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Do You Need a Mobile Responsive Website?

mobile responsive

Mobile responsive and mobile friendly are two different things, but how do you know what type of mobile website would be best for your business or organization?

One of the most common website requests given to companies such as Knoxweb is for responsive mobile website design and development, which could be a good thing, especially if you follow the Knoxweb blog and are aware of Googlegeddon.

With that being said, there are still quite a few misconceptions when it comes to the difference between a mobile responsive website and a mobile friendly website.

Below are a few of the misconceptions that Knoxweb has come across

  • Only responsive websites will work on a mobile phone or tablet
  • Every website must be responsive
  • A mobile friendly website is really a responsive website

So with all of the confusion what exactly is the difference between a mobile friendly and a responsive mobile website?

Responsive website

A mobile responsive website changes or responds based on the user’s needs. If you are using a mobile device the images and text will, “Respond,” differently on a PC or laptop than it does on a Smartphone or tablet. The single column display on a mobile responsive website looks cleaner and does have the unnecessary images that you would see on a larger display.

Knoxweb explains that if you are on a PC, you can check if the site you are on is responsive by reducing the window size of your browsers window from full screen to small. If they menu, images and text change as you make the window smaller, you are looking at a mobile responsive website.

Mobile Responsive Key Features

  • Dynamic content that will change according to the device
  • Condensed navigation
  • Image optimization
  • Correct spacing and padding
  • Mobile operating system reliant for function

Mobile Friendly Website

A website that is mobile friendly is designed to work the same on all devices. This means that no changes occur or the mobile friendly website is unusable on a mobile device or a computer. Navigation features are limited as are drop-downs making it difficult to manage on a mobile device. No flash animation is used, as flash does not work on mobile devices. The website is the same on all devices with no concerns for usability.

Key Features of a Mobile Friendly Website

  • Navigation that is simplified
  • Static content that remains the same
  • Smaller image display
  • Functions properly without a mobile operating system

So how do you know what type of site is best for you?

Responsive

A more customized mobile experience is achievable with a mobile responsive design; however, it requires expertise along with proper planning. You may also need a larger budget for a mobile responsive website.

You may want to go with a mobile responsive website if most of the traffic comes from a Smartphone, tablet, or Smartwatch. You may also want to switch if you have a complex website or other features that make it difficult on mobile devices. You want your website to look up to date and fresh.

Mobile Friendly

With a mobile friendly website, the experience is consistent on all devices with a more simplified website that is mobile friendly. Mobile friendly websites may not have all of the bells and whistles, but they do work.

Go mobile friendly if you don’t have many visitors from mobile devices. You may also want a mobile friendly device if your website is mostly image or text based, is quite simple, and doesn’t have a complicated functionality.

If you would like more information regarding mobile friendly versus mobile responsive, call or click and schedule an appointment with Knoxweb today.