Web development tools and tactics are always changing. With consumers whose preferences constantly evolve, it’s important that our technology also adapts to fit their needs. For example, with the release of HTML5 and CSS3 in 2014, we were able to create websites that were truly mobile friendly, as well as lead to better video and audio support, smoother interactions, and cleaner coding.
2018 is no different when it comes to new tools to help with boost your web dev projects. However, it can be hard staying up to date on the latest website trends. Lucky for you, we’ve created a list of some of the top web development trends this year that you can utilize to take your website to new heights. Don’t risk getting left behind; follow these 2018 web development trends to stay competitive in the digital landscape.
One Page Websites
Traditional websites will typically feature multiple pages for different content. On a desktop, this doesn’t provide much of an issue for the users of the site. However, with mobile engagement on sites becoming more and more prevalent over desktop, it is imperative that your sites are mobile friendly. Instead of just making sure all your content fits on your website, web developers are putting an emphasis on making sure the mobile version of your site is easy to use. That’s where one-page sites come in, which allow for users to simply scroll through your content and not need to navigate to another page. For some, this means having a separate mobile site that’s independent from their desktop site.
Progressive Web Apps
Sticking with the mobile theme, Progressive Web Apps (PWA) combine the best features of mobile websites and native apps. It’s a way of creating a website that is responsive, quick and efficient, and secure. PWAs allow for your users to get your content through an app-like feel without having to actually download an app that will take up space on their phone. Progressive Web Apps also have an awesome offline mode that lets users view content even without an internet connection
Push Notifications
Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to stay up to date with your favorite websites and content publishers without having to sign up for yet another daily or weekly newsletter that just takes up space in your inbox? Well, lucky for you, push notifications are starting to spill over from apps to actual websites. Push notifications will continue to be more prevalent as it is a fantastic way to drive traffic to your site. From the perspective of the consumer, it’ll give them more of what they want in a non-intrusive manner.
Online Customer Support and Automation
Customer support is a huge touchpoint for interacting with your users, especially because the mediums available for connecting are usually reserved for questions and problems that need to be immediately addressed. Therefore, it is important that you are available for when your consumers need help. Having an easy to find online customer support system is a great way to give your consumers another way to reach you.
Of course, it can be difficult to respond to every question you receive right away, especially if you don’t have the manpower to do so. That’s where customer support automation comes in. This feature on your website will allow your users to find an answer even when you’re not readily available to help them.
Google’s Accelerated Mobile Pages
While Google’s AMP has been around for a few years now, that doesn’t change the fact that we’ll see more and more web development teams choosing to code their websites with AMP. Created with the intention of making mobile websites faster and more efficient, Accelerated Mobile Pages has been successful, but it does require more tedious coding and can at times restrict some functionality. Clocking in at astounding average load time of .7 seconds, those who are still hesitant to put in the work to build around AMP will soon change their mind. After all, anything that’s worth doing won’t be easy.
Enriched Motion User Interfaces
Want to make your website stand out in 2018? Take your web development game to the next level by incorporating a motion UI. It’s a hot trend these days and its purpose is to create more of an experience for the users of your website. Just like with Google’s AMP, it’s going to take a little more work but the results are worth it. Draw your users in and engage them with a fun and interactive user interface.
Reach Out Today
Here at Snap, we have experience working with all sorts of clients who need help with their web development. Whether your starting a new website or your current one just needs a facelift, your web dev needs will be met as we work with you to create the website of your dreams. One that is functional, great to look at, and incorporates the latest web dev trends. Contact us today and set up a meeting with one of the top Minneapolis web development teams to get started!