When it comes to online engagement, a good web design can make all the difference. And in this mobile-savvy era, one of the most important elements of a good web design is mobile-friendliness.
Still not convinced your association needs a mobile-friendly web design? Here are five reasons to reconsider:
1. One website, one URL
Some organizations have two websites – one regular site and one mobile site. But two URLs equate to twice the work. What you do on one website, you then have to do on the other. (Not exactly ideal.)
If you’re utilizing a responsive web template, however, you can have a single website that adapts to multiple devices (meaning less work – and less anxiety – for you).
2. Google favors responsive websites
In early 2015, Google released a new algorithm for searching with a mobile device. The new algorithm promotes mobile-friendly websites when users are searching from a mobile device and buries non mobile-friendly sites below those results. That means if your site is not mobile-friendly, it won’t show up in mobile searches – or at least not until way later (AKA page 12 or 13).
Now I can’t remember the last time I made it to page 13 of a Google search, so the best course of action? Make your site responsive.
3. Social media attracts mobile visitors
If your association is using social media, good for you! This is a GREAT way to attract people to your organization’s website. That said, a majority of people check social media via their mobile device, so if they click on your organization’s website and find that it isn’t mobile-friendly, they’re likely to leave your page and ignore your links in the future.
4. Responsive designs adapt to future devices
Let’s say your organization has decided to forego a responsive web design, and instead, utilize two websites – one for desktop and one for mobile. Well, that may work for the time being, but what about in the future? We all know how quickly new devices emerge (we’re looking at you, Apple watch). What if one pops up that requires an entirely different set of code?
Responsive designs take care of these problems. They automatically adjust to fit different screens, so no matter what device comes up (watches, glasses, TVs, etc.), your responsive site will still look beautiful.
5. Responsive websites make visitors happy!
Above all, responsive websites lead to a good user experience. They eliminate the need for zooming, pinching, and ah yes, side scrolling. The benefit of this? Reduced bounce rates and improved brand perception.
A win-win if you ask me.
Want more tips for making your site engaging? Check out free Membership Website Guide below!
