Is your website mobile friendly? Here's why it should be.

Many people believe that it is sufficient to only offer desktop computer versions of a website because that’s where people primarily use the internet. However, recent studies by Pew Internet have discovered that this is not the case. Increasing numbers of people primarily use their mobile devices to research or surf the internet. In some cases, these people do not have access to a desktop computer, have to share it, or prefer the convenience of their mobile devices. These mobile-only customers are as valuable as desktop computer users and need access to the same information.

How many people fit into this mobile-only category? A lot, especially young adults between 12 and 29 and low income adults. If your customers fit into either of these categories then it is especially important to make sure your website information comfortably fits onto a mobile screen. Even if your customers do not fit into these categories, more than half of all Americans used their mobile devices to browse the internet in 2012. This means that even if it isn’t your customer’s primary internet method, they may still be accessing your website and information on their mobile devices.

It is important not to force mobile only users to find a desktop computer to access your information. As well, forcing customers to zoom and scroll to navigate a site designed for a much larger screen will only frustrate them and detract from your valuable information and services. The good news is that mobile-only users may access the internet differently but they do not need unique information. The same messaging, content, services and offerings that you share on your website can be duplicated on your mobile site. Even the colors and branding used can and should remain consistent. This means that including a mobile site requires only technical changes and not major messaging or branding shifts.

Embracing customers regardless of the way they browse the internet is the best way to make sure your content is available and accessible. This ensures no potential customers are excluded, no matter the way they choose to browse the internet.

Sources: Pew Internet, Harvard Business Review Blog

When the Forecast Calls for Clouds

 

Is cloud computing right for your company? Inc. posted an article on the different ways you can use Cloud Computing, and how making the switch could benefit your company. Check out the article link below and tell us how your company benefits from the "cloud".

When the Forecast Calls for Clouds.

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Toronto Advertising Week 2012

This week a few members from the marketing team got together to attend a few sessions at Toronto's Advertising Week.

We found some of the sessions to be most compelling, and were intrigued to find out what the future has in store for us, and the way technology will be shifting within the next year.

One particular session caught our attention, which was put on by Google Canada, where we learned about "Going Mobile" and the future of businesses on the mobile internet.

Google has launched a page where you can type in your company site, and see how your site currently looks on a mobile device. This page give you tips and trick to optimize your site for mobile accessibility.


    Check out Google's Mobile site to see how your site ranks!   Follow @Ideaca

What is the Cost of Internet Freedom?

Like any other day, I went to Google and tried to "Wikipedia" a term to find out the meaning behind it. To my surprise, the page was blocked, and this sign (above picture) was hosted on the site, instead of the usual "search" page. It has come to my attention that Wikipedia has decided to black out their online encyclopedia to raise awareness against the U.S. Congress who is considering legislation that could risk our internet being free and open.

How would this change our world, and the way that we go about our daily lives, as we have come to rely so heavily on the internet? It is scary to think that something like this could take place, and that our "free" resources could be taken away from us. Wikipedia is a site that I can guarantee, most people have used on multiple occasions, to find out a quick fact, or to reference a specific topic.

If Wikipedia is a free source that can be suddenly taken away from us, what other kinds of "reliable" internet resources may be taken away too?

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