How can digital marketing help you grow your company?

 


What does a company mean by "digital marketing"?


At this point, digital marketing is critical for your company and brand awareness. Every other brand appears to have a website. And if not, they have a social media presence or a digital ad strategy. Consumers now expect and rely on digital content and marketing to learn about brands. You can get creative and experiment with a variety of marketing tactics on a budget because digital marketing has so many options and strategies.


Digital marketing is all about using numerous digital tactics and channels to connect with customers where they spend most of their time: online.


What is the significance of digital marketing?


• You can target only the prospects who are most likely to buy your product or service.

• It is less expensive than outbound marketing methods.

• Digital marketing levels the playing field in your industry, allowing you to compete with larger brands.

• Digital marketing can be measured.

• A digital marketing strategy is easier to adapt and change.

• Digital marketing can boost your conversion rate and lead quality.

• With digital marketing, you can engage audiences at every stage.

 

Let us get started now


1. You can concentrate your efforts on prospects who are most likely to buy your product or service.


You have little control over who sees your advertisement if you place it on TV, in a magazine, or on a billboard. Of course, certain demographics can be measured, such as the magazine's typical readership or the demographics of a specific neighbourhood, but it's still largely a guessing game.


In contrast, digital marketing allows you to identify and target a highly specific audience, as well as send that audience personalized, high-converting marketing messages.


2. It is less expensive than outbound marketing methods.


Digital marketing allows you to track campaigns on a daily basis and reduce your spending on a specific channel if it isn't delivering a high ROI. Traditional forms of advertising are not the same. It makes no difference how well your billboard performsilit costs the same whether it converts or not.


Furthermore, with digital marketing, you have complete control over where your money is spent. Instead of paying for PPC campaigns, you could invest in design software to create highly converting Instagram content. A digital marketing strategy enables you to pivot on the fly, ensuring you never waste money on channels that don't perform well.


3. Digital marketing levels the playing field in your industry, allowing you to compete with larger brands.


If you work for a small business, you will almost certainly find it difficult to compete with the major brands in your industry, many of which have millions of dollars to invest in television commercials or national campaigns. Fortunately, strategic digital marketing initiatives provide numerous opportunities to outrank the big players.


For example, you could identify long-tail keywords related to your product or service and create high-quality content to help you rank in search engine results for those keywords. Search engines don't care which brand is the most popular; instead, they prioritise content that resonates most with the target audience.


4. Digital marketing can be tracked.


Digital marketing can provide you with a comprehensive, end-to-end view of all the metrics that are important to your business, such as impressions, shares, views, clicks, and time on page. This is one of the most significant advantages of digital marketing. While traditional advertising can be useful for certain purposes, its main limitation is its lack of measurability.


Digital marketing, unlike most offline marketing efforts, allows marketers to see accurate results in real time. If you've ever placed an ad in a newspaper, you know how difficult it is to estimate how many people actually flipped to that page and read your ad. There's no way to know for sure if that ad was responsible for any sales at all.


5. A digital marketing strategy is easier to adapt and change.


A marketing strategy requires a significant amount of effort to develop. In general, you will carry out that strategy until it is completed, allow it to take effect, and then evaluate its results. However, things do not always go as planned. You may discover halfway through that a calculation was incorrect, an assumption was incorrect, or the audience did not react as expected. Being able to pivot or adjust your strategy along the way is extremely beneficial because it keeps you from having to start from scratch.


The ability to easily change your strategy is a significant advantage of digital marketing. Adapting a digital marketing strategy is much easier than other, more traditional methods.


6. Digital marketing can boost your conversion rate and lead quality.


Because digital marketing makes it easier to measure your marketing efforts, improving your conversion rate is also easier. The ability to measure the effectiveness of each tactic aids in the development of better strategies. Continuously improving your methods will increase your conversion rate. Investing in online marketing ensures that everything is optimised for the highest conversions possible.


Furthermore, not all leads are created equal for your company. Digital marketing allows you to target a specific audience, resulting in higher-quality leads that are more likely to become customers. Connecting your company with the most valuable leads will directly improve your conversion rate.


