Mobile Friendly vs. Responsive: What's the Difference

When was the last time you pulled out your phone to answer a question quickly? Probably multiple times a day! More people own and use smartphones than ever before, and this trend will continue. This is why it’s important to consider your web design and how it functions on mobile. If you don’t provide a good user experience, visitors are more likely to leave your site and shop with someone else. 

When it comes to building websites, a common question that comes up is what the difference between mobile friendly and responsive is. It’s okay if you’re not exactly sure - this can be confusing to understand! Below we cover the basics on responsive and mobile friendly designs and which one you should focus on.  

What is a Responsive Design? 

A responsive website is one that changes based on the device the user is using. It features dynamic content, optimized images, correct spacing and more. Responsive designs are flexible and usable for all users, ensuring that your website looks great for everyone. 

The reason why responsive websites get so much attention is because people are using all types of devices. Back in the day, most people accessed websites from their desktop computers, so web designers only had to worry about this audience. Today, people access websites from their smartphones, tablets, laptops and computers. It’s not enough to provide a good user experience only to some people. 

What is a Mobile Friendly Website? 

A mobile friendly website looks the same on all devices, but it has features that make it easier and more enjoyable to use on mobile devices. For example, mobile friendly sites have: 

• Legible content 
• Easy access to your contact info
• Zoom/move product images 
• Quick load times 
• Optimized images 
• Enlarged links 
• Map and directions 

Which One Should You Choose - Responsive or Mobile Friendly? 

In a perfect world, your site should be responsive and mobile friendly. However, this can be expensive, so you’ll have to consider the purpose of your site, what you want it to do for visitors and where you expect your visitors to come from. 

Keep in mind that your website should take users on a digital journey. That journey should be smooth and streamlined. The easier your site is to use, the more likely people will stay and convert. 

Also, what is the budget for your website? Responsive websites tend to be more expensive than mobile friendly sites because more work is involved. But it all depends on your web developer and the features you’re looking for. 

Summary 

In the long run, a responsive site that provides a good user experience will provide you with higher ROI. Regardless of your brand or industry, most people will be visiting your site from mobile and it’s important that your website adapts to their needs. To discuss your options for building a functional web design, contact WSI Star Web Solutions today.