Believe it or not, a majority of the websites today don’t have a responsive design. Responsiveness is the key to build a strong online presence in this day and age, where Google values user experience over many other factors. If your website doesn’t render well on any device, regardless of the screen size, you are risking a blow to your reputation. Hence, lack of responsive design can harm your SEO prospects. As mentioned, search engines favor websites that are responsive. Therefore, to build a strong online presence, you need to optimize your website first.
Here are some reasons why you should consider this step:
Google Loves Responsive
Google loves responsive websites. And when Google loves something, you better take notice or risk a sanction. You would know that the search engine giant controls over 80% of the search market. In fact, you can expect Google to boost your website if you have a responsive design. Mobile-friendliness is a key factor for determining search rankings today. With over 60% of search on Google originating from a handheld device, it is obvious why Google loves responsive.
Build Better Backlink
Adding backlinks becomes a challenge if you have multiple websites. This is the case if you design a website specifically for mobile users. You have to add backlinks to two different websites, which affects their quality. Moreover, Google won’t consider the backlinks you add as a genuine reference, directing users towards quality content. So, by going responsive and concentrating your backlinks on a single domain, you improve your chances of success significantly. Moreover, you don’t have to create content for two sites. You cannot afford to reuse the content, even if it is from your site.
Enhanced User Experience
The overall user experience of your website improves when you go responsive. Firstly, your website will load quicker than before. Internet users today have little to no patience. Hence, don’t expect them to stick around for more than a few seconds before they move on. Responsive sites load faster, and therefore, you can reduce the bounce rate. Again, these are factors that Google considers important when assessing your search ranking. By improving your user experience, you will not only satisfy humans but also the machines.
The points mentioned here clearly show that responsive web design plays a crucial role in determining the SEO success of a website. By going responsive, you can improve the navigation and loading speed of your website, ensuring that users want to spend time there, rather than just clicking away. You can reduce the bounce rate and achieve better results overall via your site.
Even if you don’t regard these points as crucial, you should still consider optimizing your website by opting for a responsive design. After all, it is only a matter of time before all sites go responsive. You don’t want to be left behind in the race, while your competitors surge forward. Just put yourself in the shoes of your target audience. Would you like to visit a site that doesn’t render well on your mobile device? Of course not, so how can you expect your audience to do the same!