person holding turned-on black iPad

Mobile Website Vs. Responsive Website

What are the differences between a Mobile Website and Responsive Website?

In today’s internet world, users utilize multiple platforms to access the web.  Many folks these days use tablets, smartphones, and other mobile or cellular phones to surf the net or look up something they need at that moment.  A Mobile website is a separate website designed specifically for mobile devices.  A Responsive website is an “all in one” website that is ideally designed to work effectively on desktop computers as well as mobile devices and tablets.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of a Separate Mobile Site

Mobile sites are streamlined and often stripped of some content.  This is done so that the layout is not cluttered when viewing the site on a mobile phone.  Some prefer this simplified approach.  For example, a separate mobile site might be good for a pizza delivery restaurant. Their patrons may prefer content that primarily involves placing an order for a pizza. However, not all mobile users want “reduced” content.  Many mobile users prefer to have access to all of the content that is available on the main website.

The logic behind Responsive Websites

image of a responsive website on multiple platforms

A responsive website is one that readjusts itself to whatever platform is used to access the site.  One way to determine whether a page design is responsive on your desktop or laptop is to change the size of your browser window.  If the page readjusts itself when you make the window smaller, that is a responsive property.  If it stays the same as it was when the browser window was maximized, then it is a static design.

In the eyes of Google, responsive all-in-one websites are more valuable and might rank more highly than if a website has a desktop version and a mobile version of the website.  When there is both a mobile and main website, this might hurt overall domain and page authority for both sites.  In other words, Google might rank your sites lower which makes it harder for a potential lead to find your website.

Designing a responsive site may initially involve more time and preparation than a static design, but it does not take as much time as building two separate sites.  In the long run, a well designed responsive website will boost your Google ranking and let folks access your content regardless of the platform they use to view your site.

Targeted Results

Define your goals, everything we do is tailored to reach them.

Your Goals are Ours

Reaching your goals through partnership

Global Reach

Leverage our service providers to strengthen your efforts

100% Security Focus

Never wonder if your projects are safe again.