Thin Air Web & Media

One of the opportunities the Non-Geek has with a tech company is being the "reader" for the group; scanning the various publications out on the internet that address various aspects of the web and web-based marketing. With that in mind, I'd like to share a few expected trends for 2011 (let's review in December and see how we did!).

I'm encouraging you to think about your own web strategies while reading these trends, to see if there are things you can be doing to increase your presence and market share on the internet.

1) The web will continue to go "mobile" in design and development. If your website is not geared for viewing on mobile applications (smartphones, iPad's, etc) you need to think about getting it there, and soon. Your customers are using their phones or mobile devices to find out just about everything - - about you and your competitors.

2) Website design will continue to move to more Clean and Simple design. This is partly because of point #1. There will be less emphasis on "flash and bling," and more emphasis on stylized lettering (fonts) used in design. This is coupled with more web-based fonts becoming available on the internet (previously, less than 15 font styles were able to be seen by all internet viewers). If you have a design that is more than three years old, it is probably now outdated and could use a "spruce-up."

3) Email will see resurgence as a great tool for marketing to current and new customers. This will include the use of social media networks to find those customers, and then connect with them on a more detailed level.

4) Social networking will slow its growth, and everyone (including you and me) will be more selective in who we "follow," "like" and otherwise connect and engage. This may mean you have fewer followers, but more intentional connections.

5) More emphasis will be placed on web design and usage than print design and usage. That's not to say that print will go away, but more marketing dollars will be shifting from the print realm to be earmarked for web-based usage - more customized email formats, custom Twitter and Facebook pages, and e-newsletter templates.

So, as January is traditionally the month of Resolutions and Revolutions - take the time to visit your own marketing strategies and tools to see that you are moving with the trends, not against them!

Scott Miller, one of the leaders of Action Learning Associates and a long-time client of thin air, came to us with a new project. He is one of a group of dedicated leaders working around the globe to facilitate local leaders and corporations working together to better communities, through an organization called World Action Teams.

thin air created a new website presence, where their work can be highlighted and described. WAT is present in several countries, including Kenya, India, China and Haiti.

As with all websites run by CompleteSite, the WAT website can be managed by the facilitators themselves, whether in the US or other countries. This allows for uploading of photos and progress of Teams as they work, in realtime fashion.

The website utilizes the Clean and Simple look (as described above) that is visually appealing, as well as content rich with their mission and accomplishments. Contact WAT at their website contact form for more information about what they are doing and how you might get involved!