Having an online presence is essential in business today. However, we live in an era when accessing the internet is as easy as using your phone - whether you’re looking to get in touch with family and friends, to search for products and services, or to make a purchase from our favorite online store - while on the go or having a few minute break from work. This integration of the internet with tech-savvy mobile devices has created a new channel for businesses to capture new sales opportunities.

Responsive web design vs. Mobile template

The term 'responsive design' was originally coined by Ethan Marcotte on this article back in 2010 and it is definitely the most widely used technique in mobile website design. A responsive design requires that the website adapt various screen sizes, regardless of the device that the site is being displayed on.

If you're still using a non-responsive design or you're planning to create a mobile-only website, make sure to consider these reasons to use a responsive web design:

(1) Google recommends it

Google recommends responsive design because it only requires one URL and the same HTML regardless of device, but it can deliver different screen displays based on the device's screen size. This also makes it easier for the search engine to crawl, index, and organize content. A responsive design eliminates the complicated and time-consuming process for both Google and the website owner, allowing you to optimize both your website and mobile user experience.

Therefore, responsive design is also…

(2) Ideal for SEO

Aside from the above-mentioned reasons, responsive websites also perform better and have lower risks of experiencing on-page SEO errors.  

(3) Easier and more efficient

Without having two entities to manage (mobile and website), it is easier and more efficient to manage your SEO, marketing, and content. One good example is incorporating mobile-specific keywords into responsive design, instead of just using them on mobile-specific SEO strategy.

(4) Better user experience

Your site visitors will have more pleasant experience whether they choose to view your site via desktop or on their mobile device.

Consistency is key to providing good user experience since people can now search and view websites on their PCs, smartphones, and tablets. You'd want to capture more online customers via mobile, but it's also important to provide them an 'easy to view' website on their chosen device.

And let's not forget that first impression is crucial as it can make or break the interest of a potential customer. Take for example a potential customer who found your site using his PC, but decides to check later using a smart phone. If your site isn't responsive, what he'll see and experience via mobile can frustrate him. Imagine if this happens to ten people per day! You'll be losing a lot of opportunities.

(5) Social media and blogging can increase mobile traffic

If you're using social media and blogging as part of your inbound marketing efforts, chances are you'll see increase in mobile traffic. In fact, this report states that 55% of social media consumption occurs on a mobile device. So, if you're sharing links to your website content and it’s not mobile-friendly website, you can expect high bounce rates, low conversion rates, and frustrated site visitors.

If you're still using a non-responsive website, now is the best time to change. Power Site can help you achieve a responsive website based on your business needs. Contact us today and let's get started.

Hiring a remote team of web developers and designers is the norm. Many small to medium online businesses go this route because of two major reasons: cost and efficiency.

Let's face it, not every business owner knows how to develop a website from the ground up. Many of them are just starting to realize the benefits of having an online presence even with a brick-and-mortar store. There are those who are just learning how to use the internet for their businesses –that’s why it’s the perfect opportunity for outsourced web support teams to provide their expert services.

One of the best solutions is to use one or a few of the numerous tools and apps available that allow remote teams to work cohesively.

However, it is the selection process that poses a lot of challenges. If you’re having this dilemma, here are seven qualities that every business owner should look for in an outsourced web support team.

(1) Expertise

In your quest for accelerated business success, it is important to find and partner with a web support team that is backed with years of experience. Since web development, design and optimization are crucial in meeting your business goals, this team should possess professionalism, expert knowledge, and skills. Teams are also expected to be up-to-date and in line with the latest web development and design trends.

(2) Fast turnaround time

Look for outsourced web support teams with short work cycles. This gives both parties the opportunity to take a peak of the website in action. Web support companies usually have outsourced people in different corners of the globe, making it possible to complete web projects in the shortest amount of time.

(3) Range of quality services

Typically for outsourced web development and design teams provide a wide range of skills and expertise. You’ll l find quality web services that include development, design, hosting, quality assurance and testing, site maintenance and audit, support, software design, and business analysis, just to name a few.

(4) Cost-effective rates

A combination of flexible rates and packaged fees are predominant among web support companies. This allows clients from various industries with varying budgets to avail of the services they can afford. If you belong to the small to medium businesses group, there will always be a type of service package that's suitable for your budget.

(5) Flexible options

Another quality that benefits online businesses is the flexibility of web support providers. They offer several options with regards to payment schedule, and team assignment. You can even request for a specific team or individuals to consistently work for you.