7. Digital marketing allows you to engage audiences at every stage.


It is critical to start engaging your audience as soon as possible. Making a connection at the beginning of the buyer's journey aids in moving the lead through the customer funnel. Using digital marketing allows you to do so from beginning to end and at every stage in between.


Online channels enable you to track your customers' entire purchasing journey. Understanding and analysing how customers move and behave is critical for converting leads. You can track them through the process using digital marketing. Even if they do not convert in the early stages, it ensures they have made a connection with your company.


8. Respond to the Mobile Consumer


The average American spends nearly 71% of their time on the internet via a mobile device. If you don't cater to mobile devices, you're passing up a huge opportunity. This is especially true in highly competitive niches.


You don't have to create an outlandish advertising campaign using AI and other buzzwords anymore. Sometimes it's just a matter of simple targeting with eye-catching graphics.


9. Optimal Transition to the Internet of Things


Many small businesses are still discussing the Internet of Things (IoT). However, that is the next step in marketing. and many brands are quickly adopting it.


Scriptr, for example, used IoT to create Saepio. Saepio is a set of physical devices and cloud-based apps that assist you in maintaining social distance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was the ideal solution for quarantine management and social distancing.

 

10. Obtain Options for Granular Targeting


True, your advertisement may only appeal to a specific target audience. But whether they buy from you or not, everyone will see it. This is a significant issue because advertising in a high-traffic area will be more expensive.


Consider the following: If you place an advertisement in the heart of Times Square in New York City, it will be seen by a large number of people. However, because that is how outdoor advertisements are priced, it will be very expensive. The more people who see it, the more expensive it becomes.


In conclusion


If you're still debating whether or not to invest in digital marketing, We are committed to assisting small and medium-sized businesses in developing an online presence. We assist our clients in leveraging the Internet's broad reach by designing and developing web solutions that will assist them in marketing their products to a larger audience.


Any interaction with your target audience is an opportunity to convert a lead or gain a customer. Digital marketing creates a plethora of new opportunities by allowing you to reach out to prospective buyers through a variety of channels. It is a fantastic tool for marketing your company, service, or product via social media platforms, websites, text messaging, or any other online medium.

DesignLab - The Complete Guide to Web Design and Development

 


What is web design?


Web design is the process of planning, conceptualising, and organising content for use on the internet. Today, website design extends beyond aesthetics to include the overall functionality of the website. Web design also includes the creation of web apps, mobile apps, and user interfaces.


Did you know that web design has a significant impact on your ranking in search engines like Google? This article will provide you with useful information on how to create a website that not only looks good but also functions properly and ranks well in search engines.


Web Design Elements


When designing a website, it is critical to consider both the site's appearance and functionality. Integrating these elements will improve the site's overall usability and performance. The usability of your site includes elements such as an easy-to-navigate interface, appropriate use of graphics and images, well-written and well-placed text, and a colour scheme. The performance of your website refers to its speed, ranking, searchability, and ability to capture your target audience.


1) Visual Components


Here is a quick rundown of the elements you should think about when designing your website to ensure everything works properly. Each section will give you pointers and tricks to get you started.


• Written version


Fundamentally, the appearance and text of your website go hand in hand. It is critical that your content writers and designers collaborate to create a cohesive design with balanced elements. Focus on creating text chunks (via text blocks) to complement your graphics and images.


• Fonts


Choose a font that complements the rest of your design. Fonts should complement your colour scheme, graphics, and images and should help to strengthen the overall tone of your website. Canva's Font Combinator, for example, can assist you in finding the perfect match for your font.


• Colours


When designing a website, one of the most important factors to consider is color. Keep in mind that there are many misconceptions about colour psychology, and it's more important to focus on colours that complement your overall website design and tone. Match your colour scheme to your brand and the messages you want to send to your target audience.


• Layout


The way you organise your content will have a significant impact on the usability and functionality of your site. There are no specific rules to follow when selecting a layout, but there are a few key principles to remember. Consider your target audience's needs and avoid using an overstimulating layout that may detract.


• Shapes


The use of graphic elements in web design can help to seamlessly integrate text and images, as well as improve the overall appearance of the site. Combining beautiful colours and shapes can help direct your site's visitors' attention and contribute to the overall flow of your site.


