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Tag: Website application development

Stay Safe Online: Steps to Ensure Your Business Website’s Security

Business owners face various challenges in keeping their company secure, and one of the most pressing is website’s security. As the world continues to shift towards digital operations, businesses become more vulnerable to cyber threats. This includes data breaches, hacking, and phishing attacks among others. A single security breach can have devastating consequences such as financial loss, reputation damage, and legal issues.

Hence, it’s important for businesses to take cybersecurity seriously and implement proactive measures to protect their company and customers’ information. But, what exactly are these preemptive actions? Let’s take a look!

Keep your software up-to-date

To ensure your website’s security, it is crucial to keep up with the latest updates of your software. This step is relatively easy if you are using a website builder that takes care of updates and security concerns. However, if you are using a Content Management System (CMS) platform such as WordPress, it is essential to keep track of updates and promptly apply it. This includes upgrading your core software and any installed plugins. Failure to do so can result in your website becoming obsolete and vulnerable to viruses, bugs, and malicious code from hackers.

Implement strong passwords

Use complex and unique passwords for all user accounts, including administrators, editors, and contributors. Avoid using common or easily guessable passwords, and consider using a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords. Tip: to enhance your website’s security, it is advisable to generate a password comprising a minimum of 10 characters. Make sure it includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

Use SSL encryption

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption helps protect the data transmitted between your website and visitors by encrypting it. Obtain an SSL certificate and configure your website to use HTTPS, ensuring a secure connection and building trust with your users.

Upgrade to Dedicated web hosting

Dedicated web hosting ensures website security by providing a dedicated server exclusively for your website. This eliminates the risk of security vulnerabilities from other websites sharing the same server. Also, with dedicated hosting, you have full control over security settings, user permissions, and customization options. To top it off, dedicated hosting providers offer advanced security features like firewalls and intrusion detection systems for enhanced protection against threats.

Regularly backup your website

Perform regular website backups for your files and databases. This way, if your website experiences a security breach or data loss, you can restore it to a previous working state. Store backups in a secure location separate from your website’s server.

Educate yourself and your team

Stay informed about the latest security best practices, threats, and vulnerabilities. Educate yourself and your team about potential risks, such as phishing attacks or social engineering, and establish protocols for handling sensitive information and access to the website

Remember, in the realm of cybersecurity, it’s not a matter of “if”, but “when”, a potential threat may arise. It is imperative to proactively invest in securing your business’ digital infrastructure. Let iManila help you with this!

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!

Agency vs. Freelancer: Choosing the Right Digital Partner

Having a strong online presence is non-negotiable in order to thrive in this digital age. And to achieve that, choosing the right digital partner is crucial – whether you need web design and development, web hosting, or digital marketing services. Oftentimes, the options boil down to two: hiring a freelancer or partnering with a digital agency.

Just like anything in this world, these two have their own strengths and weaknesses. As a business owner, it’s important to weigh these pros and cons before making a final decision. With that, let’s take a quick look at their attributes in the lens of things you must consider in choosing the right digital partner for your business.

Management

When hiring freelancers, the employers are usually the project managers. For this reason, if you have a large team of freelancers on your side, it will be a bit harder for you to manage. Some of the things that you need to do include facilitating collaboration, providing guidance, and authorizing freelancers throughout the project.

When it comes to an agency, you don’t need to be hands-on. You can depend on the team to strategize and assess your ads according to your targets and end goal. Not only that but you can be involved in the project to exactly the extent you want.

Cost

Freelancers set a rate according to their work, so you get to decide what fits your budget for your project. They have a choice to either have a fixed rate for the project or an hourly rate. Unlike agencies, it is easier to find a freelancer at almost any rate you want for any task.

Compared to freelancers, agencies are more expensive. With that said, however, they are more cost-effective in the long run since they have a team that can give you assurance. Here, you don’t need to give up your own time to the project as the payment since you can expect less back and forth with an agency, given that more hands are on deck when it comes to your project.

Skills

When hiring freelancers, it’s important to conduct thorough research to ensure they possess the specific skills required for your project. While beginners may offer limited services, experienced freelancers often specialize in niche areas, making the selection process more challenging. You need to carefully identify the exact skills you need for your specific project.

However, if you’re pressed for time and require a diverse range of skills to handle your project, a digital agency is the perfect solution. With an agency, you can easily access a wide array of services and find experts with the relevant expertise. Unlike freelancers, agencies offer a comprehensive skill set and have the capacity to tackle complex issues and optimize digital campaigns. Working with an agency means tapping into a pool of diverse talents and capabilities.

