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How To Build a Robust E-Commerce Site with iManila

In today’s digital age, where every click translates into a potential sale, the success of your business hinges on the strength of your e-commerce site. As the digital marketplace continues to evolve and consumer expectations soar, the demand for a seamless, secure, and captivating e-commerce platform becomes non-negotiable. In this pursuit, iManila stands out as a trusted and seasoned web development agency, ready to assist you on this transformative journey.

In this blog, we’ll navigate through the key elements and crucial steps to help you construct a robust e-commerce site. Discover how partnering with iManila could be the game-changer you’re seeking to stand out in the competitive digital landscape. Let’s embark on this journey together and redefine your digital commerce experience.

Strategic Planning

strategic planning when building e-commerce website

Before diving into the development process, a strategic plan is the cornerstone of a successful e-commerce venture. Thus, work closely with iManila’s expert team to define your goals, target audience, and unique selling propositions. This crucial step sets the foundation for the design and functionality of your online store.

Intuitive User Experience (UX) Design

iManila excels in creating user experiences that captivate and convert. The design of your e-commerce site is meticulously crafted to guide users effortlessly through the buyer’s journey. We optimize every aspect of your website, including intuitive navigation and product displays, to create exceptional user experiences. 

Seamless Payment Integration

Facilitating smooth transactions is a hallmark of a successful e-commerce site. iManila seamlessly integrates secure payment gateways, ensuring that your customers can make purchases with confidence. Our team ensures that your e-commerce site can accommodate a variety of payment methods for ease of transaction.

Responsive Design for Every Device

responsive design e-commerce site

In an era dominated by mobile users, iManila prioritizes responsive design. We create e-commerce sites that are seamlessly accessible across different devices to provide users with a consistent and engaging experience.

Performance and Security

iManila places a premium on performance and security. We care about the security of your customers. With iManila, your e-commerce site will be engineered with cybersecurity measures, including SSL encryption and secure payment gateways.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Mastery

Finally, in the competitive landscape of e-commerce, visibility is key. iManila employs robust SEO strategies to ensure that your products are discoverable by your target audience. From keyword optimization to meta tags and site structure, every element is optimized to enhance your site’s search engine rankings.

Building a robust e-commerce site with iManila is more than a development project; it’s a collaborative journey towards digital success. From ideation to execution, we stand ready to empower your e-commerce ambitions. Embrace the possibilities, elevate your online presence, and embark on a journey of e-commerce innovation and excellence with iManila.

Partner with iManila

With 27 years of experience in the industry and an IT company at its core, iManila, having been one of the first Internet Service Providers in the Philippines, is committed to providing our clients with innovative information technology, web, and digital solutions.

iManila is a full-service business web development company in the Philippines ready to help you with WordPress website creation or building an ecommerce website for your business. From web design and development and website update and maintenance, to web hosting, email hosting, and technical, desktop and remote support, we are your team. Aside from this, we are also a website and mobile applications development company specializing in customized web systems for businesses in different industries and a top digital marketing agency that provides a wide range of digital marketing services. Talk to us!

Why You’d LOVE to Invest in Web Design & Development

In the digital era, your website serves as the digital face of your business, often making the first impression on potential customers. Hence, investing in web design and development is not merely an option, but a strategic move.

As technology evolves and consumer behaviors shift towards online interactions, businesses that prioritize their web design and development stand to gain a competitive edge. In this blog, we’ll explore why you should wholeheartedly invest in web design and development. The benefits are substantial, from creating an impactful user experience to unlocking new marketing opportunities. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

First Impressions Matter

Your website is often the first thing customers will notice when interacting with your brand. In the blink of an eye, users form opinions about your business based on the design and usability of your site. A professional, user-friendly website establishes trust and credibility, making a positive first impression that can convert visitors into customers.

User Experience is Non-Negotiable

imanila user experience

User experience (UX) is at the heart of web design. A well-designed and intuitive website enhances the user journey, making visitors easily find information, purchase, or engage with your content. Positive user experiences foster customer loyalty and increase the likelihood of repeat business.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Visibility

Investing in web development with SEO best practices in mind is a strategic move. A search engine-friendly website structure and content ensures improved rankings on search engine results pages. Increased visibility translates to more organic traffic, putting your business in front of potential customers.

