5 Must Dos for Your Web Business in 2012

Get your website mobile enabled

To say that access to the internet and website via mobile devices has seen explosive growth is an understatement. Viewed graphically the trend speaks for itself and is accelerating.

If you haven't already done so this is an key time for you to review your website on mobile platforms. How does your site look on an iPhone or via the Dolphin browser for Android?

Sometimes it's necessary to make subtle changes to the web navigation and layout - screen size and viewer priorities can vary greatly between the two platforms - so a separate mobile-aware website might be a consideration.

Review your Search Engine Optimisation strategy

We have found that good intentioned Search Engine Optimisation strategies - particularly those run by business owners themselves - can stall over time. With competition on the internet growing daily this is something that can't be ignored so consider giving your SEO a shot in the arm, whether by engaging a professional or getting your SEO routine that you are actioning back into action.

Check that your website design still attracting your key audiences This may look easier than it is but try to take a step back from your website and see if the content, design and navigation structure is still attracting key audience types. Remember that over time a website that was built for customers may need modifying if new products have come along, customer education (knowledge of your product) has increased or the market conditions have changed.

Specifically, check that your design is still considered appropriate (look at your competitor sites if you haven't already!) and re-read your sales-conversion web content.

Connect with Social Media

You may not like it (we've discovered quite a bit of resistance to social media from business owners!) but social media is an effective way to get closer to your audience and to attract new customers.

If you haven't already got a Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus or Linked In account for your business then now is the time to get going. Even a superficial presence can have a positive impact and you may also be surprised at how little effort it can take to keep these feeds up to date if they are integrated with your strategy properly.

Review your Website Costs

OK, so the adage of "if it isn't broke don't fix it" is a fair one but how much money is it costing your web business? If your business has changed over the past couple of years then you might find that it will be worth your while reviewing things like your web hosting costs, Payment Solution Provider charges and any fees that you pay to your web developer. There are lots of companies out there (Emerging Innovations included!) that are keen to attract new business and willing to give you a competitive quote.

We hope the above points help and that your business will prosper in 2012. You know who to contact if there are any web, internet, social media or business consultancy issues that we can help with.

Happy New Year!