There is no doubt that we are living in a time that shows people are using their mobile devices more and more to access the Internet. This means that simple desktop versions of websites aren’t going to cut it if a business is looking to beat out the competition and bring in more traffic. Responsive web design, which is used to adjust a site to be compatible with multiple platforms, is a concept that has been slowly transitioning the Internet into a more user-friendly place for awhile, but now it’s time for business owners to stop neglecting its importance and take action if they haven’t done so already. However, even though it’s proven to be valuable to the sites that embrace it, like most things, responsive web design doesn’t come without some common misconceptions.
Responsive Web Design and Mobile Design Are the Same
Mobile design was the first attempt made by web designers to accommodate the increasing amount of Internet visitors coming from smartphones, but what has evolved since then is responsive web design. Mobile design involved creating a mobile phone version of a website that was suitable for smaller screens and different screen resolutions but came with a URL that was different from the original version seen on desktops, which is not beneficial for search engine results. The difference with responsive web design is that it maintains one URL across the board and adapts for any mobile platform, not just smartphones, with no limits concerning future technology as well.
Content Must Be Hidden in Responsive Web Design
Because of less screen space on phones and tablets, many designers believe they need to hide some of the website’s content in order for it to all fit. This is unnecessary, though, since responsive web designs are built to fit in everything a visitor would see just as if they were viewing a site on a larger desktop screen. Businesses shouldn’t have to make any of their content inaccessible to potential customers or clients, and a designer should continue to explore various possible solutions until they find an acceptable one that includes all content.
Responsive Web Design Negatively Affects User-Friendliness
The idea behind responsive web design revolves around user-friendliness, and yet, there is a misunderstanding that it will negatively affect user experience. While there is accuracy in the fact that larger images that may load fine on a desktop can cause slower loading times on other platforms, this is a simple fix by utilizing images that are optimal for mobile in the first place without ever having to compromise on quality.
Responsive Web Design is Complicated and Expensive
This is perhaps the biggest assumption that makes business owners hesitate in moving forward with responsive web design. Websites are a worthy investment and will help to turn profits when built correctly and upgraded as needed, so it’s something businesses should budget for. The overall improvement to the site shouldn’t be too costly, especially when factoring in the return on investment.
Whatever you’ve heard through the grapevine, the truth is that responsive web design is a great strategy for businesses to use in order to meet the demands of this new age of tech-savvy customers.
About the Author
Melissa Duralia is a PR Professional at Optimize Worldwide, a Northern California based SEO company specializing in the development of search engine friendly websites. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in journalism and public relations from California State University, Chico, and has had a passion for writing since she was a little girl. Melissa’s motto is “educate, love, learn.