Communication

In terms of communication, working with a freelancer often means relying on a single point of contact. While this can offer a more personalized experience, this could also mean that if that person becomes unavailable, it can be challenging to find an immediate solution to address your concerns. This can cause delays and frustration in the project execution.

On the other hand, digital agencies have a structured communication approach. They often have dedicated account managers and project coordinators who act as your main points of contact. These professionals ensure smooth and consistent communication throughout the project. Also, they have a team of skilled individuals to address your specific needs and queries.

Choice of People to Work With

When hiring a freelancer, you have the advantage of handpicking the individual who best suits your project. This allows you to consider factors such as communication style, personality, and specific skills required.

On the other hand, when partnering with a digital agency, you may not have direct control over the specific specialist assigned to your project. However, you can rely on the agency’s extensive portfolio and experience to ensure high-quality work. If you find that the initially assigned account manager doesn’t meet your expectations, the agency can address your concerns. They can provide you a more suitable replacement.

In today’s digital realm, finding a reliable partner is key to unlocking success for your business. While freelancers bring specialized skills to the table, collaborating with a digital agency offers the added advantage of working with a reputable and established entity. With a proven track record of success, agencies have a talented team of professionals with diverse expertise. This enables them to provide comprehensive services and ensure the optimal use of your marketing budget. Have the peace of mind that your projects are entrusted to capable hands with a team 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, 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 Ways a CRM Can Help You Build a Long-Lasting Customer Relationship

Customers are the driving force behind any company’s fate. They can make businesses exist or cease in a snap. That being said, building and maintaining a strong relationship with them is crucial to your company’s success. This is where Customer Relationship Management (CRM) comes in handy. 

CRM is a web application that allows companies to manage and analyze customer interactions and data throughout the customer lifecycle. It provides a framework for building and maintaining positive relationships with customers, which ultimately leads to increased customer satisfaction, retention, and revenue. 

If you want to know how CRM systems can bring your customer relationship to the next level, keep on reading! 

A better understanding of customers

CRM provides a 360-degree view of each customer hence, giving businesses a complete understanding of their consumer base. By storing all their information in one location, a CRM system makes personalizing communication with customers easy. A CRM system also allows businesses to track all past customer interactions. Thus, giving them a better understanding of who their customers are and what they need and want, as well as the details of regular interactions with them. 

A powerful tool for segmentation

Effective customer segmentation is crucial for businesses to build meaningful relationships with their customers. To achieve this, businesses need to identify their target audiences and tailor their approach accordingly. Fortunately, CRM is an ideal tool for segmentation. It allows businesses to create segmented lists by categorizing customer data based on various criteria. A good CRM system can even help identify interested customers, those still considering their options, and those who are not yet engaged.

Improved customer retention

A CRM is not just useful for acquiring and nurturing potential and new customers. It is also essential for maintaining good relationships with your existing customers. A CRM system provides numerous benefits for customer retention, including reminders for appointments and follow-up emails. This ensures businesses are in touch with their customers. 

Knowledge of customers’ needs

Having knowledge of what to expect can provide us with confidence, and this also applies to the business world. CRM systems can provide businesses with knowledge of customer buying habits, purchase history, and interaction history. This helps them cross-sell or upsell products and provide better customer service. 

Speedy communication

Being responsive to customer requests in a timely manner is a sign of professionalism and can help improve customer service. A CRM system can help with this by providing customizable email templates, documents, proposals, quotes, invitations, and newsletters. In this way, businesses can save time and increase efficiency. Also, CRM systems allow businesses to draft and schedule emails and SMS messages in advance which is great too!

Protection of private data

A CRM system enhances data privacy by centralizing customer data and providing controls to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. It also offers security features like encryption and data backups to prevent data breaches. Lastly, by keeping track of customer preferences and consent, CRM systems ensure that businesses are only using customer data in ways that align with their preferences and privacy regulations.

Easy internal collaboration

A good CRM system not only enhances customer relationships but also fosters collaboration within the organization. It improves internal communication and transparency, enabling mutual understanding on projects, and consistent image presentation. It places the customer at the center and ensures employees approach and maintain customer relationships in a unified way.

In today’s highly competitive business landscape, having a comprehensive CRM system in place is important. If you’re ready to take the leap and invest in this web application system, 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 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!

