Web Solutions Omaha
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Information on Responsive Website Upgrade Option
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Several changes have taken place in the website industry over the past several years as a result of a notable increase of tablet and mobile devices used to access websites. We would like to make you aware of the changes that have prompted Google to implement new website standards to cater to a wider range of electronic devices.

 

If a favorable standing with search engines and catering to mobile customers is important to you, then please consider the following information. We would be happy to discuss any of these topics with you further, and partner with you if you'd like to upgrade your website to be "responsive" and "mobile-friendly".

 

For our current clients with desktop-only websites, upgrading to a responsive website will not affect your ability to continue using the features of the WebFrame content management system to edit your site.

 

 

While your current desktop website with us can be viewed on a mobile device, it is not "mobile-friendly" according to Google's new standards.  

 

According to Google, the most popular search engine holding 72.48% of the world's market share of online searches, "Responsive design is Google's recommended design pattern."

 

As stated in Google's Webmaster Guidelines, site owners are strongly encouraged to "design your site for all device types and sizes, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones."

 

 

  

 

A responsive website design (RWD) is needed in order to be awarded the label of being mobile-friendly by Google.  

 

RWD is defined as one website, which uses the same URL, and is comprised of multiple different fluid-width layouts, which automatically resize depending on the type of device being used to view the site: desktop, laptop, tablet or Smartphone. Images are minimized and navigation compresses as the site is viewed on smaller screens.

 

 

For your current and future customers, responsive websites offer an optimal browsing experience - no matter what size the viewing screen or device used to access your website. 

 

Google has furthered its commitment to provide relevant, high quality search results that are optimized for all devices by releasing an algorithm update, referred to as 'Mobilegeddon'. This change made "mobile-friendliness" a significant ranking factor for Google's search results on mobile devices.

 

 

 

According to Google, the main reason behind this push to have a mobile-friendly website is about creating a pleasant experience for an ever-growing segment of people who prefer to use their mobile devices to access websites:

 

"The desktop version of a site might be difficult to view and use on a mobile device. The version that's not mobile-friendly requires the user to pinch or zoom in order to read the content. Users find this a frustrating experience and are likely to abandon the site. Alternatively, the mobile-friendly version is readable and immediately usable. 

 

In the USA, 94% of people with smartphones search for local information on their phones. Interestingly, 77% of mobile searches occur at home or at work, places where desktop computers are likely to be present." 

 

 

In addition, fewer people are using desktop computers to browse the internet. 

 

  • According to the independent web analytics company, StatCounter, internet usage by mobile and tablet devices exceeded desktop usage world-wide in October 2016.

 

  • StatCounter notes that while the predominance of mobile internet use hasn't happened yet in the U.S. (58% desktop vs. 42% mobile), it is only a matter of time.

 

 

 

 

You might be wondering if your desktop website really needs to be mobile-friendly yet. 

 

If your website is not a predominant tool you use to obtain and service your customers, then you could consider waiting to make the switch to RWD. For everyone else, Google continues to build on providing services that favor RWD websites, and the rate of non-desktop users continues to grow.

 

 

How can you know if this increase in mobile internet usage is relevant to your website? 

 

If available, you can find out how many people visit your website from different devices by viewing web stats reports of your website's demographic traffic sources, which will give the breakdown of devices and browsers used by visitors to access your website.

 

 

 

In conclusion, your website can be one of your most powerful digital marketing tools. Making the investment to convert your desktop website to RWD will help your website to be more in line with Google's recommendations, and can make you more competitive with others who have already made the conversion. Depending on your industry, it can also be one of the most foundational and effective ways to serve your current and future customers. Just as you would want their experience to be if they walked in your brick and mortar doors, give your customers the best possible user experience when they visit your website.

 

Please let us know if you are interested in converting your website to RWD. We would be happy to discuss the conversion with you further and put together an estimate for your consideration.

 

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More Information on RWD 

 

 

Ready to consider a conversion?