But the rise of “responsive web design” – one of the hottest trends in 2013 – means you can now have one flexible site that suits everyone.
Catering for the mobile market
The vast majority of mobile phones sold today are web enabled, with users zooming in and out to read different sections of a website on the tiny screen. This can be extremely frustrating: not only do users have to keep resizing, but they can also have problems using small buttons designed for cursor interaction rather than swiping with a finger (or stylus) on a touchscreen.
Fortunately, these user interface issues can now be resolved with a responsive website that works equally well on every device.
How does responsive web design work?
A responsive website changes its appearance and layout based on the size, platform and orientation of the screen it’s displayed on. In other words, the technology automatically responds to the user’s preferences.
Responsive sites can be configured to:
• Make the text on the page larger
• Make the buttons on the screen easier to use
• Hide or present entirely different information
• Radically change graphics and colours
• Emphasise key sections only
User benefits of a responsive website
Responsive design gives users a better experience, which in turn results in higher conversions:
• Optimal viewing
• Easy reading and navigation
• Minimal zooming and shrinking of text or images
• Accessible from a wide range of devices
• No need to download a separate app
Time to get responsive
Despite what you might think, responsive websites needn’t be a huge investment. They’re certainly a cost-effective alternative to mobile apps and in many cases an existing website can be upgraded with the new technology. Having just one website with one URL is better for your SEO too.
If you have any questions about getting your site ready for mobile users, do give us a call. We’ve designed numerous responsive websites over the past year or so, including revamping our own, so we can speak from experience!
