Responsive web design is an approach to web design, which makes web pages look good on all devices. It is achieved by shrinking, enlarging, hiding or moving the content of a web page with the help of CSS and HTML to fit across all screens.
In recent years, an upsurge in worldwide smartphone users is noticed. Today, 57% of traffic comes from mobiles and tablets, and it is expected to increase further. Therefore, quality of being responsive has become indispensable for any website. Below are the advantages of a responsive web design.
1. Seamless User Experience
The prime goal of any website owner should be of providing a smooth, uninterrupted and optimal user experience. It is for this reason Google recommends responsive web design. A responsive web design gives a choice for your users to experience your website through any device.
2. Save Money & Time
Creating two versions of your website for desktop and smartphone users can be expensive and time consuming. The content of responsive website acts like fluid, it can easily fit across all screen sizes. Having one single website for all devices, can save money and time.
3. Easy & Cost-Effective Maintenance
Having two versions of your website for desktop and mobile users is a costly affair. You have to run search engine optimization for each version separately. With a responsive web design, you have just one website that you have to take care of. Obviously, maintaining one website is much easier than maintaining two.
4. Google Friendly
Google recommends responsive web design. It has already claimed that responsive web design will have a positive impact on search rankings on mobile devices. Where as, running multiple versions of your website is not search engine friendly. Same content in all versions can give rise to the problem of content duplication.
5. Lower Bounce Rate
Bounce Rate is a key factor, which tells the search engine, whether a website is providing quality content and user friendly experience to the visitors. A responsive website provides excellent user experience and makes a visitor stick to your website for a longer time and keeps the bounce rate to the minimum.
6. Quicker Page Loading
Who doesn’t like to have faster web pages? Page loading time is not only important for the visitors, but also for search engine ranking. Responsive web design decreases the time taken by a web page to load, especially for mobiles and tablets and further enhances browsing experience.
7. Improved SEO
Responsive web design compliment your search engine optimization strategy. Along with quality content, responsive web design also plays an important role in SEO. Improved backlink profile, reduced bounce rate and quicker loading, translate into greater visibility.
8. Avoid Duplicate Content Penalties
Having similar content on mobile version and desktop version of your website can get you penalized by Google algorithms and hurt your search engine ranking. With a responsive website, you can avoid content duplication penalties.
Conclusion:
A responsive web design provides numerous other benefits. We have listed the most important ones. It is not sensible for any business to ignore rapidly increasing mobile audience. Therefore, start reaping benefits of a responsive web design from your next website redesign.
