With over 67% of all searches now made from a mobile device, Google has announced that from April 21st 2015 it will favour in the search results mobile friendly websites over websites that are not responsive to mobile devices.
Having a mobile friendly responsive website is now essential in reaching everyone involved with your school.
Initially everyone had a standard desktop website. Then along came apps and the need to have both, or at the least a standard desktop site and a mobile-only website became open to debate. More people now use mobile devices to access the web than ever before, so having a school website that can be easily accessed and updated on a range of devices is something that cannot be ignored.
A mobile website and an app are completely separate entities often requiring you to have a second platform to manage. A responsive site on the other hand is one website that is coded to adapt to all screen sizes, no matter what the device the website is being used on.
The most popular devices used to search the internet:
- 91% PC/Laptop
- 80% Smartphone
- 47% Tablet
- 37% Games Console
Benefits of a responsive website:
Accessibility
With screen sizes constantly changing and new internet enabled devices emerging frequently, a responsive site is the best way to reach your audience quickly and easily in the way that suits them best. Responding to your audience needs is essential in ensuring you gain and hold their attention.
Future Proof
Responsive website design enables your school website to display properly no matter what screen size someone is using, therefore the life of your site is lengthened. A responsive school website will adapt to the ever changing market of devices out there for parents and pupils, making the investment in a good responsive site worthwhile.
Less time consuming and lighter on the budget
A responsive website means that you only need one website and not a range of expensive additional services and apps that potentially increase costs. A single responsive site is also less time consuming to maintain than multiple platforms.
Better user experience
People are busy and used to getting information they wanton the go, therefore they expect and demand quick access to the pages of your school website.
Non-responsive sites are slower to load and harder to read and this potentially frustrates users who are then likely to go straight to another site and less likely to view your site again. If you do not have a responsive site you are potentially reducing your audience.
Easier to find you
Google and search engines prioritise mobile responsive websites, so having one will improve your search engine ranking.
Overall, having a site that can be viewed clearly, quickly and easily on a range of devices is no longer a ‘nice feature’ but rather a necessity. Having a responsive website can increase traffic and present a positive image of a school that is up-to-date and communicative to its major stakeholders.
Lisa Savage,
Director
