The term Responsive Website Design (RWD) has been thrown around now for a few years – and it simply means that a website  “responds” to the users display device – be it a 24″ desktop display or a 4″ phone.   With the mobile market-share getting larger each day, the time is now to make sure your visitors are being served up the best digital experience no matter what device they are using.  At Orbit Design we are fully committed to the responsive design methodology for several reasons…

Here are the top 5:

#1 – UX (user experience) matters

How often have you been frustrated using a website on your mobile device that is too small, too big, or missing information?  We all know, if something is hard to use, we tend not to use it.  When a website is easy to use no matter what  your customer is viewing it on, they are more likely to engage and return to your site – which is the ultimate goal for any website!

#2- Google recommends it

Recently, Google announced it will use mobile-friendliness as a ranking in search results, rewarding websites that are fully optimized for mobile devices.  With mobile searches now outnumbering desktop searches it is imperative that your website be mobile optimized for better search engine rankings.

#3 – Less maintenance & duplicate content

If you have a current “separate” mobile website with its own content – RWD is the best solution to keep future maintenance costs down.  Instead of having to change two separate websites and make sure each is up to date, you will only need to worry about the content on one responsive site.  Additionally, having duplicate content on two sites is not considered by Google to be search engine friendly.

4) Social media and blogging brings more mobile users.

Whether you’re taking advantage of our Marketing Machine program, or are yourself actively engaging your audience via blogging and social media – you are naturally inviting more mobile users to your website.  With over 55% of social media consumption happening on mobile devices, having a responsive website is imperative.

5) Responsive sites are prepared for the future.

Responsive websites are designed with screen size in mind – not devices… So no matter how many iPhone or Samsung Galaxy variations come out in the next few years, a responsive website will “respond” to the screen and not the device.

As you can see, having a responsive, mobile website, that delivers a fully functional web experience is no longer “nice to have,” but is the new standard for the health and growth of your business’s online presence.  If your website needs to be overhauled to be mobile friendly, give us a call to discuss your options.