Brand Consistency Across Platforms

A cohesive brand presence is crucial for building brand recognition and loyalty. Web design ensures that your online platform aligns with your brand identity, incorporating color schemes, logos, and messaging elements. Consistency across all platforms fosters trust and reinforces brand recall.

Responsive Design for a Mobile-First World

imanila responsive design

With a growing number of users accessing the internet via mobile devices, having a responsive website is no longer optional. Responsive design ensures that your site adapts seamlessly to various screen sizes, providing an optimal viewing experience on smartphones and tablets. This not only caters to a broader audience but also positively impacts your search engine rankings, as Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites.

Competitive Edge in the Digital Landscape

A well-designed and feature-rich website sets you apart from the competition in a crowded digital marketplace. It showcases your commitment to excellence and positions your brand as forward-thinking and customer-centric. As customers increasingly turn to online channels, your website becomes a powerful tool for gaining a competitive edge.

Adaptability and Future-Proofing

Technology evolves rapidly, and your website must keep pace. So, regular updates and improvements to your site’s design and functionality ensure its adaptability to emerging trends and technologies. This future-proofing not only safeguards your investment but also positions your business as agile and responsive to changing market dynamics.

Final Thoughts

Finally, in an era where online presence is synonymous with business existence, investing in web design and development is a MUST. Ensure your business not only survives but thrives in the ever-evolving online ecosystem, let iManila help!

With 27 years of experience in the industry and an IT company at its core, iManila, having been one of the first Internet Service Providers in the Philippines, is committed to providing our clients with innovative information technology, web, and digital solutions.

iManila is a full-service business web development company in the Philippines ready to help you with WordPress website creation or building an ecommerce website for your business. From web design and development and website update and maintenance, to web hosting, email hosting, and technical, desktop and remote support, we are your team. Aside from this, we are also a website and mobile applications development company specializing in customized web systems for businesses in different industries and a top digital marketing agency that provides a wide range of digital marketing services. Talk to us!

How to Prepare Your Website for Holiday Traffic Spikes

The holiday season is a joyful time for everyone, including businesses. As the holiday spirit fills the air, online shoppers scour the internet for the perfect gifts. This surge in online activity can result in significant traffic spikes for your website. While this is an excellent opportunity to boost sales and engage with your audience, it can also lead to performance issues and even website crashes if you’re unprepared.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to prepare your website for holiday traffic spikes. By implementing these ten strategies, you can ensure that your website handles increased traffic seamlessly and provides visitors with a positive experience during the festive season.

Conduct a Performance Audit

website performance audit iManila

Before the holiday season kicks in, evaluate your website’s current performance. Use website performance tools to assess its speed, responsiveness, and overall health. Consequently, identify any bottlenecks or issues that could hinder performance during traffic spikes.

Optimize Images and Media

Large media files can significantly slow down your website. So, compress images and videos to reduce their file sizes without compromising quality. This optimization ensures faster loading times, even when multiple users access your site simultaneously.

Upgrade Hosting Plan

If your site is hosted on a shared server, consider upgrading to a dedicated server or a cloud-based hosting solution. These options offer better scalability and can handle increased traffic more efficiently.

Stress Test Your Website

Simulate heavy traffic loads using stress testing tools to identify how your website performs under pressure. This allows you to pinpoint weaknesses and address them proactively.

Mobile Optimization

With increasing users accessing websites on mobile devices, ensure your site is responsive and optimized for mobile. Slow-loading or poorly formatted mobile pages can lead to high bounce rates.

Monitor Website Performance

Continuous monitoring is essential. So, use performance monitoring tools to monitor your website’s health and set up alerts for unusual activity. This enables you to respond quickly to any issues that may arise.

Update Software and Plugins

Outdated software and plugins are vulnerable to security threats and can slow down your page. Regularly update your Content Management System (CMS), plugins, and themes to the latest versions.