(6) Effective communication

Communication is a top priority among remote web support teams since it fosters trust, credibility, and coordination among team members and their respective clients. Good teams utilize all communication channels to support both internal and external needs of clients and their projects. Among the best practices involve proper documentation and relay of information such as project status, time spent, issues and resolutions, among others.

(7) Great customer service

Of course, any company - whether online or offline - should always aim for great customer service. Those handling this department should be able to address both technical and non-technical inquiries of clients, as well as deliver accurate and swift information from web support to client.

Are you looking for a web support team to help drive your online business ahead of the competition?

Fast Track offers a wide range of web services to Fortune 50 companies since 1999. Get in touch with us and let's begin this journey.

The predominant use of mobile devices is one of the factors that drive mobile-friendly eCommerce web design to become a necessity, rather than just a 'fringe' benefit to online sellers and users. With the prominence of mobile devices and users, it is easy to assume that the latest eCommerce web design trends are based on this premise.

Here's a list of eCommerce website design trends we've seen so far:

(1) Responsive design for both mobile device and large screens

While mobile devices may have a direct impact on responsive web design, it's important to design for larger screens as well. This allows further flexibility and more visual impact, particularly for users of widescreen devices such as smart TVs and desktop computers.

Responsive design also enables eCommerce sites to showcase more visually appealing products and use compelling layouts to optimize the design for better user experience and, possibly, higher conversions.

(2)  Hidden menus

Hidden menus are the norm, particularly for mobile devices. This de-clutters the user's view especially when browsing a site using a smaller screen. For eCommerce sites, a hidden menu is essential for showcasing visually appealing products. Whether you're site is optimized for mobile or widescreen computers, using a hidden menu can provide ease and clutter-free navigation for your customers.

(3) Large images

The main goal of eCommerce websites is to sell products. The best products should be presented well and this can only be done by using high-quality images that will catch the attention of customers.

Today, we see a rise in the use of large images, ranging from product photos to site headers and backgrounds. It's more than just a 'wow' factor to use large images in various pages of a website. Visually striking images can cause a stir in a positive way, especially for online sellers of colorful goods. This also means having great product photos to use in order for the images to pop and capture full attention of customers; thus, helping to sell more.  

Don't be surprised to find features and enhancement for image on product pages such as tilting capabilities and 360-degree rotation tools. While the use of 'zoom' feature is still predominant, it actually takes a bit of time for the user to do so; whereas large images are ready for viewing with ease.

(4) Large, flexible typography

Along with large images is large, flexible typography which works very well with responsive design. Many eCommerce sites are now using large typography for added visual impact and customer engagement. Going big and bold with typography is on the rise, but it should also be done with respect to responsiveness to ensure the flow of text works well for both small and large screens.

(5) Tiled navigation

Tiled navigation with great imagery is more appealing to customers, and it’s becoming more and more popular among eCommerce websites.

Tiled navigation offers a preview of each product listed on a single page - making it easier for customers to see more of what you're selling without navigating away from a page. Think of window shopping done online and in a matter of minutes. Higher customer engagement and click throughs are more feasible, especially with the use of high-quality product images and well-written descriptions.

(6) Video content

Video content involves the use of popular platforms such as Vevo and YouTube embedded onto product pages to demonstrate or discuss specific items to customers. Such video platforms are also used for marketing purposes to attract more customers.

PayPal's homepage is a good example of using video content as background. There's a bit of text that mentions the benefits of using PayPal, but we see real people at work or doing business which depicts the typical PayPal user.

The elements of a proper eCommerce website design can help you to sell more, especially if done right and with the future in mind. If your eCommerce site is lagging behind in terms of design and usability, maybe it's time to update it to meet the demands of your customers.

We can help you make an eCommerce website that's both trendy and ready. Get in touch with us today!

Freelance designers are high in demand today. Their expertise is much coveted, especially by start-up companies and small business owners, as the perception is that they're more efficient and don't cost too much. Partnering with outsourced web development enables both parties to get the work done quickly within limited budgets and quick turn-around times.

Good development partners are not always easy to find. You will come across stories of failed web development projects because hired developers or designers were not able to fulfill their assignments in time for launch. When this happens, it's both a loss on the website owner (company or business) and on the development team.

If you are the one providing web design services to clients, you know it’s critical to meet expectations in order to keep them as clients.

