New forecasts predict the web economy is likely to double by as soon as the year 2016. The study, commissioned by Google, assumes that in four years’ time nearly 50% of the world’s population will be internet users. For businesses worldwide this serves as a final call to “go digital”.
The report by Boston Consulting Group highlights the need for businesses to develop online platforms as smart phone, tablet and social media use is on the rise worldwide. Consumers can now be targeted on the move as well as in the comfort of their own home or workplace. Findings suggest that by 2016 mobile devices could account for 80% of all broadband connections.
“To be competitive in today’s market, your online business needs a cutting edge website with excellent usability, high trustworthiness and crisp copy,” comments Christoper Liversidge, managing director of leading UK search engine marketing firm QueryClick. “It’s never been more important to perform thorough market research before any new launch or update, and to target your audience accordingly.”
As the internet knows no geographical borders and encompasses ever the more territories worldwide, multilingual websites and opening your shop to the world could become key factors in your enterprise’s survival and gaining a competitive advantage.
“We’ve been encouraging our clients to widen their customer bases for a while now, and even have a dedicated member of staff onboard to handle multilingual SEO services,” Mr Liversidge adds. “Our SEO case studies have revealed great results for global campaigns.”
Google’s study includes results from surveys of over 15,000 small and medium-sized enterprises worldwide. The findings will come as good news to any company working in the digital marketing arena. To remain afloat, businesses will rely on expert knowledge in search engine optimisation, conversion rate optimisation and pay per click advertising campaigns, among other specialist fields.
