Top Web Development Trends to Expect in 2019

Technology is changing at an exponentially quick rate. Web design and development is no different. Businesses are challenged to stay on top of best practices using the most modern tools and languages to get the most out of their website or web application. For example, in just the last three years, the percentage of internet traffic from mobile devices increased by nearly 20%. Mobile viewers changed how eCommerce stores were designed, how impactful video was, and typical website navigation design. It’s no secret that the proliferation of mobile devices impacted how businesses approached websites and application development. Mobile responsiveness has been a key deliverable for any development project in recent years. However, recognition of these kinds of trends ahead of time can prepare your organization for digital success.

Here are some of the web development trends to be aware of heading into 2019.

Progressive Web Apps

The lines between websites and applications are blurring. Web technologies are becoming more flexible and more capable of delivering dynamic and interactive experiences. As a result, many organizations are deciding to utilize progressive web apps which deliver users application-like experiences on the web. These app-like websites work for every visitor regardless of device or browser and live within an app-shell model utilizing navigation and interaction points commonly found within Android and iOS apps. Businesses can embed extensive eCommerce functionality as an additional revenue source into progressive web apps, or deliver SaaS products to their customers via the web by building PWAs.

Progressive web app developers build solutions that enable organizations to better connect with users, in turn increasing brand awareness.

Push Notifications

Driving engagement online is bot challenging and critical to generating ROI from digital initiatives. Push notifications are being adopted as a strategy to keep users coming back to your website. Joseph Medley writes, “Web push notifications allow users to opt-in to timely updates from sites they love and allow you to effectively re-engage them with customized, relevant content.” Based on this description, you can see how push notifications can create repeat website visitors and help you develop brand equity with prospective customers.

Chatbots

Chatbots are an effective way for brands to quickly provide value to website visitors and convert them into leads for their business. Services like HubSpot, IBM Watson, LiveChat, and others provide easy to embed chatbot UIs which can connect a sales representative directly to an inquisitive website visitor. Premium options include contextual answers to questions using natural language processing and artificial intelligence. Simply put, businesses can easily integrate a new touchpoint for potential customers into their website and generate more leads and eventually more sales.

Web Content Accessibility

Making web content accessible to all users will be a guaranteed “trend” considering the legal implications associated with The Americans with Disabilities Act and the guidelines set out by Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 and 2.1. Historically, the Internet has been largely excluded from the visual and hearing impaired, which is both surprising and disturbing to think about. In recent years, businesses are building their websites to be performant and communicative for all users. Making sure that content is perceivable and the website is operable regardless of the challenges the user experiences day to day. Following WCAG guidelines means more effective websites for all people, something businesses should strive for.

Embracing Web Development Trends

Progressive web apps, push notifications, chatbots, and web content accessibility should all be top of mind regardless of your industry. Getting the most out of your digital environment should be a priority for any organization in the 21st century. This can often involve significant digital transformation projects that can be costly, time-intensive, and difficult to measure success or failure. However, separating yourself from your competitors by building a modern website utilizing top-of-the-line engagement tools while maintaining compliance is worth it.

If you’re considering revamping your website, consider viewing our web development portfolio which highlights some of our work. To get started, submit this form and let’s discuss your business and your needs.

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