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Tag: business websites philippines

What Makes a Good Website Design?

Good website design will never go out of trend. It’s not just about using beautiful graphics and a good color palette that matches your brand – a properly designed website should most importantly be functional. 

Form + Function

Structure, graphics, and layout are all essential parts of a website’s design. These things make up the website’s “form”, and what a visitor usually sees upon first glance of a website.  

Elements of the  “form” aspect of a website are always made with a purpose. The main purpose should always be about considering the user. The first few things that a good website designer should look into is how to make your website user-friendly, and make it easier for users to navigate around your website. This means that all graphics, photos, contents and the overall layout of the website should appeal to your consumer’s online behavior and preferences. 

Function, on the other hand, is how the elements of the form operate. When the form operates according to its predetermined function, only then can we truly say that we have a great design!

Why does this all matter?

Good website design will always make you win customers online. Why? Users, consumers, buyers, customers just simply benefit from it. Having a greatly designed website not only allows visitors to get the information they need, but it also allows them to easily find what they’re looking for. Websites with a great design and user interface attract online visitors to keep coming back for more. Not only does a great website increase a company’s reputation online but it also sustains a good user base, which increases your website’s visibility and ranking on search engines. In short, having a great website can not only change a consumer’s mind about your brand, but it also pumps up your online visibility organically in search engines. 

As a final note – a new and well-designed website is not just something your company can be proud of, but especially in this day and age filled with so many distractions – now more than ever you need a website that will be able to catch AND keep your consumers’ attention! 

Need help? iManila has delivered more than 5,000 web and digital marketing projects since its inception back in 1996. Drop us a message at [email protected]!

Philippine Retail Industry in the Digital Era

In this day and age of technology and automation, the Philippine retail industry has a big task to move towards a new chapter. The 26th National Retail Conference and Stores Asia Expo 2019 held last August 15-16 in the SMX Convention Center centered on the theme Retail: Reimagined, focusing on the topic of digitalization and modern marketing as the future of the industry.

The conference hosted talks from several local and international experts in the retail industry, who spoke openly not just about the newest trends in the market, but how to survive amid the newest consumers, the Generation Z buyers in the next five to ten years.

While many retailers are still focused on trying to capture the attention of its millennial buyers, the 26th NRCE brought to light the importance to prepare for an even bigger generation – the Gen Z consumers, who will eventually consist of more than 30% of consumers in a matter of five years. These consumers are expected to have an even shorter attention span than the millennials and will demand more active engagement thru visually appealing content that will catch their eyes.

With this in mind, is your business ready for the future consumers?

Designing experience and building trust among your target market are just two of the things that should be remembered in this digital era. With the Internet and social media well within reach, businesses can easily take advantage of reaching out to their target market right at this very moment – allowing your products the visibility it needs to stay at the top of mind of your consumers.

According to a featured article of Ms. Tiffany Lung, a Retail Analyst and one of the guest speakers during the 26th NRCE, “Staying current and relevant in a fast-paced industry like retail is by no means an easy task. Retailers have to be agile, proactive, and quick on their feet in order to retain their market position amongst the competitive field, and at the same time adapt to an omnichannel consumer”.

And what’s the best way to adapt to the omnichannel consumer?

Simple.

Go digital.

The millennial generation and future Gen Z consumers are two of the most active generations online. Going digital will not just allow your brand visibility to these markets, but starting your online campaigns now will allow more time to build online engagement and relationships with your future consumers. At the same time, starting now will buy you time to create brand recall to your future buyers.

Going digital is easy. Start by creating a website then expand your online presence by being active on social media and starting digital paid advertising. Don’t be afraid to try new things for your business. Digital has worked wonders for old and new businesses alike. Why not give it a try?

Looking to take the digital leap? Let iManila help! Contact us at (02) 490 0000 or drop us an email at [email protected]!

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imanila team nrce 2019

The iManila team during the 26th National Retail Conference and Stores Asia Expo 2019.

The National Retail Conference and Expo is an annual two-day event managed by the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) and dubbed as the BIGGEST and MOST IMPORTANT Retail Industry Event in the Philippines. Among the big brands who participated in this event are PLDT, Globe, Bench, Wilcon Depot, The SM Store, and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls. iManila is grateful to be an exhibitor and the Official Social Media Partner for this momentous event where the country’s top retailers converge.

A Guide to Consumer Experience Online

Up until a few years back, it would take a while before a shopper made a decision on which brand to buy along the aisles of a grocery store or supermarket. But as the years went by, technology gifted us with exciting innovations. Mobile phones became more powerful than ever. From having a mobile phone with the singular functionality of doing voice calls, the mobile phone developed into an all-in-one device that more or less had the same capabilities as a personal computer. It became faster and more efficient and allowed people to have technology readily available in their pockets.

This advancement in technology has, in response, led to changes in behavior. Research shows that the current global population spent an average of 6 hours and 42 minutes online. Currently, in the Philippines, the average time being spent online is 10 hours and 2 minutes. This actually makes us one of the countries with the longest Internet activity. In which, various businesses, like you, can take advantage of.

