Responsive Web Design

The first attempt to allow access to content and basic functionality of a website and provide an advanced version of the same site to browsers with better or more complete Web Standards support is known as Progressive Enhancement which was introduced in 2003. The corresponding approach is often referred to as graceful degradation. By applying best practices such as creating a correct document structure in the markup, web designers can contribute not only to Progressive Enhancement, but also Web Accessibility and overall code quality.
To provide the highest level of interoperability and usability, websites should be created by applying techniques that support an optimal user experience through device-, browser-, and/or feature-detection, so the website will be easy to navigate and read regardless of the device used for browsing (smartphone, tablet PC, desktop PC, etc.). The textual content of the website won't be tiny on a phone, and the large pictures will be automatically resized depending on the screen size and resolution.
One of the approaches to address the issues of barely readable texts, inconsistent layout, and inconvenient scrollability is Responsive Web Design (RWD), which applies a flexible grid layout that is scalable (also known as liquid layout or fluid layout). Responsive Web Design has the aim to achieve optimal user experience in terms of convenient reading and easy navigation, and "respond" to device features. Depending on the characteristics of the device being used, different layouts are used, along with automatically scaling website elements, including text and images. Since some website elements such as Flash headers containing raster graphics and video clips cannot be fully optimized for automatic scaling, the applicability of Responsive Web Design depends on the website. In case a reliable fixed-width layout is used for whatever reasons, support for mobile devices can still be provided by creating additional, device-dependent style sheets.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT WEB DESIGNER

You've made up your mind. You want to have a website to represent your business. The next decision to be made . . . who should you hire to develop your site?

There are many people capable of building their own personal sites. They can put cute little comments and pictures of their pets or kids up for you to enjoy. But, when it comes to having a website that will be a form of marketing for your business, you want someone with experience. Someone who has an understanding of the Internet and what is the best way to boost the exposure of a website.

They must have a clear knowledge of a variety of contributing factors to your sites' success. Such factors include how best to market your site, the options and limitations of graphics, how to create a site that is effective within search engines, knowledge of the drawbacks of different browsers, and the understanding of the coding required for your site.

It is crucial that your designer understands you, your company and what you want to accomplish with your website. To determine this, you need to answer a few questions first. What do you want on your website? What is the desired outcome of your site?

Is your designer open to your ideas and provides input and suggestions for improvement?

Have you checked out your competition or other websites to get ideas of what is the 'norm' for a successful site? The more information you have prior to starting a website, the more accurately you can communicate with your designer and get the desired outcome that produces the best results.

Creating a website can be an overwhelming experience. You need to ensure that your designer is easy to talk to and keeps you updated on your sites' progress. If you have questions . . . ask! After all this is your site and you have a right to know how it is coming along and in terms that you can understand.

You also need to check out websites that your designer has made in the past. Check to see that the graphics load quickly, that it is easy to navigate between the pages, and that overall you like their style.

Finally, the cost! This is a very important factor for small business owners when deciding on a website designer. Larger companies will charge more and can probably make your site very elaborate. If you need a site filled with all the bells and whistles, you will be paying for it. If you simply need a site that is a background of your company and the products or services that you provide, the cost will be considerably lower and you can use a smaller company or independent designer.

Your website is going to be a 24-hour advertisement for your company. Skimping on any of the above listed factors will have an effect on the final result of your website and the outcome that you want from it. Do your research and you can join other successful businesses who are using the Internet to boost their exposure and their revenue.