Mobile devices and responsive web design

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06
Mar
Mobile web traffic is only ever increasing. In fact, since it overtook desktop traffic way back in 2016, it has simply continued to grow. However, despite the user numbers, many websites are still not up to scratch when it comes to web design. That’s because designing a website for a desktop is a much different task than designing a website for a mobile device. And many companies are simply designing only with desktop viewers in mind. As a result, site visitors on mobile devices are getting a poor deal. And Google is seeking to change that with the mobile first algorithm. Here at Pumpkin Web Design, all of our websites are designed to be responsive, so that our clients look great on any screen, large or small. And so, we have produced this guide to mobile devices and responsive web design.

What is responsive web design?

So what exactly do we mean by responsive web design? Well, the best way to design a website is so that the exact same site is viewed on any platform. That’s because otherwise you would need to design two different websites, for the two different purposes. A website that can adapt to screen size and resolution, as well alter the content displayed, is known as responsive. And this means that a user accessing your website on a smartphone or tablet will have a fully optimized experience, with content displayed in a way that is appropriate to the screen size, and rotation, improving the user experience. As a result, if you want to provide value to all your potential customers, you need a responsive web design.
In addition, a responsive website is necessary if you want to stay on top of the mobile first algorithm.

What is the mobile first algorithm?

The mobile first algorithm is a change to the way that Google will rank websites, when the user is searching on a mobile device. It will make sure that websites with fully responsive pages and content will be placed closer to the top of the list of rankings, so that users can get the best possible user experience. In addition, websites without a “mobile friendly” version, or that dramatically reduce the amount of content available to mobile viewers will be moved down the list. No matter where the desktop version of the site is ranked. This means that website without a responsive design could lose rankings, and traffic.

As a direct result of this change, it is clear that mobile design can no longer be simply an afterthought. And user experience will be greatly improved.

Mobile devices and responsive web design: the advantages

When it comes to using a responsive web design, there are a range of advantages. These include:

  • Orientation- your website will respond to the orientation of the device your users are viewing your website on, and show a pre-designed and version of the website, with optimised images and content to fit the shape and orientation of the screen. This means that your users will have a better experience when using your website, and be more likely to convert to paying customers, or to sign up.
  • Resolution and screen size- No matter what the screen size or resolution your users are viewing your website through, from the smallest smartphone to the largest monitor, they will see a website fully optimised and scaled for size. This means no more hidden pieces of content, and no more navigation bars that can’t be selected. Everything will be functional and still look great, no matter what size screen is used.
For more information or advice about mobile devices and responsive web design, get in touch with the experts today, here at Pumpkin Web Design.
Pumpkin Web Design Ltd is a small and highly results driven digital agency working for like minded clients in Preston, Chorley, Southport, Blackburn, Burnley, Morecambe,Wigan, Manchester, London, Warrington, Blackpool, Lancaster, Leyland, Lytham St Annes, Bolton, Chester and the UK. Our services include web design, SEO, content marketing, video production, brand design and much more.