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Why you need a responsive website

Responsive web design – WordPress websites brisbane – WordPress websites melbourne

Chances are you are reading this article because you’re thinking about investing in a new website, and you’re wondering what responsive means or if you even need a responsive website? The short answer is, yes, you do! Let us explain…

What is responsive web design?

Responsive websites are not built with one device in mind, but with all devices in mind – mobile, iPad, Laptop, TV, basically any screen size. A responsive design means that the content of the website is fluid and will adapt to any screen size by moving, hiding, expanding and shrinking content to fit the device. No more pinching, pulling or sliding the screen to be able to read the tiny text – win! The viewer is always going to see a website at its optimum, no matter what device they are using. And as we all know, better user and brand experiences equal happier and more engaged customers.

6 reasons why you need a responsive website

1. Google – a responsive website will improve your search engine rankings

Google is extremely smart and will rank your website based on a number of things, including your website’s responsiveness. Google (and Bing and Yahoo and what’s-it’s-name…) knows a responsive website will provide better a user experience than a non-responsive website, so if it’s important that your website ranks well, you need to get on board! Websites are essential for all businesses these days – even if it’s purely to have a presence in your market. If you think your customers haven’t searched your business to find your website, you’re most likely mistaken.

2. Support all devices, all the time

Having an awesome website on a desktop computer is great, but what about the 60% of people who visit from their mobile or tablet?

Mobile phone usage has grown rapidly over the past few years, that’s a given, but how does that affect your website? Can you remember how annoying it is when you visit a website on your phone and you can’t read the text or have to scroll so far that you can’t navigate your way back to the menu? This is because the company has not invested in a responsive website, and they’ve probably lost customers because of it.

In 2016, a staggering 60% of all website traffic was recorded from mobiles, which means more than half your customers have probably tried to visit your website from their mobile. If your website is too difficult to navigate, the user will likely get frustrated and switch to a competitor’s website.

3. Social Media rules

How many times have you clicked on a Facebook link and been navigated away to a company’s website? Most of us have, and it’s usually because of clever marketing… you were interested in the product or service the business was selling and their targeted ad pulled you in. Now, you are on their website, and you’re browsing what they have to offer. You probably didn’t notice, but it’s most likely a responsive website. Assuming you have a social media presence (if not, you need to get one, stat), and the fact that we now know most people browse on their hand-held device, means they WILL navigate to your website from that same device… food for thought, yes?

4. One website, multiple ways

Gone are the days of needing separate websites dedicated to desktop and mobile.
With responsive web design, companies are now able to put all their energy into only one website that will service the needs of all screen sizes. This means marketing teams no longer have to update content and service multiple websites, saving time and maintenance costs.

5. Invest in your future

Making a move to a responsive website is not only a smart for your company, but it’s a sensible investment for your future. The rate of mobile use is only going to grow, and with other digital inventions set to take off in the future, such as smart watches and 3D glasses, you’re already set to deliver exceptional user experiences for everyone.

6. It’s 2017!

Functional aspects aside, a non-responsive website is usually an indication of a dated website, and you don’t want your customers to think that you’ve dropped the ball or have no interest in what you’re selling. You want potential customers to get a sense of the pride and passion you have for your brand. There’s so much competition out there, no matter what industry your in, so don’t let your website let you down – we’re here to help!

So now that you’re absolutely convinced a responsive website is the way forward, get in touch with us! We use and recommend WordPress, as it is the perfect framework for responsive website design (you can read more about this here). We’d love to chat how we can elevate your business with a beautiful and functional responsive WordPress website.