Load Testing

Conduct load testing to determine your website’s breaking point. This helps you understand how many concurrent users your site can handle before performance degrades. Use this information to set realistic traffic goals.

Have a Scalability Plan

Prepare a scalability plan outlining steps to take if your website experiences unexpected traffic spikes. This could include temporarily increasing server capacity or implementing traffic management solutions.

Backup Your Website

website backup iManila

Before the holiday season, ensure you have up-to-date backups of your site. In case of a catastrophic failure, having a backup will allow you to restore your site quickly. You may start backing up your website with iManila’s Website Backup Services as early as today.

Final Thoughts

The holiday season can be a make-or-break period for online businesses and websites. By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can keep your website running smoothly during the busiest time of the year and make the most of the holiday rush. While these could be a lot, with iManila’s Web Maintenance Services, you no longer have to think about these things. Prepare now, and be ready to shine when the holiday lights are aglow!

iManila is a full-service business web development company in the Philippines ready to help you with WordPress website creation or building an ecommerce website for your business. From web design and development and website update and maintenance, to web hosting, email hosting, and technical, desktop and remote support, we are your team. Aside from this, we are also a website and mobile applications development company specializing in customized web systems for businesses in different industries and a top digital marketing agency that provides a wide range of digital marketing services. Talk to us!

Web Redesign vs. Maintenance: Which Should You Prioritize for the Holidays

If you’re an online business owner, you’re probably getting ready for a website traffic surge during the upcoming holiday season. This period offers a unique opportunity to boost sales and connect with your audience, emphasizing the importance of having a high-performing website. A well-designed, user-friendly website attracts potential customers to complete transactions. This becomes especially crucial when consumers actively seek holiday products and gifts. But should you invest in a complete website redesign or focus on regular maintenance to ensure seamless operations?

In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of both approaches, helping you decide for the upcoming holidays.

Website Maintenance Pros

iManila Website Maintenance Pros

Website maintenance involves routine tasks aimed at keeping your site in optimal condition. This includes updating plugins, fixing broken links, optimizing images, and ensuring your site is secure and performs well. Here’s why prioritizing maintenance during the holidays is essential:

  • Ensures Reliability

The holiday season can bring a sudden surge in traffic. Regular web maintenance helps prevent server crashes, downtime, and other technical issues that could cost you valuable sales opportunities.

  • Improves User Experience 

A well-maintained website loads faster and provides a seamless browsing experience. This web performance is crucial to keep visitors engaged and prevent them from bouncing to a competitor’s site.

  • Enhances Web Security

Cybersecurity threats are prevalent, especially during peak shopping seasons. Maintaining your e-commerce website’s security protects your business and customers’ sensitive information.

  • Cost-Effective

A website refresh typically involves minor updates and improvements to your existing site. This approach is often more budget-friendly than a complete redesign, making it a good choice if you watch your expenses during the holiday season.

  • Time-Efficient

Website maintenance is quicker to implement compared to a complete redesign. You can quickly update content, add holiday-themed visuals, and optimize for performance without the extensive time investment of a redesign.

Website Redesign Pros

iManila iManila Website Maintenance Pros

While maintenance is crucial for a well-functioning website, there are scenarios where a redesign or a website revamp might be the right choice, especially during the holiday season. A redesign involves changing the layout, design, and sometimes your site’s content. Here’s why it might be worth considering:

  • Outdated Design

If your website’s design needs to be updated or aligned with current web trends, a redesign can give it a fresh, modern look that captures visitors’ attention.

  • Improved Navigation

If users find navigating your site or finding products challenging, a redesign can help streamline user experience and lead to higher conversion rates.

  • Rebranding or Repositioning

If your business has changed, such as a rebranding or a shift in target audience, a redesign can help reflect these transformations effectively.

  • Improved Load Times

During peak holiday traffic, slow-loading pages can drive visitors away. A redesign can optimize your website’s performance. This ensures swift page loading and smooth browsing experiences, even when traffic surges during the holiday season.

