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Huge Changes Coming To The Internet in 2012
The Internet is changing in a big way starting in 2012. Web addresses all currently end in one of a finite number of extensions (.com, .org, .jp, .es, etc.) however, beginning in January individuals and organizations will be able to apply for any word or phrase (including brand names) as an extension. Within the next two years, we could see web addresses ending in things like .shop, .golf, .Microsoft, .nyc and .detroit.
Starting January 1, 2012, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) which is the organization that oversees the Internet’s addressing system, will begin to accept applications for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs). Soon after web domains may carry much more of a branded image. Sites could pop up like enjoy.pepsi, shop.kohls, holidayinn.detroit.
At first glance, this seems like a no-brainer for brands. There is a catch, though. The application process through ICANN will be robust and the application fee is $185,000, with $5,000 due at the start of the application. Most of the very large brands will most likely snap up their brands as both an offensive and defensive strategy.
Ottaway Digital can brief you further on how gTLD’s may effect your company. Call us anytime. Happy New Year!
Mobile Websites: Discover The Lost Revenue!
E-Commerce sales have been solid this Holiday season, with IBM Benchmark, a consulting unit of IBM, stating that online sales have accounted for 15% of total holiday sales. The big surprise: Only 8.9% of the sales were made using mobile web devices. With iPad, tablet and smart phones selling at record numbers, how can this disparity be explained? As John Squire, chief strategy officer for IBM Smarter Commerce, states: “Consumers are using their phones to do a lot of searching and price comparison, but just not buying. There are a lot of laggards in online retail that just haven’t done a great job getting their sites ready for mobile.”
Building a quality mobile web site is imperative to an E-Commerce business. Businesses should keep in mind they should have websites that are unique to the mobile platform as well as desktop. In the world of websites, one size does not fit all. A consumer is much more likely to buy from a site that is safe and easy to use.
The time is approaching where businesses that don’t have a mobile website will see a large amount of lost revenue. More and more consumers are using their smart phone as a buying tool. Ottaway Communications can help you build a mobile E-Commerce website that will attract buyers with a sleek, customizable, and easy to use website. Contact us for more information.
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