These days we are getting more common request is for responsive website development, and to most of the world, the terms mobile-friendly and responsive mean the same thing. But in our industry, they are two very different things.
So what exactly do responsive and mobile-friendly mean? Let’s take a closer look…
Mobile-Friendly Design
A mobile-friendly site is essentially a copy of your website, specifically designed to look and function the exact same way regardless of the device. This means that nothing changes or is not usable on a computer or mobile device. Many great features of the website, like navigation drop-downs, are limited, as they can be difficult to use on mobile.Mobile-friendly is not reliant on a mobile operating system to function properly.
Responsive Design
A responsive website is one that changes based on the screen size of the device. In responsive design, text and images change from a three-column layout to a single column display. Responsive design is reliant on a mobile operating system to function properly. If accessed from a desktop, the full website is going to display. Whereas if it’s accessed on a tablet or cell phone, the layout and navigation will display differently. Responsive design react with the user in mind, and enhance usability no matter what the device is.
How to know which design is right for you?
Even though mobile-friendly websites are outdated, they still have their place. It’s a small place, but it’s there. One of the most important things to keep in mind is the fact that Google now ranks mobile sites above desktop sites for SEO ranking.This means when someone searches google from a mobile device, websites that are optimized for mobile viewing will rank higher than websites that aren’t. You can achieve a consistent website experience across all devices with a simplified, mobile-friendly site. These sites may not have crazy features or functionality, but they just work. With responsive design,you can achieve a more customized mobile experience. However, it does require expertise, proper planning, and a bit larger budget. I would recommend asking yourself a few questions before deciding between responsive and mobile-friendly:
Think about going mobile-friendly if:
- You don’t have a huge mobile audience looking at your site on mobile – less than 35 percent
- You have a simple site that is mostly text and image-based, without complex functionality
- Your image sizes are small, allowing for fast loading over mobile connections
Think about going responsive if:
- A large majority of your web traffic is viewing your site from a mobile device – at least 35 percent
- You have complex site content or features that are difficult to use on a mobile device
- You plan on your website having a longer shelf life and want it to appear up-to-date for longer