10 Reasons Why You Need Responsive Website Design

• Gone are the days when the value of a quality professional website was uncertain. However, many businesses are still clinging to an old, static website that is rarely, if ever, updated, lacks interactive elements, and doesn't offer a mobile-friendly user experience. What these companies don't realize is that clicks to their website lead to conversions from their website to a competitor's mobile-optimized site. The result is a serious loss of market share.
• If you want your website to rank in Google and get more people to find you through search engine marketing, then having a quality mobile friendly website is an absolute must.
• Google is the largest and most important search engine that drives traffic to sellers and professionals through advertising, websites, blogs, images, videos, social media, as well as map and directory listings. Google's algorithms are constantly changing and based on trends. The trend of using the Internet from mobile devices is increasing every day. Over 70% of customers search, browse, get directions, bank, shop, use social media, send emails, text messages and make phone calls at the touch of a button on their phones and tablets.

Below are 10 important reasons why responsive website design is the best option for effective marketing in today's Internet.

1. Google prefers responsive sites for SEO.

A well-optimized site for mobile devices will increase your organic ranking. Google favors responsive web design over mobile templates. A single URL makes it easier for the Google bot to crawl your site. It also reduces the chance of on-page SEO errors. When SEO is a major component of a digital marketing strategy, it is important to have a mobile-friendly website that is properly indexed by Google. Since mobile customers are more likely to search for local information, mobile-specific keywords can be easily integrated into a responsive website.

1. Most internet users today are tech savvy.

These users rely primarily on their mobile device for all their online needs. About 70% use phones and tablets to access the Internet. 55% of them use their smartphones exclusively. These numbers are expected to grow. Interacting with websites on smartphones and tablets is not the same as desktop and laptop monitors. Responsive design combines technology that adapts to clicks and touches, screen size, resolution, Adobe Flash support, optimized markup, and more.

1. Responsive website design provides an optimal mobile-friendly user experience.

With a single website, your content from text to images, videos, calendars, e-commerce, forms, menus, tabs, switches and more automatically changes in layout when viewed on phones, tablets, laptops and desktops. For example, four columns of content on a desktop computer will most likely appear in 2 columns in portrait view on a tablet and one column in portrait and landscape views on a phone.  The menu on mobile devices is usually displayed as a drop-down list.

1. Well-designed responsive websites have faster load times than traditional data-driven websites.

Load time is important to Google and also to users who need quick and easy access to information. When their experience is slow, they are more likely to leave the site and never return.

1. Responsive websites keep visitors on your site longer and reduce bounce rates.

Design matters a lot, and purchasing behavior is largely based on the visitor's subconscious. Whether a customer is browsing a website or shopping in a retail store, the visual appeal of the building, merchandise, signage, and lighting determines whether the customer will stay, browse, buy, come back for more, and tell their friends. That's why retailers invest in a storefront and shopping experience that's easy and enjoyable for the customer. Walk into Walmart and you'll see specials advertised out front, clearly marked isles grouped together with similar items, plenty of space between isles, and easy checkout with extras that entice shoppers to add to their purchase. Responsive website design with proper content organization and presentation provides a layout that allows your website marketed as a Walmart store.

1. Responsive websites have 21-24% higher click-through rates compared to traditional non-mobile sites or mobile versions of websites.

Mobile design is an alternative version of your site and involves three main challenges. In addition to the need to maintain a separate version of the site, a mobile website is not automatically indexed by Google and does not appear in search results. This reduces Google ranking and access to 70% of people who search from mobile devices. The second problem is that content from mobile sites is not visually appealing to tablet users. Tablets are often close in size to laptops, and mobile phone displays often leave large blank spaces and other formatting issues that are unsightly. The third and biggest problem is that mobile websites contain limited content and prompt the visitor to go to the main site (a website that is not optimized for mobile devices) for more information. There is 61% probability that a user who does not get access to what he wants right away will immediately leave and go to another site (most likely a competitor).

1. With a single URL for visitors on any device, you have a powerful platform that can save marketing dollars.

With one responsive site used for your digital marketing campaign, you can increase your brand and reputation on Google and get more social shares at a much lower cost. There is no need to optimize and promote a separate mobile version of your site.

1. Google now allows you to track phone calls in Google Analytics.

This provides a measurable conversion strategy that is ideal for mobile click-to-call features.

1. A responsive website is easier to manage.

Instead of two sites – a desktop, laptop and mobile site requiring separate management – responsive design means only one site requires management. It also makes responsive design more cost-effective for maintenance and marketing.

1. Responsive site design does not limit the type or amount of content that can be made available to the user.

Unlike a mobile website with limited content, a responsive design doesn't disappoint a visitor who needs or wants more information to make an informed decision or take a specific action. You can improve the user experience on different devices by turning things off, on, or repositioning them. In addition to engaging content and functionality, responsive design offers an interactive experience and options for a safe and private online environment. A good responsive design will present content in a balanced and logical order on all devices for the purpose of conversion.