Four Web Site Technology Trends for Small Business Owners
What we are seeing is that customers are starting to access information online using mobile devices, which now influences the trends in online technology for the Web in general, and for businesses in particular. This means that any company with a business Web site needs the ability to make various types of information available to their customers on smartphones and tablet devices like the iPad.
The number of mobile device users are increasing daily and the expectations of online customers are now higher when accessing information and services on businesses. As a business owner, you need to meet these expectations by adopting our four top technology trends identified below:
1.0 Be Mobile
The trend in using mobile devices will only continue to grow. So the question is, have you made that transition to meeting your customers needs? The decision is simple. Plan and implement a mobile version of your main desktop Web site. Your mobile Web site will be a simplified presentation of various types of information that your customers want to access while on the go. Take a look at the mobile version of Tropical Web Shop’s Web site for example.
2.0 Be Interactive
This is where we talk about being socially connected with our customers. There are a number of social media platform options available, each with its purpose and function. Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc. are used to engage customers and to build greater loyalty and trust.
3.0 Be Scalable
If you are in a situation where you are not able to control and modify the content of your Web site on your own, your Web site looks dated, or extending the functionality requires a complete redesign and development, then your Web site is not scalable (the ability to increase functionality and add new features). You need to have your Web site built with a scalable technology so that it can stay current at all times. Scalable technology used in Web site development, from our toolbox, are based on Open Source technology. For example, content management systems and shopping cart systems such as WordPress and Magento respectively are two of the best scalable technologies for Web site and e-commerce development. Take the time now to upgrade your Web site to the latest technology, which will lead to our last trend…
4.0 Be Secure
Establishing trust online should be the most important area of concern for any online business, given the rate and frequency of the changes in Web technology. Older Web site technology, if you are still using them, will put your online business at risk of being vulnerable to security attacks and virus infections. With the increase in customers visiting Web sites on smartphones, notebooks or tablet PCs, there is the expectation that online businesses, including e-commerce merchants, are legitimate and are able to protect their customers information using advanced technology to secure their Web site and customers’ data. Business owners should equip their Web sites with Security Certificates and Trust Logos to safeguard their online business.
