It’s amazing that 2010 is only a few months away. It seems like a year out of a science fiction book. Yet, 2010 is right around the corner. There was a time when the Internet was thought of as science fiction and today it is very much a reality. So what are a few real Web trends for 2010? Let’s take a look at 10 important trends for 2010 and you can get a head start preparing.
1. Internet use Stabilized
Internet adoption and growth has stabilized. Future growth will come from older Web users. The growth will be in how people use the Internet and integrate it into their everyday lives. This means fewer Web newcomers and more in-depth usage.
2. Website Integration
Websites are no longer novelties, but a major part of a company’s identity. Business’ must get away from online brochures and focus on having their Website relate to what users experience offline. Social networking is an excellent example and a key driver of this trend. It is an extension of people’s lives on the Web and has become popular because it facilitates and expands relationships and the communication that happens offline.
3. Website Branding
The Internet is becoming the central resource for branding and marketing communications. Website messaging still has a long way to go with most Websites using various forms of “Welcome to Our Website” or cryptic tag lines as key messaging.
Users are looking for more concrete messaging that delivers a connection with the company. The Website must establish the brand as user’s perceptions are based on what they see on your site. This is branding.
4. Website Usability will Improve
Website marketers are realizing the importance of Web usability to success on the Web. Most Websites still need work, but the momentum toward improved usability is growing as marketers make an effort to fix their Websites. This will accelerate in 2010.
5. Increased Website Marketing
Most companies are in the early stages of Web Marketing. Many of those that have not taken the Web seriously will change their ways in 2010. Most Websites are online brochures. Slowing sales, competition and other factors will drive growth in online marketing. Websites will be integrated with sales and marketing activities to boost results from existing channels. Google is pushing hard to educate companies on driving qualified traffic. This will help firms get smart about driving traffic.
6. Website Content will Add Value
The content on most Websites has very little value. There will be a major shift from graphics and images to real Website content that adds value. The excuse of not having time to write content for the Website is no longer valid.
7. Wireless Access Growth
Wireless access will grow beyond the coffee shop to just about any place that people gather. This will drive Website visits up and also the need for Websites to be easily viewed from a variety of devices.
8. Google is the Internet
Google is posed for substantial growth. Microsoft, and now Yahoo will continue to be stumbling giants with an uncertain future, while Google moves into phone, voice mail, software applications, branding and more.
9. Surprises from Apple
Just as Google innovates and continues to surprise, so will Apple as they become the leaders in small, mobile computers that work great and make life convenient. They will take the success of the iPhone to a new level with portable computers that all connect to the Web. Apple will continue to reach into business marketplaces.
10. Continue Declines for Microsoft and Yahoo
The Microsoft brand is taking a beating and the partnership with Yahoo will not improve results. Microsoft is on a path similar to GM and other huge companies that forgot about their marketplace and become immersed in themselves. It seems that Microsoft has inherent problems in their business model and software that will make it impossible to recover.
