What is responsive web design?

A responsive website is constructed in such a way that all of the content, images and structure of the site remains the same on any device. For example, when a user accesses a site on their desktop, they are getting the full view of the site. But when that same user goes to visit the site from their smartphone or tablet, the site will retract to fit. A responsive website ensures that your site runs properly on any device.
Mobile internet usage has sky-rocketed over the past few years, yet still the vast majority of business websites are still not designed to be responsive, which can equate to a lost business opportunity.
A responsive website is critical to making you web marketing work, and here’s 5 reasons why:
1. Speed is the key!
Responsive media is not just a trend anymore, it is a must. One of the key reasons for this is the speed at which your customers can access the information on your site. Slow to load, unresponsive sites won’t hold the attention of your buyers and they will be back on the search engine homepage before yours have even loaded on their phone.
2. Stay Future Proof!
Mobile technology is evolving rapidly. If you have a responsive site that works well across the multitude of existing devices on the market, its pretty safe to assume that it will work just as well for some considerable time to come.
3. SEO loves responsive design!
The search engines including Google, Yahoo and Bing all prefer responsive website design over static HTML / CSS frameworks. This allows the website to have a single website address (instead of a dedicated mobile subdomain) making it more efficient for the search ‘bots’ to look or crawl your website. Responsive sites typically out perform static html websites in the search results and are far easier to maintain.
4. Cost Effective
Responsive sites may take a more time to plan and build initially, but this time / effort is saved over time. Having a single entity to support / update / improve will make work flow more efficient and quick meaning less stress / wasted time and wasted money.
5. Improve conversion rates
A responsive, easy to use site provides a better experience for the user, regardless of what platform they use to view it on. If they enjoy using your website the first time, they are more likely to return and engage with you again.