When It’s Time to Say Goodbye: Signs You Need a New Web Hosting Provider

A website host serves as a foundation of your website’s online presence. It provides the technology and infrastructure needed to store, manage, and serve website files to users who access your website. Aside from these, your web host greatly affects your website’s speed, security, and overall performance.

With this much influence, choosing the right web hosting solution and provider is crucial in the success of your website. Much has already been said when it comes to hosting solutions for different types of businesses. Today, let’s take a look for signs that tell you that you and your web host provider aren’t working anymore. Let’s begin!

Frequent downtime

Frequent periods of downtime can negatively impact your online presence, reputation, and ultimately your business. If your current hosting provider is unable to resolve these issues, it may be time to consider a new web host company.

Slow loading speeds

Slow loading speeds can cause frustration for visitors and lead to a higher bounce rate. If your website’s taking too long to load, it may be due to limitations with your current hosting provider’s infrastructure.

Poor customer support

In times of emergency technical issues with your website, it is important to have reliable customer support to assist you. If your current provider’s customer support is unresponsive or unhelpful, it may be time to switch to a hosting provider with better support.

Limited resources

As your website grows, you may require more resources such as storage, bandwidth, and processing power. If your current web host company is unable to provide you with the resources you need, it may be time to consider a new hosting provider.

Security concerns

Is your website experiencing security issues such as frequent malware or hacking attempts? It may be due to vulnerabilities with your current hosting provider’s security measures. In this case, it is crucial to switch to a web host company with better security protocols.

Hidden fees or poor pricing

If your current web host company is charging hidden fees or offers poor pricing, it may be time to consider a new hosting provider that offers transparent pricing and better value for your money.

When it comes to your web hosting provider, never settle for less. Remember, every single thing on your website depends on it. Observe the occurrence of these signs. That’s when you’ll know it’s time to part ways with your current hosting provider. In choosing a new website hosting company, go for one of the best web hosting providers in the Philippines, 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!

7 Roadblocks Every E-Commerce Business Faces and How to Get Around Them

E-commerce has transformed shopping by allowing users to buy and sell products from the convenience of their own homes. With this technological advancement and shifting consumer preferences, businesses are turning to online platforms to better reach their consumers. Forbes estimates that the e-commerce market will reach $8.1 trillion by 2026. This remarkable growth demonstrates the growing relevance of e-commerce to businesses worldwide.

However, with this rapid growth comes several challenges that must be overcome to succeed in a highly competitive marketplace. Businesses must adopt new trends and technologies to remain competitive. Read as we explore seven roadblocks that every e-commerce business faces. Anticipating these obstacles and taking steps to prepare for them can help ensure success down the line. Let’s start!

Targeting the Right Customer

Understanding the intended audience is beneficial for businesses and e-commerce stores in particular. However, as demographics, consumer demands, and market trends evolve, identifying the target audience has become more complex. Developing consumer personas could be helpful. These personas are fictional but should be based on actual data and depict ideal customer types. They should contain information regarding the customer’s preferences, social media usage, and primary sources of information. Businesses can incorporate these personas into their marketing strategies to create personalized and targeted campaigns that appeal to their ideal clients.

Cart Abandonment 

Cart abandonment is when customers add items to their online shopping cart but fail to complete the purchase. This results in loss of sales and revenue for businesses. Various factors contribute to this phenomenon, such as a confusing checkout process, unexpected shipping or tax cost, and limited payment options to name a few. With this, businesses must prioritize optimizing their ecommerce website checkout process for a user-friendly experience. Retargeting strategies, such as personalized email discounts, can also help by encouraging customers to return to complete their purchases.

Fraud and Cyber Security Threats

As the Internet evolves, new types of e-commerce fraud, such as affiliate, interception, and triangulation, are emerging. Facing these threats can be avoided by implementing a strong online verification system like biometrics, one-time passwords, and two-factor authentication. It is also necessary that your ecommerce website’s payment system adheres to the most current industry standards.

Creating Customer Loyalty

Content marketing is an effective strategy for building consumer engagement and loyalty. By consistently publishing relevant blog content, you can encourage customers to revisit your ecommerce website, increase the possibility of purchase, and provide them access to personalized discounts and promotions. Integrating content marketing with other forms of advertising can also boost your online store’s efforts to attract and retain consumers.

Prices and Shipping

Consumers expect fast and reliable shipping, and failing to meet those expectations can lead to lost sales and negative reviews. Businesses can remain competitive by optimizing their supply chain to reduce costs. Collaborating with a third-party logistics provider to offer quicker delivery is also great. Lastly, invest time in evaluating various shipping carriers and select one that has more affordable rates or offers free shipping.

