The growth of the internet and the myriad ways in which customers can access it mean that responsive design is more important than ever. Increasingly, customers access your online content using digital devices, which means that websites need to be able to flex to accommodate different-sized screens. If you offer this, the user remains engaged and hooked on the content of interest. This switch away from PC-only websites requires some work and preparation, but it is entirely doable and well worth the investment for SMEs.
Misconceptions Around Responsive Design
There are certainly some misconceptions on the topic of what actually constitutes a responsive web design, and some people incorrectly believe it refers to the usage of digital platforms and the ability to view content on them. However, the term actually refers to a website’s ability to shift size, shape and layout to suit the variously shaped screens that access it – whether they are smartphones, tablets, laptops or desktops.
In terms of making your business website responsive, here are some tips.
Make It Simple
When you are creating a website, remember that you need a platform that works for tablets and smartphones. Ultimately, this means simplification. Focus on providing essential content, minimal links and pages and easy navigation. Consider what overwhelms you as a user, and carry out some user testing to gain greater insight into what your customer group needs.
Content Considerations
Strip out any content which is superfluous on your site, using analytics to guide your decisions. Ensure you use descriptive title and sub headers to help search engines to find your content. Write for a web audience, which means keeping your content short, engaging and to the point, with a clear call to action. Consulting with a London SEO services company such as elevateuk.com is always a good idea to ensure that you are following SEO best practices.
Prioritise
Remember too that you need to prioritise your web content, because access via digital devices means scrolling downwards to get to what you want to see. Shape your mobile offer so that the user sees the most important content first. Over half of online users consume content using mobile devices, and this figure looks only set to increase.
What steps will your business be taking to optimise your digital assets this year?
