If from this article you realize you need a responsive website, please CONTACT ME and we can talk about what it will take to get you the website you need.
Out of all the things you can do to improve your website, making your website responsive is one of the most beneficial. This, however, requires a complete nuke and pave of your current website. Making a responsive websites isn’t merely a flip of a switch, but it’s completely worth it – and here’s 4 reasons why:
1) Responsive Websites Are Google’s Search Engine Preference.
Since June 2012 (I know – 3 years!), Google has preferred mobile sites. And not merely websites that have a separate mobile website (the ones that have: m.yourwebsitehere.com) but where it’s the exact same url for the same website. You can read the full explanation from Google on their webmaster tools blog. Although it’s unsaid, my guess is that Google wants to be know for great results, but part of that it not only taking you to an accurate search, but one that is filled with websites that will be friendly to whatever device you’re searching on: and this requires a mobile website.
UPDATE: Google does have more information on how they are even furthering their mobile-friendly preference in search results. Checkout my blog post on this update.
2) Responsive Websites will increase your conversion rate.
People are spending more money on their phones and tablets than ever before. Whether it be because it doesn’t feel as if you’re spending “real money” from your phone, or because you simply aren’t on a computer anymore, the reality is that if your mobile e-commerce solution is difficult to wade through, you will loose sales (TWEET THIS).
3) Responsive Websites look better on ALL devices.
Responsive websites look better not only mobile devices, but on desktops as well (TWEET THIS). The issue isn’t just the screen size changing on smaller devices, but even having different window sizes on computers. Even on a computer, non-responsive websites can be a pain to navigate if you have other windows open. Requiring your visitors to constantly scroll horizontally, or zoom out to see a whole line, etc, is a sure way to have a higher bounce rate and to see your visitors eventually stop coming all together. And not only will a responsive website shrink to a smaller window, but it will also expand to look full on a larger screen.
4) Responsive Websites bring a unified experience across devices.
Having the exact same website, only better formatted for each window/screen size, will bring continuity to your website (TWEET THIS). One of the big problems of having a separate mobile site is that (at best) the links aren’t in the same place, and (at worst) some links aren’t even offered in the mobile version! It’s like getting a dumbed down version of the website when on a mobile device which drives people crazy if they want the “power” of a desktop version.
Anything else you’d like to add to this list? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this ever-changing/growing topic.
Please come back next Monday for my following website tip!
And don’t forget: if you need a responsive website yourself, CONTACT ME and I can give you a quote for a brand new, responsive website!