Human Attention Span Is Getting Shorter Than Ever

In a study made by Microsoft two years back, it was revealed that the average human attention span is at eight-seconds, making it shorter than the attention span of a goldfish at nine (9) seconds. This only means that your message and idea should come out clearly to viewers in eight seconds or less!

New statistics from Google also revealed that you only have six (6) to eight (8) seconds to get online audiences’ attention. Whether we like it or not, the realities of user experience all happen within an average moment of 8 seconds – what Google calls micro-moments.

What are micro-moments?

Micro-moments are the collective activities and experiences of people online. It is the usual things we look at or search for online. And usually, these moments are so short, menial, and unnoticeable – and yet collectively an indication of our total online experience.

When we search for something and can’t seem to find it in a snap of a finger, ultimately we shift to different search terms or a different application or browser just find what we need to know NOW. This is a perfect example of micro-moments.

New Consumer Reality

Micro-moments are the new consumer reality. Consumers rely on their smartphones to make pre-purchase validations even before making an actual purchase whether it be online or offline.

In between those micro-moments online, within those quick tapping of their phones, and impatient waiting for seconds, a business has to be there with them – a brand has to be able to show them the things they need to get quickly.

Do you need to adapt to this new reality?

The quick answer: YES! The economy of mobile and consumer experience requires businesses to always be on their toes especially when it comes to improving their customer’s purchase journey and experience.

Why? Because in this day and age, consumer experience is one of the most shared experiences online. Great experiences spread like a heart-warming story – the type people will love. Bad experiences, on the other hand, spread like a wild-fire that turn everything in its path into ashes. In short, customer experiences shared online about your brand can either make or break your business.

These experiences are the online consumer micro-moments that brands and businesses should give importance to. These moments sandwiched in eight (8) seconds have gained the power to change the course of how some leaders run their businesses.

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Are you ready to change the way you run your business? Let iManila help you make consumer-based strategies to enhance your business’s marketing. Learn more about our digital marketing services by clicking the link below.

imanila.ph/digital-marketing

Things You Need Before Starting a Website

Gone are the days when businesses can only rely on traditional marketing platforms such as flyers, TV and newspaper ads, directory listings, and billboard placements to promote their brand. With the continuous rise of online users all over the world, it is indeed much easier (and more affordable) for brands and companies to create brand awareness and reach new audiences with various online and social media platforms that we have today.

Among the first few things that your brand should have in today’s digital age is a website. As the primary source of information for your company online, having a website is now a must for businesses regardless if they’re an SME or a big corporation. Not only does a website establish your brand’s credibility, but it also is the center of your online marketing strategies to help your business grow.

If you are hoping to build one for yourself, let us walk you through some of the basic things that you need to start a website:

A Domain Name

It is a staple for every website to have its own URL/Web address. It is important for a website to have its domain for the visitors to easily access their website through the internet.

While it is very common for businesses to have domain names that are the same as their business names (such as walmart.com), you can pick a domain name to include any text phrase you want as long as it is not already taken. You must take note, however, that your domain should be relevant to your business. It is the first touchpoint of your visitors towards your website, so make sure it is directly related to your business.

A domain name typically costs around PHP 600.00 to PHP 1,600.00 with a recurring/renewal fee every year. Make sure that your domain has not yet been purchased and is still available for use. You can use iManila’s free domain checker on our home page!

Solid Content & Information

Now this defines the full look of your website – inserting content and images. It’s important to remember that a business website is ultimately just a framework. It isn’t finished until you’ve populated it with content and information.

You must organize all of the things that should be put on each of your web pages. These contents serve as important factors for search engines, such as Google, Yahoo, and Bing to crawl and mark your website credible. Putting all the necessary content on your website requires a lot of time. We suggest creating your own sitemap first in order to have a clear plan before establishing a website.

Web designer and developer

After deciding on your domain name or even purchasing one as well as gathering the content and information that you want to be featured, the next thing that you will need is a company that can help you build your business site. iManila is one of the leading web development companies in the Philippines! We specialize in creating various websites for different business across all verticals – whether it’s an informative or an eCommerce site!

Establishing your own business website is as important as having your own physical store. It helps create your own identity and showcase your brand online. If you are looking to have your own website, then you have come to the right place!

As one of the country’s top digital marketing and web development agencies, iManila is trusted by many companies in creating credible and professionally designed websites to stand out in today’s online world.

For more information, contact us at (02) 490 0000 or leave us a message at https://imanila.ph/lets-talk/.

Website Must-Haves: How to Reach your Full Potential Online

You can’t deny that modern technology has affected the way companies do business. Today, most successful businesses have grasped the importance of having an online presence. While a website is good place to start, it is not enough, and you definitely shouldn’t stop there.

To help you out, here are some factors that you should be keeping an eye on to make sure that your business will thrive in the digital age.

