Before we get into the difference between a mobile and responsive website, along with the benefits of a “Responsive Website” I would like you to take note of the device you are reading this blog on. Most of you are likely on your computer; however, I suspect a large number of viewers are on a tablet or a mobile device (smart phone). I did ask this question for a reason, I assure you! It is estimated that by the year 2015, local mobile searches will surpass local desktop searches. What does this mean? Your website design will need be optimized to be viewed not only on a desktop, but all possible devices users will be navigating through your website on.
Also on TechWyse:
Should Small Businesses Use HTML Or CMS For Their Web Design?
5 Tips for Testing Your Site’s Usability
Developers did recognize this trend several years ago, with that in mind came the launch of the “mobile website”. The purpose of a mobile website is self-explanatory, a version of your website that is designed to be user friendly when viewed from a mobile device (smart phone). Less information and content, easier to navigate through, larger buttons, phone numbers that could be clicked on to place a phone call, etc.
Below is a sample of a full website and a mobile website that TechWyse designed and built. There is a script on the website that recognizes what device the user is visiting the website from and will display the mobile version if the user is viewing on smart phone.
www.securitystorage.ca www.m.securitystorage.ca
Though mobile websites proved to be very popular for a short period of time, they had their setbacks, which in turn revolutionized what is referred to now as a “responsive website build“. A mobile website is in fact a different version of your website. You will notice in most cases the site will redirect to a mobile version. The mobile site generally provides you with the option to link back to the full website; however, this means there are two versions of your website on the web. This also means updating content in two places, optimizing two versions of the site, mainly managing two pieces of website property rather than maintaining one. Since the point of a mobile website is to nicely fit a smart phone, a dedicated mobile site generally lacks the majority of the main website’s content. To summarize, mobile websites, while they did serve their purpose had some setbacks that were overcome with the idea of a responsive website!
What is a responsive website? It is simple, there is only one version of your website and the websites’ design will “respond” to whatever device you are viewing it on. In most cases, large images that are not necessary on a small screen will compact or disappear, content, articles and other elements on the page will neatly stack themselves on top of one another to accommodate the screen you are viewing it on. Let’s take Oakville Chiropractic as an example. When you view the website on a desktop, you will see the following version:
Now, take a look at the same website on your smart phone. You will see it is the same website (no redirect occurs); however, all content and elements exist, they are just re-organized to respond the device you are viewing the site on:
Now that you have read this article and understand what a “responsive website” is, you will notice them everywhere! The industry is making a shift towards this type of build. We have also seen positive results in search engine rankings and expect this trend to continue! Here is a list of our latest responsive launches:
If you are interested in a responsive website, you have options!
You might be asking why our full website isn’t responsive, we are working on it! At this point, it’s just the blog! We will keep you updated on the success of our responsive launch!
7 Comments
Archives
Get a PDF Version of This
Article in Your Inbox
on
Great article to read now i know what a responsive site can be and how it can help in generating more business. Thank you.
on
Very nice Article to read about responsive webistes, Well, I own a cleaning company if you can take a look at my website and let me know what do you think about my site.
on
Thanks Julia! Please feel free to submit your details through our contact page ( https://www.techwyse.com/contact/ ). Our team will be in touch with you.
on
Nice article Britt I am also a web designer and building responsive designs from scratch or using frameworks like bootstrap of twitter. I’ve completed many sites without any trouble but the only thing I am not capable of describing difference between responsive and mobile sites in clear words. But thank you for this article as it make my work easier because now I can share this link with client if required and they can easily understand.
on
I come out of any website that is not mobile optimized because responsive websites have made us choosy! It is great technology at its best with so many different devices like mobile phones, tablets etc. all in different sizes
on
Thanks for the info and for the wonderful new website, we are so excited about our launch and the potential it has for our business!
on
Great info! Thank you so much