Responsive web design made easy

Today, there are more mobile devices than people on earth. Business owners can no longer ignore mobile considering how many people will be accessing their website through mobile devices. With this in mind if you are not using responsive web design you are putting your website at a disadvantage.

What is responsive web design?

A responsive website will look good on any device; it adapts and adjusts the website to fit any screen without affecting the functionality or look of your website. No matter what device you are on (PC, Smartphone, Laptop or Tablet) the user experience and quality of the website will continue to be of an equivalent standard.  

The beginners guide to responsive web design

Over 75% of people would choose a mobile friendly site over a non-mobile friendly site, so give the user what they want. Responsive web design is also favoured by Google as it gives the best user experience across all devices.

How responsive design works:

A responsive website will first detect the users screen size and orientation, it will then adapt to that screen without compromising functionality or visual appeal. A responsive website will also respond to movement too, if you turn your mobile from portrait to landscape the website will simply re-adjust meaning you will never have to scroll from left to right to find information.

 

Resource Techniques - Web design for estate agents

Mobile websites vs Responsive

Pros and Cons for mobile:

Pros –

• Loading times are usually faster as there is less information to be processed.
• Larger websites can benefit as the information can be simplified as to not overwhelm users on smaller devices.

Cons -

• A mobile website is a separate website from your desktop version, with a different look and feel. It also only offers a fraction of the full website and content.
• Monitoring the site can be more complex as they are separate URLs.
• Your Mobile SEO may not be as strong due to it being a different URL.

Pros and cons for Responsive:

Pros -

• A responsive website is one website. It is the same website no matter what device you look at it from.
• Editing the website is easier as it is all under one roof.
• Your mobile SEO will perform better than a mobile website.
• You lose none of the content or functionality of your website.
• They are quick to load as long as there isn’t lots of content. Ideal for estate agents.
• It is scalable so will adjust to fit any screen.

Cons –

• May not be as good for a larger website as users may have to scroll for too long to find certain information. However this won’t be an issue for estate agents.

Overall user experience benefits

Users prefer the look and feel of a responsive website, they are more likely to return to your website in the future and choose your website over a competitor.