Looking for a developer with these qualities will help you to fully enjoy the flexibility and increase your earning potential:

(1) Customer-oriented

As a design professional, you know the art and science of customer service. Your development company should be the same.  

(2) Looking at Function AND Form

Websites today have to be both functional website and nice looking. There's always a way to update and spruce the appearance of a website; while a messy and slow-loading site is more difficult to fix if left for later. If you're a designer who puts design first and form second, you may experience the consequences once a client complains.

It's best to focus on both form and function. Working with a development team can help you to do that.

(3) Familiar with the Client's Industry

A designer who succeeds with every project takes the time to understand the client's industry. This knowledge will help you to understand the elements required and should be included in the website's design. A well-versed development team knows what the industry needs in terms of appearance, function and features.

(4) Creative and With Good Imagination

Creativity is at the heart of a website designer's goals and success. This doesn't end in the appearance of a client's website, but in the proper execution of your client’s ideas. Sometimes, you’re put in a position to weigh how to implement your ideas against the functionality of the site.  Good developers can suggest options to make the website more appealing and useful to all end-users.

(5) Values Site Usability

As a designer, understanding how to implement usability on every site is important. Jakob Nielsen's design principles help designers avoid common design errors; thus, helping you and your clients save money and headaches in the long run.  Your web development team uses these resources also.

(6) Has Good Communication Skills

Maintaining a good relationship with your clients is key and depends on your ability to communicate effectively with your client.  Many development companies use tools to help you to expedite that communication.  It’s worth seeking a development partner that employs the use of these tools.

(7) Includes Clients in the Design/Development Process

It’s important to take the time to communicate project details to the client, to ensure the project takes the correct direction. The planning phase in any project is the most important, and it’s important to work with a development team that takes time to understand the project.  A good development team understands challenging requests and works with you and your client throughout the development process.

(8) Sticks with Deadlines

Meeting deadlines builds trust. It also gives your client a sense that the money they've spent has been worth the effort. Having a good track record of meeting deadlines is critical to your success. It’s important to have a development team that shares this vision.

(9) Knows and Has Access to Latest Design Techniques

This one is obvious. Looking for a development team that has the most up to date knowledge in technology trends keeps you ahead of your competitors.

(10) Efficient and Trustworthy

Being efficient is not just being deadline-driven. It also means that you and your development team share the ability to get the work done in the most cost efficient way for your client.  Having this perspective increases your level of trustworthiness, and will increase your business. It’s important that your development team share the same perspective.

Your profitability as a designer depends on many things, starting with client expectations. A good development team will share your vision and your passion for all of your projects.

You never get a second chance to make a really great first impression on your customers. 

And, your home page is the key to making that great first impression – at least online. Your home page should really set you apart.

Think of it like the virtual front door of your home … almost like your face to the world.  If someone doesn’t like what they see, all they have to do is hit the back button. And that’s the last thing that you want to happen. 

So, I scoured the internet and came up with some things to keep in mind when designing your site.

Visuals:

• Whether large or small, use beautiful images with a slick layout. 
• Place featured items boldly and neatly in an easy-to-see position and where you’ll see the greatest amount of web traffic.
• The most attractive homepages feature their products and services in a well-organized, clean and clutter free format.
• Sometimes a home page can feel like a story book or tells a story

Content:

• Make sure that your site design communicates immediately what the site is selling.
• Consider adding updatable information on the home page to keep visitors coming back.
• Consider adding content such as featured items, attractive slides, and price tags, articles, images and other content in an interactive format.
• Grids and columns can help to guide the eye.
• Have a unique brand look and feel that sets you apart from your competition.
• Consider a large banner to convey the message and segmented sections to break up the content.

• Consider a design that’s clean with easy to locate menu items.
• Use categories neatly placed for easy navigation.
• Neatly placed social icons make it easy to share.
• Using a “Latest Posts” tab gives viewers more content to consume.
• Consider a video embedded into the main visual area of the home page
• Using a “sign in with Facebook” button

Technology Advancements

Use updated technology to create a greater immersive user experience, such as

• Continuous scrolling tiles
• Interactive menus
• Uses parallax scrolling

Check sites such as www.costa.co.uk, JayZ’s Life and Times and the Seattle Space Needle and Discover Tennessee for scrolling and interactive menu samples.

There are so many amazing examples of great web design, and finding a style that suits your brand may appear challenging.  Your goal is to create a great looking home page that provides site visitors with a user friendly experience.  Take the time to learn about your customers, create a site that they will love and you should have a great experience!