As we move into 2015 it’s the perfect time to address “Responsive Web Design”.
The Story So Far -
Before we get into it, let’s start by defining what we actually mean when we say “Responsive Web Design”.
Responsive Web Design is a rather new term that has been brought about due to the increase in usage of mobile devices and tablets.
Browsing webpages on tablets and mobiles can be a rather agonising experience in which you end up squinting your eyes while trying to pinch your way around the website trying to zoom in. This is what is called poor “user experience”, and you should be worried about it. On average, 67% of mobile users are less likely to stay on a website that is not responsive. This converts into what is known as a bounce rate; users and potential customers immediately clicking away from your website to hopefully find something that is easier to navigate.
What's being done about it?
Well for starters, you might notice that if you visit Studiohawk on a different device some things may change, such as the layout matching the resolution of your device and the menu system changing to what’s known as a ‘Hamburger’, which allows you to click on menu items easier and without them clogging up the limited screen space of the mobile device.
But not only is our website doing it, it is becoming more and more popular as people start to realise the value of it. Increasingly websites are becoming responsive or at least starting to cater to mobile users, as they are a growing consumer base. On this website alone, 38% of all the visitors are using a tablet or a mobile, therefore it is important to cater to them also.
SEO
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is a term that is thrown around a lot lately. Gone are the days of artificially boosting your search engine rankings. The best way to do it now is organically, by making good content and providing a great experience for the users of your website. Google and some other major search engines establish if a website has good user experience by checking if they are catering to different screen sizes (i.e. Responsive Design).
Wouldn't this cost an arm and a leg?
No – if you develop a website with responsiveness in mind, we can do it along the way, significantly reducing the time it takes us to finish the actual responsive design, and as a result, the amount that you pay.
Final Thoughts
Responsive Design is going to continue to skyrocket well into 2015 and beyond, and its usefulness in terms of user experience cannot be understated. In the future we will only see more mobile users – it would be a shame to potentially lose those users and potential customers.
Recommended reading: Complete Guide to Technical SEO - Mobile Optimisation
