What Is A Responsive Website?

There are many buzz words used when it comes to website development and “responsive” is certainly one of them. As a small business owner, do you know what responsive means? Most likely, you have heard it and kind of know what is meant by it, but might not exactly understand what “responsive” is. 

A website that is said to be responsive is often referred to as “mobile-friendly”. 

While this is very true, there is much more to a website’s responsive functionality and importance. To help you, and your website, stay current with the digital times, we’ve compiled this quick guide to understanding responsive websites.

Defined: Responsive

Re·spon·sive 

adjective

reacting quickly and positively.

    Similar: quick to react, receptive, flexible, alive, accessible

So, What Is A Responsive Website? 

A responsive website design simply means that the website is designed to fit the screen of any device. This includes everything from mobile devices, tablets, desk tops, laptop computers, and televisions. No matter what size the screen, the text is legible, images and logos are clear, and everything is exactly where it should be from the design. 

The key to developing a responsive website is to give a user the best experience possible. User experience is important to ranking high on search engine results and having a website that is receptive will help. Having the same look and functionality for a website across any device is essential in today’s digital world.

Why Is Responsive Web Design Important? 

If a website was NOT designed to be responsive, the web developer would need to create a website for each and every single different device. With over 50% of all website traffic completed on mobile devices alone, the web developer would not be able to keep up. Simply put, responsive website design makes life easier for all involved in a company’s website. 

Benefits of Responsive Website Design

• One Size Fits All: No matter what the size of the website user’s screen, the website with a responsive design will fit it. Like we said, this is everything from a TV screen to a desktop computer to a small mobile phone. The website will be configured the same for each and be equally visually pleasing. 
• Proper Scale: Again, no matter the size of the device, the website will look the same. This includes the proper scale for images, logos, graphics, fonts, and any other element included on the website. The ability to have these elements scale to the screen size will maximize the user experience. 
• Heightened Consumer Experience: The consumer expects the website they are accessing to fit the size of their screen. They do not want to have to change their device or shift to accommodate for the website. Most consumers will leave a website if it is not designed to fit their specific device. The last thing you want to do is lose a customer to poor website design. 

Is Your Website Optimized & Responsive?

Whether you are on a desktop computer or your phone, you can easily tell if your website is responsive. On your computer, go to your favorite web browser and enter your website URL. Your website should load in the full size of the screen. Now change the width of the browser screen and see how the website changes to accommodate the different sized screen. 

If your website did not change to fit the new width, your website is NOT responsive. 

Contact SharpFinn Creative to discuss your website options and to learn more about optimizing your website for consumer experience. We offer monthly packages to ensure your website is always up to date and functions flawlessly for your customer’s needs. You can schedule a consultation or coffee date below!