We live in a techno-centric culture. New mobile devices are released regularly, and it can be hard to keep track of them all. Even harder is the task of the web designer, who must ensure the website content of their clients is easily available to everyone, no matter what device they’re using – mobile or desktop. Every year, an increasing percentage of Internet traffic is accounted for by people browsing with mobile devices such as cell phones, tablets, and iPads. As a result, websites should be designed so they are accessible across these multiple platforms. A website that is difficult to use or view can result in plummeting traffic, website conversion and sales. Through responsive web design, however, your web content will be easy to view and convenient to use.
While multiple versions of some websites can, and do, exist for better functionality on different devices, it is impractical to redesign web content to fit each new mobile device that comes along. With responsive web design, there is only one version of your website, and it adapts to any screen on which it is viewed. This is especially important in the damage restoration industry, where potential clients need help fast and often search for disaster cleanup and restoration services on an emergency basis.
Responsive web design is made possible by technology that automatically accommodates for screen size and resolution, screen orientation (portrait vs. landscape view), image size, and scripting. Behind the scenes, responsive web design is accomplished using flexible grids and layouts programmed to respond to whatever device user is using to access web content. Effectively, web responsive design eliminates the need to redesign and develop your website again and again for each new device that hits the market.
Given the prevalence of available technology and information, people generally have short attention spans. The easy accessibility of the Internet has created an expectation of instant gratification—Internet users expect to find what they’re looking for quickly. They don’t want to scroll down endlessly, or zoom in and out to read text. Users know that if one website doesn’t work right away, they will find another that does.
At least half of all Internet searches are performed on mobile devices, according to Google. This means your website could lose 50-60% of its traffic as a result of poor website design, if your content cannot be easily accessed.
Keep in mind: in the cleaning and restoration business, potential customers have often been through recent traumatic and destructive events, and may only have access to the Internet through their devices. A website that is fully functional across all platforms is critical. This is especially true since, within the last few years, Google’s search algorithm has changed to more heavily weigh mobile-friendliness in ranking websites. With a responsive website design, your business will efficiently project its professional image, no matter how it is viewed.
The world of mobile devices is ever-changing. The concept of responsive website design eases the frustrations of business owners and Internet users alike. Best of all, responsive website design makes it possible to generate sales leads across all platforms, so your cleaning and restoration business can remain relevant and profitable in the modern age. Learn how to Kill It Online with Sonny Ahuja (www.SonnyAhuja.com).
