As more and more people are finding it almost impossible to live without their mobile devices, and almost every task that was previously only possible on desktop becomes available on mobile, it is clear that mobile is the most preferred means of internet browsing. Statistics show that 60% of all website traffic is from mobile devices, which is no surprise. We are living in a mobile-first era, and steadily on the move to a mobile-first index. In this environment, it is not enough to have a separate website dedicated to mobile devices. Responsive Website Design (RWD) is the answer. With RWD, you do not have to maintain separate PC, mobile, and tablet versions of your website. Rather, one site adapts to the respective screen size it is viewed on. This allows mobile users to view all content you have to offer in a complete and readable way. No more annoyingly partial content to mobile users.
We all know and appreciate that Google is the real deal, claiming the majority of all market share and effectively being the most popular search engine in the world. Google came out in 2012 to affirm responsive web design as their preferred mobile configuration, and announced that starting April 21st, 2015 it would add RWD to it's ranking algorithms. In other words, a company without a responsive website would be penalized by Google's search engines.
If you were not sure about the move, you should take a hint from that proclamation. By having a single mobile responsive website, Google has an easier time indexing your content and ranking your website ' this is a win-win situation for Google and your business.
Now that you agree with us that Responsive Web Design is the way to go, does this move help your business, and does it improve your SEO position?
Users will not stay on a site that isn't easy to navigate. Google takes keen notice of time spent on a page as a true indicator of the site's relevance to the specific query. Responsive Web Design makes it easier for a user to navigate the site and thus creates a better user experience, which means more time on the page. Improved usability leads to increased conversions and repeat customers, and as you know by now, Google is a fan of businesses that satisfy user queries, rewarding them with higher SERP positions.
Google has consistently maintained that fast loading sites are favored in search results. As a result, every website should be optimized to load as quickly as possible, which is why Google advocates for Responsive Web Design. Mobile responsive websites will typically load faster, particularly via mobile, resulting in a better user experience and higher SERP rankings.
Bounce Rate is closely related to time on site and number of pages viewed. Both parameters look at how quickly visitors backtrack or leave your website. Google interprets short dwell times and single page visits as a signal that the content on your site is not relevant to the searcher's query. The result is that your website will suffer negative adjustment in Google search engine results for that particular query. It is not just the content that contributes to bounce rate; poor website design, on many occasions, outweighs irrelevant content.One more reason why you need a responsive website design.
With the way the industry is going, switching over to responsive website design is not only wise, but almost a necessity, that is, if you want to rise above your competition and reap maximum benefit in SEO.
At BrandingTouch, our online marketing experts will work closely with your team to deliver a responsive website design that guarantees a positive user experience for all prospects. Contact us today to learn more about how a responsive website design will translate into better SEO, more website traffic, and ultimately, a boost in your profitability.