Final Thoughts

The choice between website redesign and website maintenance depends on your business’s specific needs and goals during the holiday season. Achieving a balance between the two can lead to the most optimal outcomes. Having a polished and redesigned website can effectively attract and engage your audience. Additionally, consistent web maintenance is vital in providing a seamless user experience. You can navigate this process seamlessly with a trusted partner like iManila. Connect with us today to enhance your web presence and optimize your website for the holiday season!  

With 27 years of experience in the industry and an IT company at its core, iManila, having been one of the first Internet Service Providers in the Philippines, is committed to providing our clients with innovative information technology, web, and digital solutions.

iManila is a full-service web development company in the Philippines ready to help you with WordPress business website creation or building an ecommerce website for your business. From web design and development and website update and maintenance, to web hosting, email hosting, and technical, desktop and remote support, we are your team. Aside from this, we are also a website and mobile applications development company specializing in customized web systems for businesses in different industries and a top digital marketing agency that provides a wide range of digital marketing services. Talk to us!

Accessibility Matters: Designing A Website for ALL Users

In an increasingly digital world, the Internet is a gateway to information, services, and opportunities. But what if this gateway is difficult to access for millions of people? Sadly, this is the reality for many individuals with disabilities who struggle to navigate websites not designed with accessibility in mind. The importance of creating an accessible website cannot be overstated. It’s not just about compliance with regulations; it’s about inclusivity, diversity, and ensuring that everyone can fully participate in the online experience, regardless of disabilities. So, why does creating an accessible website for all users matter?

Why Creating an Accessible Website for All Users Matters

Imagine you’re a visually impaired individual trying to order groceries online or someone with motor disabilities attempting to pay bills through a website. These seemingly mundane tasks become monumental challenges when websites lack accessibility features. Moreover, creating an accessible website is a moral and legal requirement in many countries. It ensures that people with disabilities can easily access information and engage with your content just like anyone else. Beyond the legal aspect, it’s about reaching a wider audience and demonstrating your commitment to inclusivity.

How to Design a Website for All Users

How to Design a Website for All Users

  • Ensure Keyboard Navigation

Many users rely on keyboards instead of mice or touchscreens to navigate the web, especially those with motor disabilities. Make sure your website is fully functional using only keyboard input. Implement keyboard shortcuts and ensure that all interactive elements are easily accessible and operable with keyboard commands.

  • Provide Clear and Descriptive Alt Text:

One of the fundamental elements of web accessibility is providing descriptive alternative text (alt text) for images. Additionally, screen reader software relies on alt texts to convey the content of images, making it helpful for visually impaired individuals. Adding concise and accurate alt text to your images makes your website’s visual content accessible to all users.

  • Use Semantic HTML

Semantic HTML is vital when building an accessible website. It involves using proper HTML tags to define the structure and meaning of content. Using headings (h1, h2, h3, etc.) to organize your content hierarchically helps users with cognitive disabilities understand the page’s structure. This helps them in navigating your site more effectively.

  • Prioritize Color and Contrast

Color choices and contrast ratios can significantly impact the readability and usability of your website, especially for those with visual impairments or color blindness. Ensure text has sufficient contrast between the text and its background to ensure easy readability, regardless of the color scheme being used. Additionally, avoid using colors as the sole means of conveying important information. Relying solely on color can hinder accessibility for those who may have visual impairments.

  • Test with Real Users

No matter how much you strive for accessibility, the true test comes when real users with disabilities interact with your website. Conduct usability testing with individuals with various disabilities to identify and address any remaining accessibility issues. Their feedback is invaluable for making necessary improvements.

In Conclusion

Finally, building an accessible website is not just a design choice; it’s a statement of your commitment to inclusivity and equal access to information. It’s a way to break down barriers so that everyone can participate in the digital age regardless of their abilities. If you need guidance in creating a website that’s accessible for all users, reach out to iManila for all your web design and web development needs. Together, let’s build a more inclusive online world where everyone can thrive.

