The Perfect Website [Infographic]

Whilst this interesting infographic from ROI Media doesn't offer a recipe for online success, it does outline the key features needed in a website from a user perspective.

Some surprising statistics:

- there are over 500 million websites

- just 4.13% of sites have valid HTML & CSS
- 62% of google searchers click on a link on the first page of search results

How does your website stack up? For example, do you think you've got the right balance between design, usability and navigation? How about your social media presence? Is it bringing new visitors or are the icons just cluttering up your website?

We'd love to know what you think, let us know in the comments.

How does the Internet work, anyway?

This clip from the I.T. crowd sees Jen (the I.T. department "relationship manager") tricked into presenting to company shareholders "the internet" in the form of a small black box. Naturally, when the box is accidentally crushed, the room erupts into chaos, as her audience are truly convinced the internet is broken.

Whilst we may not be as easily tricked into believing such myths about the internet - or indeed have such mischievous colleagues (Jen was previously led to believe if you googled "Google", this would also lead to the end of the internet), how does the internet actually work?

This infographic gives a great overview. If you're interested in learning more, this video on youtube is an excellent place to start.

If you need help or advice on any web related projects, our web designers or SEO specialists are here to help. 

The Changing Social Media Landscape

The Global Web Index has just published new research about the global state of social media, with a study comprising of 122,000 surveys across 27 markets, with 3 waves of research.

It focuses on 5 main trends:

#1 Think Local

"Growth markets will increasingly shape the evolution social media and online services around the world."

#2 China v Everyone

"Sina Weibo has twice as many active micro-bloggers than Twitter. This is a staggering example of how China will increasingly sit alongside the rest of the world."

#3 To Mobile Parity

"Within the next 5 years, mobile device activity will outstrip fixed PC usage in emerging markets."

#4 Death of Digital

"The fashion in which Internet and technology have evolved has created a world in which the internet is infused with much of our daily lives."

#5 Googopoly

"Never before has one company controlled the distribution of so much information."

#6 Facebook Fatigue

"Facebook fatigue is something that could derail even the best made plans and will be a key trend to watch throughout 2012."

Here's the full presentation:

"Weibo has twice as many users as Twitter in China" If you have a b2b business in South West London, you're probably not so interested how the kids in Beijing are updating their social profiles.

But the social media landscape is changing on a global scale. For example, the "Googlisation" of everything. So here are Our Key Takeaways for the small business with an online presence:

1. The rise of mobile

- from the beginning to the end of the survey, mobile internet use increased by 100% in Europe from 20% to 40%

- mobile use is not just for travelling or when out - but also increasingly, at home, rather than using a PC

- visitors are becoming harder to track (e.g. using cookies) as they are often accessing the internet using multiple device

2. "Googopoly"

- users who visit Google still increasing - 85% users on a worldwide basis use it

- Google+ is the number 2 social network, behind Facebook

- Google is becoming a larger and larger part of our internet experience

3. Facebook Fatigue

- Facebook fatigue is spreading further than early adopters

- Mobile access to Facebook is growing and fast

4. Social Brands

- consumers are interacting with brands on unprecedented levels, but websites are still key, as the first point of interaction with many consumers

- social is an extension of the business, but customers want something in return

For more information on web design or online marketing, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Pinterest drives more referral traffic than Google+, Linkedin and Youtube combined

What is Pinterest?

"Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web.

People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.

Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests."

Pinterest is an online version of a pinboard, allowing users to organise photos or images by category into collections. They can upload original photos, or "pin" them from a website. And just like Tumblr or Twitter, users can "follow" other users, with their latest updates displayed on the homepage. Pins can be commented on, and they always link back to the original site.

As observed by Mashable, Pinterest has traditionally been "the darling network of brides-to-be, fashionistas and budding bakers"... but is this all changing?

What's all the fuss about?

A recent report by Shareaholic showed that Pinterest drives more referral traffic than Google Plus, LinkedIn and YouTube combined. And even though Facebook remains the #1 referer, with over 25% of referrals, Pinterest's fast growth has certainly been attracting attention.

Generating 3.6% of referrals, Pinterest is just behind Twitter, with 3.61%.

How are businesses using it?

From Gap to Whole Foods Market, businesses seem to be embracing this new social network.

But is Pinterest really the next challenger to Facebook, Twitter or Tumblr?

Without a doubt, if your business is built around fashion, fitness or food, it's the place to be.

If not? We're not so sure.

Nevertheless, Pinterest has created a real buzz in the online world, and is growing fast. One to watch.