Mobile Website or Responsive Design? [infographic]

According to Pew Research, 34% of cell internet users go online mostly using their phones, and not using some other device such as a desktop or laptop computer. In fact, smartphone browsing is expected to overtake computer browsing by the end of 2014.

So what does this mean for a website owner? For starters, it’s time to make sure that your website is optimized for mobile devices.

But let’s start at the beginning.

What is “Responsive Design?”

Available mobile devices – androids, iPhones, and tablets – come in a tremendous variety of different sizes, making it impossible to design a traditional website that will look great on every screen. That’s where Responsive Design comes in.

Responsive Web Design creates a fluid layout that scales on the fly for optimal viewing on everything from the biggest desktop monitor to the smallest smartphone. As the user switches from laptop to tablet to phone, the website automatically accommodates for resolution, image size and scripting abilities. In other words, the website responds to user preferences.

What is a “Mobile Website?”

A mobile website is a custom website with its own framework and URL (for example, m.yoursite.com). Because the needs of a mobile website reader and traditional website reader can be quite different, the mobile website can repurpose existing website content, catering it to the specific needs of the mobile user.

Which Option is Right for Me?

Both options will optimize your site for the smaller screen, but there are pros and cons to each. For a side-by-side comparison, check out our Building a Better Website: Mobile Site vs. Responsive Design infographic.

Do you have anything to add? Let’s have a conversation! Leave a comment – we’ll get right back to you.

• Bio
• Twitter
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Pinterest
• Latest Posts

Hannah Kwan

Hot Shot Developer at Caffeinated Communications Studio

Hannah Kwan works on front-end development and handles website maintenance for clients at Caffeinated Design Studio, a branding & visual marketing agency based near Seattle, Washington. Hannah's favorite coffee drink is a Almond Vanilla Latte at her local coffee shop; if she can't get that, she'll settle for a Caramel Latte as a backup.

@caffeinatedcomm

Hannah Kwan

Latest posts by Hannah Kwan (see all)

• SEO for 2017: Seven Things You Need to Know - November 22, 2016
• 7 Ways Your Website is Like a House [Infographic] - July 28, 2016
• Ten Things Every Small Business Website Needs (Part 2) - February 2, 2016