, businesses will see higher conversion rates, which in turn leads to increased sales. Experts suggest that this is because with responsive websites, viewers get the sense of consistency, functionality and optimization. All of these can leave visitors with an impression of quality, which can lead to repeat customers.
Moreover, professionalism instills confidence with the customer/viewer that the business has staying power, which makes them want to become a long-time customer.
To outsource or hire, that is the question. Outsourcing can be a game-changing decision for brands struggling with ever-changing tech trends.
Search engine optimization (SEO) and rankings
Experts familiar with SEO will be quick to tell anyone on the fence about developing a responsive website that having one will help immensely with SEO. This type of website is much more likely to receive a higher Google rank.
Additionally, search result optimization can help your business achieve a competitive advantage over other businesses.
SEO, or search engine optimization, is the art of strategically drawing high-quality traffic to your site. Because the more traffic you get to your website, the more opportunities you have to convert prospects to clients, right?
The importance of utilizing responsive design
Others reasons why it’s important for businesses to use responsive design for websites include:
- Responsive sites more easily reach customers that are using smaller mobile devices.
- Responsive sites provide a more consistent experience that will allow your business to see increases in conversions, lead generation and sales.
- You can handle analytics, reporting and tracking in one place.
- The cost and time commitment for on-site content management is reduced with responsive design.
- Responsive design is essential to stay ahead of your competition.
If your business has yet to make the conversion to a responsive design website, eventually it will be impossible to avoid as technology usage is shifting that direction.