In its earliest form the internet was seen by many of its users as a one way relationship. Users browsed it using early dial up services and applications such as windsock to garner information on thousands of subjects and then use these titbits in whichever way they saw fit. I know I used it for my degree course sort of like a giant library that never closed. In this early form this, the web, is now called Web1.0
Most sites still push content one way. Out to visitors like a book without the essential two way conversation which is used by all successful companies both virtual and “real” to engage their users. These days, however, the billions of net users require technologies which enabled them to interact in a multitude of ways. These are called 2.0 technologies and allow all the applications we take for granted. Blogging, shopping, social networking, fan sites, film reviews sports results the list is endless. The 2.0 technologies describe the changing use and trends in World Wide Web technology and web design and all of the most successful companies rely heavily on them for aspects of their business especially video sharing sites and hosted services. Indeed with out these technologies many of the “heavy hitters” in the industry wouldn’t even exist.
Businesses have grasped these new ideas and technologies and run with them. Any company wishing to do well in commerce in the millennium and beyond has to have a well designed easy to operate and engaging web site that allows online sales and feedback. Well organised sites help to build a much more vibrant, high value relationship with customers and suppliers. Service industries using 2.0 technologies can hold two way conversation which provide a “virtual” hands on experience and can get instant feedback and therefore react immediately if necessary.
The biggest companies have turned this type of communication and customer interaction in to a virtual art form and have seen their business grow enormously in the passed 5 to 10 years.
In these “credit crunch” times when established businesses are falling like cards the use of web 2.0 have never been more important. Applying these ideas and technologies have never been more important to new or established companies and can help them establish market leadership. 2.0 optimises the intrinsic strengths of the World Wide Web which worked well in 1.0 but work fabulously in 2.0.
Some people amongst them Tim Bernes Lee have questioned whether the term Web2.0 is accurate as many of the technological components used in this new interactive world existed in the early days of the web.
Who may you ask is Tim Bernes Lee? He invented the internet so he is entitled to an opinion I guess. My opinion doesn’t count but I love the new technologies and the possibilities they bring, after all where else would I do my Christmas shopping... outside?
Having a Web 2.0 website is more than just employing blogs, wikis, or RSS feeds to attract more interactive users and business. These alone will probably do something to increase the number of people landing on your web pages. But to really put your business where you want it to be your web pages need to be engaging.
Although there is a great deal of fuss and excitement about user driven interactions like wikis, blogs, widgets, and others the real question to ask is, “Are these what your customers want?” What the customer wants must be part of the equation for any company that wants to be successful in internet business and be a part of what follows Web 2.0. You can design and create all the elegant applications you want, but if your customers don’t find them useful or want them then they will just sit there on your website wasting space and cause you to lose money because your visitors will become bored and move on to another website. Here are a few tips to help you.
Research
Some types of products or services are very important to some consumers and not so important to others. Income levels, age, sex, location, etc., can help you determine where to best market what your business has to offer. Knowing who your users are is vitally important to the success of your business and there are some inexpensive methods to discover this information.
Web analytics – The application of web analytics can help you to understand how visitors behave once they have landed on your website. Analytics can show trends, but doesn’t show intent. For example, analytics can show visitors leaving a particular page at a high rate, but won’t reveal the reason why. However, by changing scenarios and retesting you may be able to get a clearer picture.
Surveys – Surveys are a good tool to find out why people visit your website as well as how they perceive the experience of it. Surveys are easy to build and can be launched via email or right on your website. Zoomerang, Constant Contact, and Survey Monkey are some of the more popular surveying tools.
Usability Testing – After identifying potential issues and user needs from the survey data and web analytics you can run scenarios through usability test to determine specific problem areas.
Third-Party Research – These are consumer panels, that when coupled with other research can help you define even more specific interactive strategies. For example, if you have a specific target audience a third-part research company can survey that specific group for specific on-line activities they engage in.
Listen To Your Customer
Listening to customers in the above mentioned ways you can begin develop an understanding about to best accommodate the things the value and want to see on your website. When you are able to this you will find customers spending more time and money on your site because they will feel comfortable there. This part of what being a Web 2.0 company is about.
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