Just like clothing the Web changes styles and trends fairly quickly. Don’t be caught using something on your website that was used two or three years ago. By getting with the trends and styles of today you will attract more users to your website then you ever have.
So what’s in style in 2008 for the Web?
Bright, artistic, colourful layouts using smooth font styling and stylish logos. Top horizontal navigation has become the norm these days along with more websites ditching table layouts and sticking to the more modern CSS approach.
Flash seems to be getting pushed further into the shadows as dynamic programming languages like Javascript and web development libraries like jQuery and Ruby on Rails have taken the forefront. These libraries enable the ability for Flash like effects without the need of a third-party application like a Flash Player.
So how can you apply some of these modern ‘Web 2.0’ styles and libraries to your website? Easily, but first I must stress one thing. A logo can make or break a website, it’s true. If your company has been in business since 1943 and still uses the same, old, drab looking logo it is only necessary you get modern and update your style.
The main purpose of the style upgrade is we not only want our website to appeal to an older audience but a younger one as well. Consider this: In 2006 Statistics Canada reported 88.9% of internet users are 18-34 years of age.
Restyle and Modernize your Web Approach
Websites need to be simple and easy to use. An e-commerce application should flow very smoothly without any hiccups. This is where AJAX comes into play. Not only can it send data to the server but it does it in real-time. Meaning, your customer now has the chance to place an order in a matter of seconds without waiting for pages to load, which can take a significant amount of time. Considering your browser must then reload the page all over. This is another reason why applications like Facebook have overthrown most of its competitors. The ease of use factor is a very important one.
More Video then ever before
Video Streaming (e.g. YouTube ) has been a proven marketing tool. Businesses with new products are featuring and showing off their recent developments on popular Video streaming sites because it reaches the customers, and helps them interact and view the product being used. YouTube can reach millions of users within seconds.
How can you use Video Streaming and use it as a tool on your website to promote your business products? Easy. If it is a product that requires real-life user interaction you will need a Video Camera. Once you record a video of your product in action, upload to YouTube and embed the Flash video code onto your site. Now users can see the product in action on your site and millions of potential customers now see it on YouTube.
What about Computer Software and Web Applications? No problem. ScreenCasting allows you to take a video of your Computer’s screen output, meaning you can show how your application works with a step by step instruction. Now you can show off your hot new application to millions of video viewers and have a demonstration on your website.
Where the Web is Going Beyond 2008
It seems every year there are new developments in Web technology that pushes the boundaries on what is possible (We can already order Pizza online! ). New applications can help day to day routines become much easier without the need of a 3rd party Operating System based application. Businesses can interact and market themselves much easier using today’s web technologies but where does it leave us?
With future developments I think it is very possible the Web will be able to perform tasks that we had never thought it could do. Possibilities like monitoring your home security from a few clicks of a web based interface anywhere in the world, or controlling functions of a piece of electronical equipment in your home while at work. Not really safe or practical but hey, it could work.
Use these technologies within your business to help it grow. Explore the limits of the Web to promote yourself like never before.