Responsive web design is the term used for websites that are built using the most up to date technology to allow for websites to automatically re-size and respond to the size of the monitor and or device thus allowing the website to provide an optimal viewing experience for the user. This allows for easier reading and navigation and removes the need to re-size or pan around the screen.

An easy way to explain how this works is to describe it as a fluid layout. Water reacts to the size of the container that holds it, so by reducing the size of the container prompts the water to react and therefore refill the space that it inhabits. Images re-size, fonts adapt, menus compress and columns shrink in width to match the device size.

More and more we are using our mobile devices to check websites on the go, using time that was normally reserved for reading a good book or a local newspaper. This boom in mobile and tablet usage is making it increasingly important for your website to engage with the user in the best possible way.

The importance of responsive design for local businesses

It matters even more if you operate a local business where you want people to visit your premises.

You might be running a shop, takeaway or just a general local business. If someone looks up your business on their phone then they are far more likely to be in an immediate buying frame of mind than someone searching on a computer from home.

When users reach your website, it’s important that they can identify where your business is located and what you have to offer. We have all visited a web site that doesn’t load or is difficult to read, being human we would rather not wait or try to adapt, we prefer to just move on to the next one.

If you have any questions regarding responsive web design, wish to convert your current site or create a new responsive website then please contact us and we will be happy to have a chat to discuss your options.