What Is Responsive Web Design?

Trying to optimize one site for mobile and desktop users may diminish the user experience and readability for both groups. Another option is to create a separate mobile website that adapts the content from your main site to optimize it for users viewing on a tablet, smartphone, or another device.

This approach allows you to make the most of the features that stand out on a smartphone; however, since there is a wide variance in screen sizes and other specifications, even a separate mobile website must have responsive features to account for these differences. Mobile websites provide optimal user experience and speed and are a good value although more expensive than a responsive site.

However, you do need to maintain two separate websites, which may be daunting for some business owners. The third option to ensure that customers on all devices are able to view your site is a native app: a separate program that can be downloaded directly to smartphones and tablets.

This approach is favoured by web design agencies and typically costs less than developing separate websites, requires less content, and allows you to keep the same SEO data across platforms.

Native apps provide the best user experience, accessibility, and speed, and can incorporate special features that may not be available on a responsive website. They are a great option for business owners who want to get creative with content. However, native apps can be very costly to build, are not flexible, and may not be available to all users. For example, an iOS app will not be available to those with Android devices.

A web programmer can work with you to help determine which of these three options is best for your business. Since an estimated 28 per cent of website traffic comes from mobile devices, it’s critical that you offer an optimized experience for these users, regardless of whether you opt for a responsive site, a separate mobile site, or a native app.