• Spacing


Spacing is an important factor in creating visually appealing and easy-to-navigate websites. Every element in your design will include spacing in some way. Appropriate whitespace utilisation is critical in creating a design that perfectly balances text, photos, and graphics. Keeping your spacing consistent can make it easier for your users to navigate your website. The concept of whitespace is unquestionably important to modern web designers.


2) Elemental Functions


These functional elements must be considered when designing your website. A properly functioning website is critical for ranking high in search engines and providing your users with the best possible experience.


• Navigation


The navigation of your website is one of the most important factors in determining whether it is functioning properly. Depending on your audience, your navigation can serve a variety of functions, including assisting first-time visitors in discovering what your site has to offer, providing easy access to your pages for returning visitors, and improving the overall experience of all visitors. Check out these best practices for more navigation advice.


• Animations


There are numerous web animation techniques that can help your design capture the attention of your visitors and allow them to interact with your site by providing feedback. Adding "like" buttons or forms, for example, can keep your site's visitors interested. To avoid developer intervention, keep your animations simple if you are new to web design.


• Speed


Nobody enjoys a slow website. Waiting more than a few seconds for a page to load can quickly discourage a visitor from staying or returning to your site. No matter how beautiful your site is, if it does not load quickly, it will not perform well in search (i.e., it will not rank highly on Google).

 

• Structure of the website


The structure of a website is important for both the user experience (UX) and search engine optimization (SEO). Your users should be able to navigate your website with ease and without encountering any structural issues. If users are getting lost while navigating your site, chances are "crawlers" are as well. A crawler (or bot) is a programme that searches your website and determines its functionality. Poor navigation can have a negative impact on the user experience and site ranking.


• Compatibility across browsers and devices


A great design should be visually appealing on all devices and browsers (yes, even Internet Explorer). If you are starting from scratch, we recommend using a cross-browser testing tool to make this time-consuming process go faster and more efficiently.


Why is less more when it comes to your company website?


The most common mistake we see small business owners make with their websites—and the one we spend the most time encouraging them to avoid—is making them too complicated. If you're an expert in your field, have a wide range of fantastic products, or have a dozen different ways for people to give you money, the temptation is to cover them all.


After all, if you give customers a lot of options, there is a better chance they'll find something that appeals to them among all the other options. Right?


Every page should only have one call to action. Many businesses do not even have one on their homepage; they are cluttered with information, and there is no indication of what the visitor's desired next action or what the visitor's desired next action is. If you know what action you want your visitor to take, you'll know what information to remove from the page because it's distracting and irrelevant to the process of encouraging that next action.


Explore Web Development


The Internet is here to stay, and it is evolving to meet the needs of its users. Web developers are at the forefront of these advancements and developments; web development can be found everywhere, from this blog to your favourite social network to the apps on your phone.


As a result, investing time in learning about coding and programming is worthwhile in order to make your business website the best it can be—for you and your customers. If you require any additional services or have any questions, please contact DesignLab.

This year's biggest website design and development trends

 


Every year, the world of website creation evolves, making it difficult for some firms to survive in this digital era. As a result, in order to remain competitive, firms must keep up with web development. And a strong web product is required to strengthen your position in this competitive digital market.


However, identifying the most successful web development trends that can work for your firm may be crucial. As a result, in order to save you time and effort, we have compiled a list of web development trends by analysing market demands in numerous IT industries.

DesignLab provides you with the most recent trends in website design and development.


1. Progressive Web Applications (PWAs)


PWA technology ranks at the top of our list of web development trends. It's a website-like app with a full-native mobile app experience. It operates autonomously and communicates with clients like a native app.


Here are some of the benefits that PWA technology has brought to organisations and users:


• Installation is simple.

• Increasing device storage and power efficiency

• Reduced support and development costs.

• Easy upgrading and maintenance

• More flexible distribution, more rapid market entry.


2. Application on a Single Page (SPA)


SPA is a popular and widely used web development technology. Unlike traditional website apps, they have a single page that loads the entire website page before loading the dynamic content on the same page. To make SPAs responsive, HTML5 and AJAX are employed.

