By Sharad KC

I am a firm believer of parallel universes. I used to think that there is a better version of myself in another universe living the “Good Life.” But these days, I do not need to theorize. I am living a parallel life here in this world. Although it is man-made, it feels just as real and powerful. You can find my other self in this vast network called the World Wide Web, a more globalized and open universe.

Today, we spend a lot of time on the web, mostly doing the same things we do in the physical world, such as talking to friends, working, shopping and much more. And just like in the real world, the web is evolving all the time. Similarly, keeping up to these changes has been a challenge to a lot of individuals and businesses as well. Businesses have to constantly adapt to the digital trend in order to succeed.

What “Web Adaptation” means for businesses?

I consider these three areas vital in order to excel in this parallel universe of ours:

1. Web Security – Web security is probably the hottest topic amongst businesses these days. An increasing number of hacking incidences (Sony, eBay, JP Morgan, TalkTalk) have forced businesses to rethink about vulnerability of their websites. A recent BBC documentary, How Hackers Steal Your ID, shows how easy it is for hackers to steal customer information without taking much risk.

2. Keeping up with the web design/content trends – While it is a must for any business to have a website, it is equally important to keep up with the latest trends on web design and development. Using outdated design and features could give a negative impression to clients. On the contrary, constantly updating websites increases website visibility and Google absolutely loves frequent updates. It also important to keep your audience informed and updated. This article named, 5 reasons you should regularly update your website, further outlines the importance of frequently updating websites.

3. Networking through social media – It is obvious that social media is going to play a crucial role in marketing. According to this article on LinkedIn, Americans spend an average of 37 minutes daily on social media, a higher time-spend than any other major Internet activity, including email. Businesses will need to constantly be engaged in social media and integrate them into their marketing strategy. Statistics from Digital Insights, shows social media generates almost double the marketing leads of trade show, telemarketing, daily mail, or PPC.