The Importance of Responsive Web Design

"Today, Apple is going to reinvent the phone." With those iconic words in 2007 Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone and the smartphone craze began.  Today, it’s essential for businesses to have a strong online presence that extends from desktops, to tablets, to smartphones.

When I say that it’s essential I am not overstating my case.  Statistics show that over 60% of all website traffic comes from mobile devices and that over 92% of internet users access the internet through their mobile phone.  If your website is not optimized to accommodate these different screen sizes you risk losing a large number of potential customers.

When designing a responsive website there are two main focus areas: functionality and visual appeal.  A website that is designed for a desktop environment alone won’t look good on a mobile device, and even worse, the user may not even be able to click on all of the links or read the text.  This can cause a frustration for the user and can lead to a higher bounce rate, losing you business.

Another aspect to consider is search engine optimization.  Google and other search engines regularly prioritize responsive websites and deprioritize websites that are not responsive.  Having potential customers be able to find your business through a simple Google search over other businesses is a huge advantage.

In conclusion, responsive web design is pivotal for businesses that want to have a successful online presence.  It means that your website remains functional, visually appealing, improves your SEO ranking, and is essential to stay ahead of the competition and attract more customers.