Mobile App vs. Mobile Website

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Posted on 7th June 2010 by Susan Venancio in Business Tips |Marketing |Web Design

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It is estimated that there are more than 175,000 mobile apps and over 326,000 mobile websites available for those with smart mobile devices in their pocket. Users have all types of mobile applications available: games, utilities, social networking, news, weather, reference, travel, productivity tools and more. Users have come to expect having information available mobile style. And having information available mobile style is only expected to increase.

It is hard to deny, mobility increases the workforces’ productivity and it takes your business to the next level. However, for a business, weighing the options to go mobile app &/or mobile website is a big deal that needs careful consideration. Here are some major points to consider:

Mobile App

  • Is developed for a specific mobile device, download and installation required.
  • Updates, download and installation required.
  • Development required for each mobile device platform.
  • Your business will need a very large budget with a well-defined strategy to get top rankings to be found with the search engines.
  • App store approvals may be required.
  • Ability to use all GPS, camera, voice, RFID, address book, calendar capabilities.
  • There can be publishing/certifications fees.
  • Costs more to develop/maintain. Consider your businesses updates, plus updates as devices change.
  • Sales revenues are shared with app store.
  • User has full control and is seamlessly integrated with the mobile device.

Mobile Website

  • Is developed specifically for mobile devices, no downloads or installation required.
  • Updates automatically available.
  • Runs on all web enabled mobile devices.
  • A good SEO marketing strategy will increase your traffic volume.
  • Anyone can access your mobile website.
  • For security and privacy concerns access to address books/calendars are limited.
  • No publishing/certification fees.
  • Costs less to develop/maintain. Your developer has complete access for updates when requested.
  • Sales revenues are the businesses.
  • User experience depends on your mobile website design.

Understanding the who, what, and where of your user base will also be of great benefit to you. Even though mobile apps are all the rage in popularity and lots of fun, look at all your options to pick the best solution for your business to go mobile style.

Please choose your mobile style wisely. And remember to be a responsible mobile device user.

Cheers!

Your Homepage

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Posted on 1st June 2010 by Susan Venancio in Business Tips |Web Design

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Your homepage has a big impact on your company. It leaves a lasting impression on your visitors because it gets the most traffic. When a user lands elsewhere, generally the user will click back to the homepage, so make the best of your homepage.

Make sure your homepage has:

  • An effective tagline: make it memorable and clear with 3-7 words that reflects the personality of your company.
  • A visible title tag: Using 65-70 characters or less; starting with your company name followed by the use of relevant keywords and/or phrases relevant to homepage searches.
  • An “About” section: Provide a place to give more details about your company.
  • 5 Items: List the top 5 most important things your users will gain from your web site.
  • An easy to find and use search box.
  • Show your best articles, products, and promotions, etc. on your homepage.
  • Links need to be listed by relevant words to be visitor friendly.
  • Archive: Provide an archive of featured homepage articles, product, and promotions, etc.
  • Keep it simple: Avoid elaborate illustrations, boxes, and colors.
  • Meaningful images: Your homepage images should create a lasting impression that best reflects your company.

Add value to your business by enhancing your web site’s homepage by utilizing these suggestions. It is well worth the investment. Make your visitor’s happy today!

Cheers!

Market your Testimonials

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Posted on 28th April 2010 by Susan Venancio in Business Tips |Marketing |Social Media |Web Design |Web Development

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Customer testimonials have the potential to be a powerful marketing tactic for your business. Collecting letters, cards and emails of positive, believable testimonials can be put to good use to build a glowing marketing portfolio for your company. Constantly be on the look out for that positive, believable feedback. Please ask for it too! See if you can get your customer on video. Most satisfied customers would not take the time to proactively provide testimonials, so just ask.

There are many characteristics that make up a great testimonial. Use a testimonial that addresses a specific benefit &/or addresses a personal situation, overcomes objection, especially where a customer admits to it, the more dramatic, the better. It’s best to show off the detailed and specific ones, but not the overly long ones. Keep it short and sweet.

When it comes time to use your testimonials make sure you put them in a relevant place. The possibilities are endless; ads, direct mailers, brochures, Facebook, Youtube, blog, on-line business directories, newsletters, web site homepage, product page, landing pages or group your testimonials on one page. Anything else?

Remember to get written permission from your customer, quote the lines you are requesting to use and state what media form will be used. To increase your believability, include your customer’s full name, city, state, job title, company. For top rate believability use your satisfied customer’s photo and email address. That’s what I call a “WOW!” factor.

It is a little bit of extra work, but powerful advertising for your company.  You can even encourage your customers to share their success stories by offering rewards for their testimonials.

Have fun with it! Cheers!