Detailed Guide: How to Build Responsive Websites

The multi-device culture has made some drastic changes when it comes to website design, meaning, that nowadays, it’s no longer recommendable and desirable to have a responsive website, but it has become something that’s mandatory.

But what does it mean to have a responsive website? It means that it is capable of detecting any device that you are utilizing when browsing the web. Its main purpose is to adapt to device specifications so you can have a smooth user experience.

• Detailed Guide: How to Build Responsive Websites

Now, if you would like to build a responsive website, yet you’ve never done it before, don’t worry. I got you covered. Today, I am going to provide you with some useful tips that will help you develop one.

Build Your Site in Webflow

These days, you can run into different website-building platforms that can help you create your own site. I know that a lot of your resort to WordPress when something like this needs to be done.

And although that’s a completely legit option, I would still consider some other alternatives that are potentially better. One of them is Webflow. So what do we know about it? Namely, it is a first-class hosting platform, as well as a web design tool that can help you quickly blast off a responsive web page.

What I generally love about it is the fact that it relies on a no-code approach which means that you can build your site visually. A lot of webflow developers love to employ this no-code system because it lets them create a superb, and fast website by employing the drag-and-drop interface without coding. Although there are lots of great website builders out there, if you ask me, this one is certainly among the best ones.

In case you didn’t know, it uses a content delivery network that is here to be sure your page loads quickly no matter where someone is. Plus, webflow hosting enables you to easily gain access to some of the best hosting technologies in the world that could only benefit your company.

Use Media Queries & Breakpoints

Media queries let you optimize your web page layout for different screen widths. The content generally responds to various conditions on a variety of different devices while the media query is here to check the resolution, width, and orientation of the device you are utilizing.

In addition, you can use media queries to debar particular elements if you notice that the screen size is lesser than the width making the whole layout more suitable for different screens. Moreover, you can use it to bring in various parts of the design so it could be more mobile-friendly.

Don’t Forget the Fluid Grid

Back in the day sites were based on pixel measurements. These days, the situation is a bit different and a vast majority of them are built on something that’s known as a fluid grid. The main goal of a fluid grid is to position and place web elements on a website so they can be proportionated to the screen size it’s displayed on.

Instead of creating things in a particular size set in pixels, elements that are on a fluid grid are going to adapt so they can fit a certain screen size. Furthermore, a fluid grid is split into columns: widths and heights are scaled.

When it comes to the proportions of the elements and the text, they will depend on the size of the screen.

Do Not Overlook Touchscreens

I know that not every device has a touchscreen, however, bear in mind that a vast majority of them have it. That’s precisely why it would be advisable to build a site that even touchscreen users can use without experiencing any issues.

Now, if by any chance you have a form that has a drop-down menu on desktop views, then you should modify this form so that it becomes bigger and easier to press by using your fingertips on devices that come with touchscreens.

Another thing that I would like to remind you is the fact that some smaller elements, such as buttons can be very hard to touch (when you’re on your mobile phone), thereby, it would be great if you employed pictures, calls to action, and buttons that can properly be seen on every single device.

Pay Attention to the Navigation

One of the most important aspects of every web page is precise navigation. It can be defined as a roadmap for people and its goal is to help visitors easily access any page on your website. When it comes to desktop versions of your website, your navigation should have all visible links to every relevant page.

In terms of mobile devices, it would be recommendable to employ a hamburger icon so you can hide every link behind it. Even though that’s generally an approach that a lot of people use, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best one.

Why is that? Well, that’s because there’ll be some people who may not realize that they are supposed to click the icon so they could uncover the menu. And if they fail to realize this, they are going to be very frustrated due to the fact that they won’t be able to access other pages.

Consequently, it would be much better if the most essential menu items are visible on every screen and to utilize the hamburger menu for other, less relevant links. Additionally, you can also put links to other pages in the text on the homepage to streamline everything.

Consider Employing Templates

Now, I know that some of you may perceive this as cheating, and even though that’s not too far from reality, I do not see anything wrong with it. At the end of the day, why would you waste so much time doing something that somebody else has already done?

Keep in mind that by doing so, you’ll finish everything much faster, plus, not to mention the fact, that there are so many cool templates out there.

There’s no need to convince you to opt for a responsive website because I am positively sure you already know how essential it is. The only thing that I would remind you of is to implement all these tips so you can develop a great one.