Among the benefits of SPAs are:


• Offline assistance

• Debugging simplified

• Simple to use navigation

• Bounce rate reduction and faster page load


According to studies, SPAs can increase conversion rates by up to 37%, allowing firms to reach their target audience with relevant material. SPAs are ideal for firms looking to simplify user navigation and increase profits through faster page loading.


3. UI in Dark Mode


The dark mode trend has exploded in popularity around the world, and we predict that it will continue to grow in the coming years.A dark-themed website, due to its visual design pattern, makes it easier for consumers to enjoy web browsing regardless of device.


According to an Android Authority survey, 81.9% of respondents accepted the use of dark mode on their devices, while 9.9% switched between light and dark mode. According to another Polar survey, 95% of consumers prefer dark mode to light mode.


Google, Facebook, Reddit, and Twitter have already implemented dark mode UI, and many more will follow suit.


The following are some advantages of using dark mode UI:


• Blue-light reduction

• Battery life is extended.

• reduces eye strain even in low-light circumstances by making UI material accessible and legible to all.


We predict it to become a rule in 2022 and beyond because many site developers provide the same in-built feature to switch between dark and bright modes.


4. Voice Recognition


The trend of voice search cannot be ignored. We anticipate that it will have a greater impact on the web in future years. According to Statista, the worldwide smart speaker industry will exceed 35.5 billion US dollars by 2025. According to another report, the voice recognition business would be worth $27.16 billion by 2026.


Taking into account various studies and current market situations, voice search optimization has emerged as one of the top web development trends. To keep ahead of the competition, you must incorporate it into your technical SEO approach.


5. AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages)


It is another development in the web development industry. The goal of AMP is to speed up page functioning while still retaining consumers. AMP technology functions similarly to PWA.


As opposed to full-scope web sites, AMPs are optimised sites with a convenient and simplified design and basic functionalities. Furthermore, these pages are mobile-responsive with readable text.


AMP is a new web design trend that demonstrates how the internet is becoming more user-friendly. Despite the fact that we now have 5G internet technology and that many firms choose to create native applications to improve user experience, the AMP plugin lets businesses save money on UX while reaching target audiences. As a result, we anticipate niche and smaller products competing with prominent market leaders.


6. Chatbots powered by AI


We anticipate that AI-enabled chatbots will become even more adaptable in meeting the needs of matching user behaviours in 2022 and beyond by utilising natural language processing, machine learning, and data retrieval technologies.


AI-powered chatbots not only help enterprises speed up operations with text or voice interactions, but they also improve the client experience. They can gather information, solve problems, respond quickly to inquiries, and provide a seamless digital experience.


As a result, rather than standard chatbots, many skilled B2C firms offer their clients these chatbots on Skype, WhatsApp, and Facebook. We anticipate that more enterprises will accept AI-powered chatbots in 2022 and beyond.


7. Architecture without a server


Because of the introduction of work-from-home shifts, cloud SaaS solutions have increased this year. The Web, being one of the fastest growing areas, has seen a significant surge in the use of serverless architecture.


According to Flexera's State of the Cloud Report, 99% of businesses use at least one private or public cloud. It demonstrates that cloud architecture will be an important future web development trend.


Serverless computing has several appealing advantages:


• Affordability

• faster time-to-market

• increased scalability

• planned maintenance


In serverless development, programmers construct and run web programmes without considering servers. Even though these apps continue to function on servers, cloud providers support them. When it comes to serverless computing, we must mention Microsoft, Google, and Amazon.


8. User Interface for Motion


Another web development trend for this year is creative web design. Start-ups always prioritise user experience and invest less in appearance. However, if you have wonderfully designed apps and websites, you have a better chance of attracting the attention of potential users. As a result, visual design has evolved into a successful marketing 


MVPs will stay simple in 2022. Concurrently, analysts expect the popularity of new design strategies such as motion UI to increase. Although it has been popular since 2018, it is only now widely available for all device users thanks to SASS library technology.


9. Internet of Things (IoT)


IoT is one of the most important technological advancements that will shape the future of web development. Because of the rising usage of the internet, this technology has entered our lives. Many devices are now accessible via our mobile devices thanks to IoT technology.


