What is Responsive Web Design?

At its core the idea of Responsive Web Design is to build web pages that render well across all types of devices, without having to create separate custom versions for mobile or tablet or desktop. In other words, the layout of a webpage will respond to the user’s device.

Instead of giving webpage elements fixed pixel widths that look good on a widescreen desktop monitor, elements are instead given flexible layouts using percentages and ratios, with custom rules which trigger at certain screen sizes letting the content fluidly adapt to the user’s device.

But why build websites this way?

Back in the distant past of the mid to late 2000s, when internet-connected mobile devices were gaining real popularity, it made sense for websites to cater to this new audience. But many businesses already had websites that worked on desktop computers, so it was an expensive task to retool those existing sites into ones that worked cross-platform. The solution? For many the solution was to do nothing and let the users deal with a suboptimal experience, forcing them to zoom in to read small text and scroll the page left and right to view content that was too wide to fit on their screen.

For others the solution was to create separate websites for visitors on non-desktop devices, hosted on separate subdomains. That worked, but it had some drawbacks.

If the content of the website was static and non-database driven then that content needed to be updated in multiple locations any time changes were needed, which created unnecessary work and expense. Furthermore, these “secondary” website versions were often treated as just that – secondary. They’d be forgotten about, left to linger with issues not fixed or content not updated, giving users on mobile devices a poor user experience.

Mobilegeddon

Then in 2014, for the first time in internet history, the stats showed that more users accessed the internet from their mobile devices than from a desktop computer. Mobile users were now the main audience. This shift was further enforced in 2015 when Google updated their search ranking algorithm to boost the page ranking of mobile-friendly websites. This change, dubbed Mobilegeddon, meant that if you wanted your site to rank in Google’s results, you had to make sure that your primary site worked well on mobile devices.

While the idea of responsive web design had existed and been championed by web developers for a few years prior, Google’s ranking update made the masses really take notice, and flexible, fluid, responsive websites became the norm.

Correl8 have been building responsive website for our clients for many years, so please contact us to discuss how we can help you with your next website.

20 Oct, 2021

John Robinson Web Dev

Jargon Busting Search Engine Optimisation Web Design

What our customers say

Correl8 have been absolutely brilliant. They took our initial ideas and created a website that we are proud of for its design and functionality. Over the years they have created add-on modules that meet our specific requirements like a blogging module and a testing module. One of the key things for us is their customer service – very quick to respond in a very helpful and supportive way. Overall, a great partner!

Phil Hopkins

Chief Executive - The English Language Centre

Correl8 have constantly delivered to a high standard our bespoke system requirements from website through to back office developments. Commitment to project scope and working within agreed timeliness is a key focus and they have been excellent in project delivery on time. They have a great business partnership philosophy in helping us bring alive dynamic solutions and meeting our evolving system requirements.

Damien Mooney

Managing Director - Cruising Excursions (Venture Ashore)

I have both known and worked with the guys at Correl8 for well over 10 years now, and in that time they have never failed to deliver work and technology to the highest standard. That was why I was confident that they were the right partner for my new business. The system and reservation platform that they have developed is so unique and powerful, it allows us to quickly and easily contract new suppliers and homes and have them on-sale in the UK.

Michael Eames

Managing Director - Orlando Villas Direct

Correl8 have consistently delivered and supported Hovertravel as a business moving forward. They fully understand what we need to achieve from our online presence and completed the initial work within the projected deadline and budget.

Julie Robson

Hovertravel - Sales and Development Manager

We are delighted with the services provided by the team at Correl8. They are friendly and professional and posses all the skills and expertise necessary too help us to drive the business further forward. I would not hesitate in recommending Correl8 to any company looking to compliment any digital marketing services with very capable and reponsive in-house web developers.

Emma McFarlane

KpH Group - Sales & Marketing Executive

After receiving notice from our current system suppliers, we were left looking for an alternative that could support and develop our online business further. Correl8 came recommended to us by a partner, and we invited them along for to the office an initial visit. Their knowledge, experience and professionalism in this industry was evident. We are delighted with the work and support they have given us to date, all within timescales indicated, and would have no hesitation in recommending their services to any other business.

Karl Lapage

Coach Direct - Managing Director

I have used many different website content management systems to update content, write blogs and post articles. I can honestly say that the Correl8 CMS is far better than all of them. It's intuitive and easy to use and if you require more functionality, it can be added in for you. Plus, if you do find you occasionally require a little assistance, then the developers are quickly on hand to help.

Alexandra Wilks

Wimbledon School of English - Digital Marketing and Marketing Officer

Simon and the team at Correl8 have assisted not only us but a lot of my close business associates with their websites and digital marketing services. I would have no hesitation in recommending Simon and all the staff at Correl8. Their work is second to none.

Gary Streets

Colvin - Group Director

We didn't really know what we wanted when we started and we must have been very painful customers to deal with as we made him re do a couple of websites from scratch as we kept changing our minds and our brief. All the way through the process Si remained calm and helpful and for a technophobe like myself, he made the whole process seem vaguely understandable. I would highly recommend both him and Olly...and all the team at Correl8.

Chris Cole

Alliance Buying Group - Managing Director

The team at Correl8 has been supporting the development of our online business for more than 6 years now and we've been delighted with the service we've received. Most recently, they provided us with a new, mobile-friendly website and enhanced our entire back-end booking system, all within a very tight time scale. We had quite a few unique requests with what we required the new system to do, and they had no problem building this into the platform. Overall, extremely pleased with their work. Great team to work with and can't speak highly enough of them

Miles Saward

Sport Options - Managing Director

What a great company to work with, they have been working with our company recently, particularly on digital marketing - the results are great. Fabulous attention to detail, contact and customer service. Well done indeed.

Kevin Bishop

Town and Country Legal Services LLP - Senior Partner

A big thank you to Simon and the team at Correl8 who are assisting us with our digital marketing services and how we engage with our customers. A really nice group of people to work with. Honest, reliable and knowledgeable.

Simon Robinson

Baldwin Robinson Law - Senior Partner

Correl8 got a feeling of what our business is all about, and the way we wanted to go forward with the look of the website. We came into the process with no technical knowledge and you were both very patient in taking us through every stage until we had the perfect look and you have helped us steer the business in a more up-to-date way. I am delighted with our new website, which I believe conveys traditional jewellers but with modern ideas and some excellent pre-loved jewellery together with new and modern gold and silver jewellery. Thank you once again for all your help and professionalism.

Andrew Browne

J.J. Browne & Son Jewellers Limited, Director

A great team to work with, always professional in their approach as well as an understanding of every client's needs. They are able to create bespoke digital solutions that work with your business. 100% recommend!

Jonathan Docksey

Design JD - Director

We have worked with Correl8 for a number of years. A very professional team who offer a great solution. I would thoroughly recommend.

Simon Wright

Operations Director - REaD Group

Correl8 have just finished creating my website, and I couldn’t be happier. I knew nothing about what was required for the build and Si walked me through every step and made it super easy for me. I am super happy with my finished website and I would recommend Correl8 every time!!

Natasha Knox

Pure NRG Nutrition - Managing Director

Having navigated through a number of web support services we have finally found one that is proactive in understanding and promoting our business. I feel confident with the return we are receiving on our investment and that Correl8 are driving our presence on the web.

Robin Fawke

Hawke Financial Services - Senior Partner

We worked with Correl8 on a branding and website project. We found them to be friendly, responsive and professional at all times. We worked very closely with them to define our brief and they delivered a fantastic website which we are delighted with. We would highly recommend their services.

Mandy Robinson

Baldwin & Robinson Law - Senior Partner