Why Do I Need a Responsive Website?
Having a responsive website has gone from being a “nice to have” to an essential since April 2015, when Google announced that it would rank responsive websites above non-responsive websites when searches were carried out on a mobile device.
What is a Responsive Website?
A responsive website “responds” to the screen size of the device that you are viewing the website on, and adjusts its display according to the screen size. This means that one website on one URL will display well and legibly on a tablet, phone or desktop computer, and there is no need to zoom in to view it properly. With a responsive website, you only need to maintain and update one website.
Just How Many People are Searching on a Mobile?
In October 2016, 51.3% of searches worldwide were on a mobile or tablet – overtaking searches on a desktop computer for the first time (source Statcounter)
There are regional variations – mobile usage is higher in India for example, and in the UK mobile and tablet usage accounted for 44.4% of searches. This is still fast approaching half of all searches, though!
How Do I Know if my Potential Customers Search on a Mobile?
If you want to find out how many people are viewing your website on a mobile phone, have a look at your Google Analytics under Mobile Overview, and it will give you a breakdown of views by mobile, tablet and desktop. In fact, it will even tell you the brands of phone they are using.
If you haven’t got any analytics on your website (and why not – it is a free service from Google?), or you are a new business, think about your likely customers’ behaviour. Even if they are office based, we often think about work in the evenings, when travelling, or in our lunch breaks – and these are the times we will use a mobile or tablet rather than a desktop to search. If your customers are not in desk-based jobs, this increases even more.
Is a Responsive Website an App?
No, but many websites do have an app version for mobile users. All the social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin do this, for example. Remember that the customer has to download the app to their mobile or tablet first, so you need to consider if they are likely to do this. Usually, the first step for a business is to get a mobile responsive website, then to consider if customers are likely to want an app too.
If you are considering an app, this article gives the pros and cons of responsive websites and apps.
Where Do I Start to get a Responsive Website?
If the thought of a new website is just overwhelming, we can help. We work with clients to work out the structure of their website, write the content, and brief the designer, or we can manage the whole process for you. Just give us a call for a free consultation on 0115 772 2518 or complete the contact form.