With 27 years of experience in the industry and an IT company at its core, iManila, having been one of the first Internet Service Providers in the Philippines, is committed to providing our clients with innovative information technology, web, and digital solutions.

iManila is a full-service business web development company in the Philippines ready to help you with WordPress website creation or building an ecommerce website for your business. From web design and development and website update and maintenance, to web hosting, email hosting, and technical, desktop and remote support, we are your team. Aside from this, we are also a website and mobile applications development company specializing in customized web systems for businesses in different industries and a top digital marketing agency that provides a wide range of digital marketing services. Talk to us!

The Stages of Website Development: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to iManila’s Website Development Phases

In a world where people increasingly turn to the internet for information, not having a website means missing out on countless opportunities. Whether you’re an individual looking to showcase your portfolio, a business aiming to sell products, or an organization seeking to increase brand awareness, having a website is a powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals. Moreover, if you’re a beginner looking to develop a website that stands out, iManila’s web development services are here to help bring your vision to life. 

As a trusted web development company, iManila understands the importance of delivering exceptional websites tailored to our client’s unique needs. We follow a systematic approach that takes you to every step of the process, ensuring that everything aligns with your objectives and requirements. 

If you’re ready to go digital, let iManila be your personal guide. Let us walk you through our collaborative web development process in this blog. Let’s start!

Project Kick-off

The project kick-off marks the beginning of our collaborative journey. It is when we finalize the project scope, details, specifications, and timelines to ensure we are on the same page.

Phase 1: Content Collation

After the kick-off meeting, we request you provide all necessary content, such as text and images, within 10 working days. For your convenience, we will provide a link so you can easily upload all files and documents in one centralized location. 

Phase 2: Initial Mock-up Design and Selection

iManila design team creating an initial website mock-up design

For clients availing of our customized website development packages, we’ll present you with two initial mock-up designs. We’ll allow you to choose which design resonates with your vision. Then, once you’ve made your choice, we’ll design two additional inner pages based on your chosen mock-up design. This will serve as the starting point for the website’s overall design.

Phase 3: Full Mock-up Design

In this phase, we’ll create mock-up designs for all the unique pages of your website. The mock-up design will include a layout, color scheme, and overall user experience. This will give you a clear picture of how each page will look and function.

Phase 4: Website Development

Upon approval of the full mock-up design, our developers will initiate the web development process.  Consequently, our developers will apply the latest technologies and industry best practices to create a functional and visually appealing website.

Phase 5: Developmental Site Publication

We will launch the live website on our developmental server to give you a sneak peek of your site. This allows you to explore your website’s appearance and functionality firsthand. Additionally, this stage is the perfect opportunity for you to provide valuable feedback and suggestions for further enhancements.

Phase 6: User Acceptance Testing and Content Revision

iManila design team revising website content

You will have five working days to explore the website and share your valuable feedback and content revisions. Within the following five working days, we will diligently apply these revisions. Evidently, this collaborative process guarantees that your website will be refined to meet and exceed your expectations.

Phase 7: Website Publication

Once you give us the final approval, we’ll publish the website on your domain. While you have the option to host your website on a third-party provider, any remaining balance must be settled before the publication.

Phase 8: Post-Quality Assurance and Debugging

After the website goes live, we conduct a comprehensive post-quality assurance process to ensure everything functions smoothly. Our team meticulously checks and addresses potential issues promptly to ensure your website delivers a flawless user experience.

Phase 9: Website WordPress Training

To help you manage your newly developed website, we will provide free comprehensive WordPress training for up to four representatives. Based on our agreed schedule, we can conduct the training at our premises or via a convenient online platform like Zoom or MS Teams. Additionally, we will provide you with a Website Mapping Guide as complementary.

Acceptance

Finally, to officially close the project, we’ll provide you with an Acceptance Letter for your signature, which will signify that all deliverables are done.

iManila’s web development process is designed to keep you informed, engaged, and in control every step of the way. Our portfolio can attest that we are good at turning visions into reality. Start your online journey now with iManila!