Customer Service

Meeting customer expectations is crucial for businesses, and prompt responses to inquiries and complaints are essential to excellent customer service. Businesses should invest in a dedicated customer service team capable of efficiently handling inquiries and resolving issues. Multiple communication channels like email, telephone, and live chat can also help meet consumer expectations.

Tech Partner

Many e-commerce businesses fail due to selecting the wrong tech partner. Do thorough research before choosing any platform or tool to use, including CRM systems, inventory management software, email marketing tools, and shopping cart solutions. Collaborating with a web design and development company like iManila, who possesses a deep understanding of the industry’s challenges and emerging trends, can be your guide in attaining your goals.

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!

Web Apps vs. Mobile Apps: Which Is Most Suited For Your Business?

Many people mistakenly believe that websites and mobile applications are the same thing, when in fact they have huge differences. These two are designed and developed differently. Thus, possess distinct characteristics that affect their usability, functionality, and user experience. If you’re considering developing an app for your business, it’s important to understand these differences. This can help you make an informed decision on which type of app to develop based on your target audience, user needs, and business objectives.

To assist you in your decision-making process, we’ve outlined the primary differences of web and mobile apps in this blog. Let’s take a look!

Web Apps

A website application, or simply web app, is a software application that’s accessible through a web browser over the internet. It runs on a remote server and can be accessed through a variety of devices including computers and smartphones. It doesn’t require users to download and install them on their devices. As long as they have an internet connection, they’re all set.

Advantages:

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Website applications can be accessed through any device with a web browser. This makes them easily accessible on any platform or operating system.
  • No Downloads or Installations: Web apps don’t require downloading or installation. It saves users storage space on their devices and reduces the time needed to access them.
  • Easy Maintenance: Since website applications have a single code base, updating and maintaining them is easier and more cost-effective.
  • Lower Development Costs: Developing a web app can be less expensive than developing a native app for different platforms.
  • Easy to Share: Sharing web apps is simple because they can be accessed through a URL.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited Functionality: Website applications don’t have access to the same system resources as native apps. With this, it has limited functionalities and performance.
  • Dependence on Internet Connection: Web apps require a stable internet connection to work properly. This can be a disadvantage in areas with poor connectivity.
  • Security Risks: Website applications are vulnerable to security threats like hacking, phishing, and malware attacks because they are accessible through the internet.
  • Not Ideal for Complex Apps: Web apps are not suitable for complex apps that require advanced hardware or software features.
  • Limited User Experience: Native apps offer a more customized and personalized user experience compared to web apps. These are more generic and standardized.

Mobile Apps

As the name itself, mobile app is a software application designed to run on mobile devices including smartphones and tablets. It is typically downloaded from an app store like Google Play Store or Apple App Store. They are specifically designed to run on a mobile device’s operating system, such as Android or iOS. It takes advantage of the device’s hardware, including its touch screen, camera, GPS, and other features. 

Advantages:

  • Accessibility: Mobile applications are easily accessible from anywhere and anytime through smartphones and tablets.
  • Offline availability: There are mobile apps that can be accessed even without an internet connection. This allows users to use them in areas with poor or no network coverage.
  • Enhanced user experience: Mobile applications provide a better user experience than web apps. Since they are designed specifically for mobile devices, users can utilize device-specific features like touchscreens, cameras, and GPS.
  • Personalization: Mobile apps can be personalized to each user’s preferences. This makes them feel more connected to the app and more likely to continue using it.
  • Push notifications: Mobile applications can send push notifications to users, providing reminders, updates, and other important information.

Disadvantages:

  • Development cost: Developing a mobile app can be expensive, especially if it needs to be developed for multiple platforms.
  • Maintenance cost: Maintaining a mobile application can also be costly, requiring regular updates and bug fixes.
  • Device compatibility: Mobile apps may not be compatible with all devices, limiting the app’s reach and accessibility.
  • App store approval process: Mobile apps must go through an approval process before they can be listed in app stores. This can be time-consuming and costly.
  • Limited functionality: Mobile apps may have limited functionality compared to web apps, especially in terms of data processing and storage.

Bottomline

There are a lot of factors to consider when developing an app for your business. Make sure to think of your audience and choose what can provide the best possible experience to them. Another thing, for easier and outstanding application development, partner with a tech company that has proven its expertise and reliability in application development 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, 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!