Key Technology Every Small Business Needs for Their Website

Small businesses in the 21st century look very different than they did in the past. While there are numerous reasons for this, one stands out among the crowd as perhaps the most significant: the internet. Because of the internet, businesses now have the opportunity to attract a worldwide customer base, communicate with employees, partner with companies more efficiently, and learn how to better compete in the market, among many other advantages.

No matter what kind of business you run, in order to take full advantage of the internet, you must have a solid website that serves you and your customers well. This article will outline some of the key technologies for creating an engaging, efficient website for your company.

PHP Development

One of the most important parts of a good website is PHP code, which is essentially a coding language used in server-side web development. As HTML and CSS are responsible for the way a web page looks (e.g., layout, fonts, colors, etc.), PHP determines elements on the back-end of a web page — for example, chatbots appearing with an automated message, animations popping up, or dialogue boxes opening.

By far, PHP code is the most popular coding language used on websites, including the website platform WordPress. If you want to take your company’s website to the next level, consider hiring a PHP developer, which should be able to power your website from behind the scenes with back-end development techniques. Qualified PHP developers can help you create a website that functions as it should. Also, these developers can make your website user-friendly so that you can edit and update it yourself — meaning you don’t have to bring in a developer every time you need something changed.

As you’re looking to hire the best PHP developers, Upwork notes that it’s critical to ensure they are familiar with frameworks like CakePHP and Zend. Furthermore, they should be well-versed in project management tools, database technologies, different web servers, and test suites. Before you hire them, be clear about all the work you need done, as well as the skills that are required for the job. Freelance work can range from $25 to $150 an hour.

Creating Appeal

Along with PHP development, you will need to make sure your website looks top-notch. You should be able to do a lot of this yourself with minimal knowledge, especially if you use a site like WordPress. Some must-have characteristics for your website’s appeal include picking just a couple of base colors for your website, adding white space around elements, and enhancing the typography.

You also want to ensure that your website has the content it needs to provide customers with essential information. For instance, if you sell products, make sure you have high-quality photos and descriptions of each product. If your company provides services, have clear descriptions of each service so that customers know what to expect. Moreover, company blogs with industry-related content have become a necessity in many markets today.

Why You Should Use WordPress

When it comes to creating a website that works well and looks great, it’s hard to beat WordPress. Not only is it easy to use, but you also have complete control over your website and you can make changes from any type of device. Furthermore, WordPress sites come with built-in blogs; however, you can add plug-ins and customize the site in any way you wish. Plus, optional tags — along with free SEO plug-ins — makes WordPress the ideal platform for search engine optimization.

An Enhanced Smartphone

Having a good smartphone with enhanced capabilities will allow you to access and edit your website on the go. If you carry an earlier model that can’t handle these important tasks, getting an upgrade will eliminate the hassle of confining business operations to your computer. If you’re an Apple devotee, look to a newer model like iPhone 11 Pro Max. Its extended battery life, triple-camera feature, and powerful performance make this phone an ideal choice for any small business. If you’re going the Android route, the Huawei P30 Pro is comparable to the iPhone in terms of battery, camera, and hardware.

If you want your small business to thrive, you have to take full advantage of the internet and tech tools. Consider hiring a PHP developer to implement the critical back-end functions of your website. Make sure your website looks great and differentiates your company from competitors. Lastly, look into WordPress as a platform for building your website, and invest in a smartphone that allows you to access your website on the go. Having a website that meets (and exceeds) the needs of your company and customers will do wonders for your business.

Photo Credit: Burst