With 27 years of experience in the industry and an IT company at its core, iManila, having been one of the first Internet Service Providers in the Philippines, is committed to providing our clients with innovative information technology, web, and digital solutions. 

iManila is a full-service business web development company in the Philippines ready to help you with WordPress website creation or building an ecommerce website for your business. From web design and development and website update and maintenance, to web hosting, email hosting, and technical, desktop and remote support, we are your team. Aside from this, we are also a website and mobile applications development company specializing in customized web systems for businesses in different industries and a top digital marketing agency that provides a wide range of digital marketing services. Talk to us!

7 Types of Websites that will Help Build Your Online Presence

The internet is a vast place with billions of websites competing for attention. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide what type of website to create. However, it’s important to understand the various categories and goals of websites in order to build your online presence effectively. You can find inspiration from other websites in your category by refining your objectives and contemplating best practices.

In this blog, we’ll explore seven types of websites, each with its own unique set of goals and strategies for success. Whether you’re starting a blog, an online store, or a portfolio website, understanding these website types will help you create a successful online presence.

Blogging Website

Blogging websites provide a valuable forum for expressing your ideas, opinions, and expertise on a particular topic. They offer an opportunity to establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry and attract a loyal following of readers who share your interests.  You can build a strong online presence and connect with others who share your passions by consistently creating high-quality content and engaging with your audience. Whether you are looking to share your personal experiences or promote your business, blogging websites are a powerful tool for building your brand and expanding your reach.

Portfolio Website

Artists who work with tangible materials, such as paint, sculpture, or other mediums, can exhibit their creations through high-quality photographs or videos on portfolio websites. These websites are essential for creatives and freelancers who rely on their work for a living, as they substantially increase their chances of securing employment or attracting potential clients.

While portfolio websites are commonly used by service providers with technical online skills, such as graphic design, website design and development, and marketing, they can be created for virtually any type of work. Whether you are a writer, photographer, musician, or a professional in any other field, a portfolio website can help you showcase your skills, abilities, and accomplishments to a wider audience.

E-commerce website

E-commerce websites have eliminated the need for physical stores and expanded the reach of businesses. With just a few clicks, consumers can explore a vast array of products from the comfort of their homes. These websites offer a variety of secure payment options, ensuring the safety of customers’ financial information. From credit cards and digital wallets to secure online payment gateways.  Additionally, e-commerce websites allow users to compare prices, features, and customer reviews, enabling informed decision-making. 

Brochure  Website

A brochure website acts as a digital brochure for your business, providing essential information such as your company’s history, mission, products or services, and contact details. It serves as a foundation for your online presence, giving visitors a comprehensive overview of your business.

Business Website

A business website typically includes information about the company’s history, mission, team, products or services, contact details, and any other relevant information that helps visitors understand what the business is all about. It may also incorporate features like e-commerce functionality, customer support options, and interactive elements to enhance user experience. The primary goal of a business website is to attract, inform, and engage potential customers, ultimately driving business growth and success.

Entertainment or media website

An entertainment or media website is a digital platform that offers a variety of content related to movies, TV shows, music, news, and popular culture. These websites keep users informed about the latest updates, gossip, and news in the entertainment industry. They frequently offer streaming services for movies, television programs, and music, granting users access to their preferred content. In addition, these websites feature reviews, recommendations, and user-generated discussions to help users make informed choices. Exclusive interviews, event coverage, multimedia elements, and interactive features enhance the overall user experience, creating a vibrant online community centered around entertainment and media.

Nonprofit website

A nonprofit website is specifically designed for nonprofit organizations to communicate their mission, raise awareness about their cause, and engage with supporters. These websites serve as a central hub for sharing information about the organization’s programs, initiatives, and impact. They often include features such as donation portals, volunteer opportunities, and resources for those seeking assistance. Nonprofit websites aim to inspire visitors, foster community engagement, and facilitate the necessary connections to further their social or humanitarian goals.

A successful online presence relies on creating a website that fits your needs and goals. This involves proper web design and development, regular website updates and maintenance, and choosing the right web hosting company. At iManila, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life. Let us help you create a website that not only looks good but also works for you!