IoT-connected devices transmit data in real time. The technology enables enterprises to contact users as rapidly as possible, creating a tailored experience. One of the most popular IoT gadgets is the Google Nest Smart Speakers.


You may be wondering how it applies to the web development domain. IoT, on the other hand, will enable advanced connectivity between functional models and website layouts. The trend includes a wide range of items such as signalling devices, cameras, and sensors.


10. Mobile-First Design


The increasing number of mobile users explains why the mobile-first approach will significantly affect the future of web development. This strategy has been used by many web developers for many years.


According to Statista, mobile devices will account for more than 57% of global webpage visits in August 2021. Because mobile devices receive the most traffic, adopting a mobile-first web development strategy has become critical.


Being mobile-friendly, on the other hand, varies. It entails offering one-click ordering on eCommerce applications; employing geolocation data to provide consumers with a tailored experience; and incorporating biometric identification such as voice recognition or fingerprint scanning, among other things.


11. API-First Development 11


The API-first development approach meets the needs of users. When users view a website, developers can complete their jobs while simultaneously pushing the code. It reduces development costs while increasing delivery speed.


This strategy also allows new websites to become content delivery sources. Browsers, smart kiosks, and automobiles can all access a CMS established in this manner.


Some prominent advantages of API-first programming include:


• increased adaptability

• faster time-to-market

• reduced development costs.

• improved client experience.


12. Blockchain Technology


Cryptocurrencies first surfaced in 2004, and we may expect a lot from this web development technology in 2022 and beyond. By the end of November 2021, there will be about 80 million blockchain wallet users worldwide. In addition to software and hardware support, trade infrastructure, and legal regulation, blockchain technology also requires legal regulation.


As a result, evolving web technologies will include these functionalities in the next few years. Blockchain functions must be free of technical flaws and hacking. Some large banks seek to develop algorithms to protect critical user data and secure cryptographic transactions.


Peer-to-peer networking will grow as well. If this technology becomes more available and reliable for people, it will result in huge changes in how people communicate with government services, pay taxes, and live their lives.


Bottom Line


The web development trends outlined above will alter how organisations engage with their customers beginning in 2022. Using these technologies will increase user engagement and assist your company in staying ahead of the competition.


Choosing a reliable web development company is one of the best prerequisites for adopting one of these key web development technologies to reach your business goal. If you have any questions about this blog, please contact DesignLab.

The Ultimate Web Design and Development Handbook

 


What precisely is web design?


Web design is the process of organising, conceiving, and arranging content on the internet. Today, website design extends beyond aesthetics to incorporate the website's general operation. Web design also encompasses web apps, mobile apps, and user interface design.


Did you know that web design can have a significant impact on your performance in search engines like Google? This post will provide you with some useful information on how to develop a website that not only looks attractive but also performs well and ranks well in search engines.


Selecting a Web Design Tool


A website can be designed in two ways: with a desktop app or with a website builder. The tool you choose will be determined by the size of your team, your budget, the type of site you want to construct, and its technical requirements.


1. Desktop Applications


Designers must generate their designs and transmit them to a development team, who will then turn the design into code. Photoshop and Sketch are the most popular desktop programmes for website design.


This is typically the standard for large and/or sophisticated websites since it allows the designer to focus on the overall appearance and feel while delegating all technical issues to the development team. Unfortunately, his process can be expensive and time-consuming because multiple resources, skill sets, and team members are required.


2. Website Designers


There are numerous website builders on the market now that provide a variety of features and services. Website builders construct either adaptive or responsive websites, each of which provides a unique development experience. These concepts will be covered in further depth below so that you may determine which builders would work best for you. If you don't know how to code, learning the advantages and disadvantages of various website design tools is critical. For example, while being the most popular website platform,


Determine your website's requirements before you begin constructing one: Are you putting together a photo gallery? How frequently will you update your website? Do you require contact? Choose a website builder that can help you effectively accomplish those goals.


Elements of Web Design


It is critical to consider both the appearance and usefulness of a website while creating it. Integrating these aspects will improve the overall usability and performance of the site. Usability components on your site include an easy-to-navigate interface, appropriate use of visuals and images, well-written and well-placed text, and a colour scheme.