Site Security

Imagine that your website is your house. Now, you don’t want intruders easily accessing and coming into your house, right? So you put up a gate and filter what comes in and out of your house. That is precisely what an SSL Certificate does. SSL or Security Sockets Layer is the standard security technology that functions to establish an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. The link ensures that all the data or sensitive information that have been submitted or collected through the web server and the browser will remain private, confidential, and secure. You have to keep in mind that security builds credibility among your website visitors, thus, making your business look more legitimate and trustworthy. It is best that you secure your website by purchasing an SSL certificate from an authorized provider.

Better Google Ranking through Paid Ads

Aside from frequently uploading relevant content on your website, another factor that Google uses to help your website rank is PAID ADS. Search Engine Marketing (SEM) plays a vital role to reach a wider audience, drive more traffic to your website, and can potentially generate leads. The catch is making sure that your ads are relevant to your target audience. Google’s algorithm pushes your ads to users who are more likely to engage with it. Meaning, your ad should target a specific need of your audience so they will really click on it. Make sure you use the right keywords so you also reach the right audience.

Digital User Experience

Is your website user-friendly? Does it take less than a second to load? If yes, then great job on providing users with a good digital experience! Forbes defines ‘digital user experience’ as something that encompasses all aspects of person’s interaction with your website, including behavior, actions taken, perceptions, and satisfaction. However, if you are experiencing high bounce rate because your site is taking too long to load, then there might be a problem with your web host. On average, a user will leave your site if it takes more than 10-20 seconds to load. A good hosting provider will help you beat that time and successfully retain your audience.

Going digital has opened so many opportunities for businesses to reach their full potential. It’s important that you invest in the right marketing tools and strategies to keep your online presence afloat.  Now it’s all up to you. Will you just wait in vain while your competitors surpass you, or will you take the leap and go digital today?

Partner with a reliable digital marketing agency to cater to all your digital requirements. Here at iManila, we provide services that will help your business succeed in the digital world. We offer Web and App Development, Digital Marketing, Hosting Services, and 24/7 Technical Support. For inquiries, visit our Contact Us page or get in touch with our team at (02) 490 0000 or (+63) 917 845 6005.

 

Why You Should Invest in a Business Website

One thing that most traditional businesses are struggling with nowadays is the transition to the digital age. While most business owners agree that digital has changed the way the world works, they don’t quite know where to start.

Most consumers today prefer purchasing products and booking services online. For them, it is an avenue to conduct research and learn more about the brand’s product or service offering before committing to an action. In effect, this forces a lot of businesses to migrate some of their marketing efforts online. However, due the lack of knowledge on how digital efforts work, some businesses end up throwing money away, not optimizing their budget, resulting in an expense.

For businesses willing to dip their feet into the digital realm, a website is a good place to start. Having a website can help establish your brand online, and allow consumers to find your products and services 24/7. Here are more reasons why you should invest in a website for your business:

Easier Accessibility for Customers

Having a website can allow your business to be accessible by anyone, anywhere. With the wide reach of online data and Internet, there is no doubt that most people’s day-to-day lives are affected by online activities. This is where a website will be more advantageous compared to other traditional marketing efforts. The rise of business websites paved the way for online marketing as a means of reaching out to a wider range of potential customers. With the right design and effective content strategy, your business can stand out amongst your online competitors and give you more satisfied customers.

A Website Widens Business Reach

Having a business website doesn’t just let your brand be accessible to your target audience, but also widens your reach for other potential customers and partners. The algorithm of search engines, nowadays, enables your website to be seen easily online.. However, it takes time to fully experience the traffic results that you are expecting. Unlike any other marketing investments, your site is a constant asset that needs to adapt to the changing digital world. Design, User Experience, and Performance are some of the factors that can bring out the potential of your website. So make sure you are investing in the right tools and assets that will help your business website reach out to more people. Whether you are a start-up,or an established player in your industry, your website can stand out as long as you take advantage of the features that your website has.

Data-driven

Unlike traditional marketing, having a website and running digital marketing campaigns provide measurable results. This allows you to set-up your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), track results, and optimize your marketing efforts further. As for websites, utilizing data as the center of its performance makes it a reliable marketing asset to keep track of potential customers. Different web analytics provide accurate data about users who have visited your website, or data about web pages that are under performing. It is a great avenue for your brand to determine your marketing direction in the following years, as this can provide deeper insights and realizations about your business.

Strengthens Business’ Credibility and Identity

The overall aesthetics of your website should reflect how you see your brand and how you want your customers to see your brand. By fully utilizing this, your business is able to establish brand identity to your potential customers. It’s also very crucial for businesses to not just focus on the design of the website, but also the content of the site. By producing relevant and engaging content, you’re building your reputation and strengthening your credibility as a trusted resource in your industry.

All these factors can help your business stand out amongst competitors and establish your brand presence online. If you’re looking for a reliable website provider for your business, contact us today. iManila has worked with numerous businesses — from top corporations to small businesses and startups — for more than 22 years.

Let us help you transition to the digital age. Contact us at (02) 490-0000 or leave us a message at https://imanila.ph/lets-talk/