With 27 years of experience in the industry and an IT company at its core, iManila, having been one of the first Internet Service Providers in the Philippines, is committed to providing our clients with innovative information technology, web, and digital solutions.

iManila is a full-service business web development company in the Philippines ready to help you with WordPress website creation or building an ecommerce website for your business. From web design and development and website update and maintenance, to web hosting, email hosting, and technical, desktop and remote support, we are your team. Aside from this, we are also a website and mobile applications development company specializing in customized web systems for businesses in different industries and a top digital marketing agency that provides a wide range of digital marketing services. Talk to us!

The Road Ahead: Web Development Trends That Will Shape 2023 and Beyond

Since its beginning 40 years ago, the internet has widely evolved. It is now a home to roughly 1.13 billion websites with 5.16 billion active users. As the internet has progressed, so do the trends in website development. And as a website owner, it is essential for you to keep up with these trends.

By doing so, it ensures that your website stays relevant and competitive in the digital space. It also enhances your website’s user experience and keeps your visitors engaged, which is critical for the success of your website. Lastly, staying on top of website development trends can help optimize your site’s performance, ensuring that it runs smoothly and efficiently.

If you have this vision for your business website, tag along as we trail the web development trends that will shape the year 2023 and beyond!

Progressive Web Apps

A progressive web app (PWA) is a website that has the appearance and functionality of a mobile app. It improves user experience as it has faster load speed, workable offline, and no installation required among others. Although it’s no longer a new concept, their latest iteration is set to replace traditional web apps entirely. Many big companies like Starbucks, Uber, Pinterest, and Twitter have already adopted PWAs and more are expected to do so in 2023. 

AI Chatbots

AI chatbots are predicted to become even more advanced and efficient in 2023 to better cater user’s needs. These chatbots help companies perform tasks faster. It also improves customer experience by collecting data, answering frequently asked questions, and resolving issues. Many leading B2C companies are already using AI chatbots, and their use is expected to increase even more in 2023.

WordPress Development

According to W3Techs, WordPress powers over 40% of all websites on the internet. To constantly meet the ever changing user demand, WordPress will introduce new features. It is expected to undergo changes such as a new navigation structure. This aims to simplify the user experience by combining post editor and template experiences. WordPress will also offer new design tools to improve website aesthetics this year.

Motion UI

The demand for digital experiences has evolved beyond mobile-friendliness. Consumers are now seeking for more interactive experiences. This is why Motion UI has become popular. With this development, web elements can slide, spin, bounce, transition, and more, making the website more engaging.

Responsive Site Design

Mobile devices account for more than half of all web traffic. With this, the importance of mobile friendly website design has increased significantly in the past years. In 2023, responsive design will focus on providing more personalized experiences to users. This is in the means of offering one-click ordering on ecommerce apps and incorporating biometric authentication such as fingerprint scanning and voice recognition. 

Dark Mode Standardization

Dark mode or low-light website trend is expected to continue in 2023, as statistics show that 81.9% of mobile users use this mode. Popular apps like Facebook and Twitter have already implemented this feature. These apps allow users to easily toggle between light and dark modes based on their preference or system settings. Website personalization is crucial than ever as visitors expect a completely customized experience. As more developers include a built-in feature to switch between light and dark modes, it is expected to become the standard in 2023 and possibly even the default for applications.

Improved Cybersecurity

With over 2,200 recorded cyber attacks per day in the previous year, cybersecurity is a top concern in 2023. Companies of all sizes are vulnerable to cyber attacks. These attacks can cause hours of downtime, significant loss of revenue, and damage to reputation. To address this concern, website development has shifted towards easier implementation of safeguards such as application-based multi-factor authentication, patch management, and Security Operation Centers (SOC).

Web development is and will continue to evolve to meet the demands and expectations of today and the future generation of users. Ensure your website doesn’t get left behind, talk to the experts in iManila!