Elements of design


Here's a quick rundown of the components you should think about when building your website to ensure everything runs properly.


1) A printable version


Fundamentally, the appearance and text of your website work hand in hand. It is critical that your content writers and designers collaborate to develop a unified design with balanced elements.


2) Fonts


Choose a typeface that compliments the rest of your design. Fonts should complement your colour scheme, graphics, and photographs, and should help to reinforce the overall tone of your website.


3) Tones


When developing a website, one of the most crucial factors to consider is colour. Remember that there are numerous myths regarding colour psychology, and it's more necessary to focus on colours that complement your overall design and tone.


Elemental functions


These practical features must be taken into account while creating your website. A well-functioning website is critical for ranking high in search engines and providing your users with the greatest possible experience.


1) Navigation


Your website's navigation is one of the most important factors in determining whether or not your website is running effectively. Depending on your audience, your navigation can serve several functions.


2) Interactions with Users


Depending on their device, your site visitors can engage with your site in a variety of ways (scrolling, clicking, typing, etc.). The finest website designs streamline these interactions so that the user feels in control.


3) Cartoons


There are numerous online animation approaches that can assist your design in capturing your visitors' interest and allowing them to interact with it.


The Website Development Methodology


1. Make a plan


Before putting pen to paper or fingers to computer, it's critical to collaborate with teams and employees across your organisation to build a website strategy.


Here are some questions to think about before creating your first website:


• What is your website's purpose?

• Who is your target audience, and what do you want them to do when they visit your website?

• What kind of website are you creating? (For example, basic information, membership, or an online store).

• What content are you aiming to publish, and at what volume?

• What’s the purpose of this content?


2. Design a wireframe


Every good website begins with a plan. This is referred to as a wireframe by developers. It doesn't have to be an official document; it's simply a vision for your site that will provide guidance and a starting point for both you and your developers (s).


Wireframes are purely visual tools that can assist you in determining where text and images will appear on particular web pages. To see how your material will appear on the front end, use blank boxes and "dummy text." Create wireframes with your developer so they can see what you're envisioning.


3. Create a sitemap


A sitemap provides a developer with the information needed to match your vision, just like a business plan does for a potential investor. You can construct your sitemap on your own or with the assistance of your developer (s).


Here are some questions to consider when designing your website:


• Which specific pages do you require?

• What will the content be on those pages?

• How do you divide those pages into categories?

• What is the page hierarchy on your site?

• How will the pages be linked?

• What pages and categories are critical to the success of your website and user experience?


4. Create the webpage code


Writing code is the next phase in the web development process.


Developers will employ many coding languages for the front-end and back-end of websites, as well as for various site functionality (such as design, interactivity, etc.). These various languages collaborate to construct and operate your website.


We recommend that you give us a chance to serve you with our services. Please contact us at any time if you have any questions.


Let us begin with the most widely used languages.


• HTML, or Hypertext Markup Language, has been in use since the 1990s. It serves as the foundation for all websites and represents the basic minimum of what is required to build a website. While it is feasible to design a website using simply HTML, the result would be unappealing.


• CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) was created in the late 1990s. It incorporates design elements such as text, colours, and images.


• JavaScript is the icing on the cake of programming languages. JavaScript, which was developed in the mid-1990s, is used to provide functionality to web pages. It is used by developers to provide animations, automate processes within certain pages, and add interactive features that improve user experience.


5. Purchase a domain name


Your website will now be assigned an IP address. It also requires a domain name, which is a memorable website name that visitors may use to find your website.


6. Go live with your website


After you've registered a domain name and linked it to your host, you're almost ready to publish your work on the internet.


But wait a minute — there are a few things you'll need to double-check before the formal launch. These include delegating duties on your team, extensively testing your site for bugs, optimising for SEO, and performing a final check before "turning the switch" and bringing your site live.


Explore Web Development


The Internet is here to stay, and it is continually changing to meet the demands of its users. Web developers are at the forefront of these advancements and developments – from this blog to your favourite social network to the apps on your phone, web development is everywhere.


As a result, it's worthwhile to invest time in learning about coding and programming in order to make your business website the best it can be – for you and your consumers. You can contact DesignLab if you need any further services or have any questions.