Expectations for a Surge in Online Shopping This Holiday Season
Over at Forbes, Shelley E. Kohan penned an article predicting a substantial increase in e-commerce sales this holiday period, driven by consumers’ evolving shopping behaviors due to current events. Andrew Lipsman, a principal analyst at eMarketer, shared his insights:
During the holiday, concentrated shopping leads to more online spending, creating a noticeable shift – consumers are unlikely to revert to their previous habits.
Given the spike in online purchases as a result of global lockdowns, consumers are becoming increasingly comfortable with the virtual shopping experience. This could lead to a dramatic shift in e-commerce sales projections for 2020’s holiday season, which were initially quite conservative.
Web Designers’ Role in the E-commerce Boom
If predictions by Kohan and Lipsman bear fruit, we can expect a notable upswing in e-commerce activity in the latter part of the year. It’s imperative for web designers to begin collaborating with clients who are eyeing the holiday shopping period. Even more critical is the need to assist clients in preparing for the rebound post-crisis. Businesses that are dormant must avoid complacency; instead, they should be strategizing for a robust comeback. Web designers can contribute by optimizing hosting for increased traffic, revamping landing pages for anticipated promotions, and facilitating their digital transformation, as the public grows more reliant on online transactions.
Experian Sheds Light on Cybersecurity Concerns
An illuminating Experian survey exposes the trepidation businesses face regarding data breaches and their efforts to bolster security. The survey reveals an uptick in cybersecurity incidents, with 63% of organizations experiencing the loss or theft of over a thousand records in 2019. Concurrently, confidence in thwarting cyber threats is dwindling, with only a fraction of those surveyed feeling adequately shielded against email phishing and ransomware. While many companies are taking steps to strengthen their physical security, seemingly less attention is paid to their digital presence and the data safeguarded there.
Actionable Steps for Web Designers
Given that security is a top worry for businesses, web designers should incorporate this into initial discussions with potential clients. Clearly outlining the risks of digital breaches and including a robust security plan in proposals can not only reassure clients but also create a pathway to additional services like website support and maintenance.
Technical SEO Underutilized According to HubSpot Research
HubSpot’s recent survey highlights the degree to which companies value SEO, but more intriguingly, the degree to which they overlook technical SEO strategies. While the majority are investing effort in search optimization, it’s concerning to note that only a fraction are focusing on crucial aspects like site speed, mobile optimization, localization, keyword strategy, content structuring, and backlinking.
Web Designers as Catalysts for SEO Improvement
The fact that less than two-thirds of organizations prioritize SEO presents an opportunity for web designers to educate and offer solutions. Designers may not be SEO content gurus, but their expertise in mobile responsiveness, site performance, accessibility, and metadata is invaluable. If technical SEO is not yet a component of a web designer’s workflow, it’s time to integrate it for clients who recognize its importance.
Conclusion
These insights signal vast opportunities for web designers. Despite feelings of fear and isolation that permeate our current reality, there is work to be done. Web designers play a critical role in keeping businesses afloat during this period of uncertainty and positioning them for success when normal life resumes. Featured image courtesy of Unsplash.