With 27 years of experience in the industry and an IT company at its core, iManila, having been one of the first Internet Service Providers in the Philippines, is committed to providing our clients with innovative information technology, web, and digital solutions.

iManila is a full-service business web development company in the Philippines ready to help you with WordPress website creation or building an ecommerce website for your business. From web design and development and website update and maintenance, to web hosting, email hosting, and technical, desktop and remote support, we are your team. Aside from this, we are also an applications development company specializing in customized web systems for businesses in different industries and a top digital marketing agency that provides a wide range of digital marketing services. Talk to us!

Proven and Tested Ways to Improve Your Website Conversion Rates this 2023

Conversion rate is the core and one of the most important metrics to monitor in any digital marketing campaign. If you’re new to e-commerce, conversion rate is the number of conversions divided by the total number of web visitors. 

How does it work? Basically, you run a campaign to encourage people to do a desired action. Conversion rate reflects how well your strategy is. A good campaign gets people to take action and convert while ineffective ones won’t. 

If you have a low conversion rate, better to reassess your marketing plan. Study what makes users convert and where they bounce. Take this blog as a guide! 

Include social proof to your site

Your audience won’t always believe everything you say. So, if you make a claim, it would be best to provide evidence in the form of customer reviews to support it. In fact, according to Trust Pulse, 83% of people are more likely to trust a review than an advertisement. Similarly, 97% of consumers look at reviews before making a purchase. With this in mind, incorporating social proof would definitely help boost your conversion rate.

Shorten your forms

Imagine discovering an e-commerce site that sells high-quality goods at reasonable prices. But then it requires you to fill out lengthy forms to get more information or seal a transaction. What a bummer, right?

Long forms can help you know your audience but can also drive them away. It’s annoying to fill out so many fields before accessing information or buying a product so, consider reducing it. Take Marketo as an example – a conversion rate of 10% was observed with their 9-field form. Reducing the number of fields to 5 increased the conversion rate for the same form to 13.4%. Shorten your forms or drive your potential customers away.

Keep it simple

Aside from shortening your forms, make the buying process easier by simplifying the whole user experience. People’s attention spans are shorter than they were years ago which was proven in an experiment conducted by Etsy. The team added 160KB images to their pages to intentionally slow down their load speed. As a result, their bounce rate increased by 12%. 

Remember, people will abandon your site if it takes too much of their time navigating it. With that, make sure to have a straightforward UX design, clear instructions, obvious CTAs, and make it a point NOT to offer too many options.

Don’t require a login

People choose online shopping for convenience. However, if it requires extra effort to have access like registering or logging in, chances are they will dodge you. Just like in the study conducted by the Baymard Institute, 37% of customers completely abandoned their checkout process when they were required to create an account. In the same study, 38% of the e-commerce sites examined did not even provide customers with the option to create a temporary account prior to completing their purchase.

Don’t risk lowering your conversion rate. Make login or sign up fields optional. Let users browse your shop as a guest. And having a clickable “Checkout as Guest” button is a plus too! 

Make personalized content

As the cliché saying goes, “content is king” – and nothing could beat a personalized one! According to Accenture, 91% of consumers say that they are more likely to shop from a brand that offers deals and recommendations that are relevant to them. This only shows personalized content is something you shouldn’t sleep on. 

To get you started, here are some things you could try for a more personalized content:

  • Establish your target market’s persona then share content that connects with them. 
  • Give each customer a discount that is unique to them based on their location, customer behavior, or how they use your website.
  • If you want to reach more people in your area, make sure your website and content are optimized for local SEO.

While there’s no thing such as “one size fits all” when it comes to your website, these tips could be your starting point. And if you need help in implementing these, you could always hire an all-in-one team that specializes in web design and development, web maintenance, and content writing like iManila! 

With 27 years of experience in the industry and an IT company at its core, iManila, having been one of the first Internet Service Providers in the Philippines, a web development company and a top digital marketing company in the country, is committed to providing our clients with innovative information technology, web, and digital solutions. As one of the best web hosting providers in the Philippines, iManila is also a full-service business web development company and digital marketing agency in the Philippines ready to help you with your web design and development, website update and maintenance, web hosting, email hosting, dedicated server, technical, desktop and remote support, and digital marketing services needs.  Talk to us!