News
Google, Partners Aim to Accelerate Mobile Web
First, Google updated its algorithm so that mobile-friendly Web pages ranked higher on searches made from a mobile device. Now the tech giant is collaborating with content producers to speed up the time it takes their pages to load on smartphones and tablets. Try a demo version by visiting http://g.co/ampdemo from your mobile device. Here’s a demo video the company released during the announcement: The project, dubbed Accelerated Mobile Pages—or AMP—was announced Oct. 7 as a way to “dramatically improve the performance of the mobile web.” On its blog, Google said the goal is for pages with rich media content to load instantly. Readers often give up when complex pages load too slowly, the company said. Pages optimized with AMP should load in less than a second, versus a typical time of about six seconds. The initiative already has signed on almost 30 news publishers worldwide, as well as tech companies … Continued
Adobe’s Recognition of a Web Guy’s Vision
Do you ever get anxious about an email before you even open it? I usually don’t — unless it comes from a community manager at Adobe. You know, the company that dominates all creative industries with design applications like Photoshop and Illustrator? Yes, that Adobe. In August, I received an email from a senior community manager at Adobe inviting me to participate in a design competition at Indy’s first Creative Jam. Adobe hosts Creative Jams around the world in an effort to unite local creative communities with fun, fellowship, and insight from other artistic minds. Never afraid of a challenge, I immediately accepted her request. I mean, this is Adobe we’re talking about here. Thankfully I was able to bring on a good friend of mine to partner with me, and together we formed Team Thunder Lizards. Organizers provided competitors with an Auguste Rodin quote as inspiration, then turned us loose to design anything that caught … Continued
RIP Adobe Flash; We Won’t Miss You
When washed-up entertainers attempt to revive their careers in painstakingly obvious ways, public support often fades as well. In the tech world, Adobe Flash is like the out-of-touch singer who tries to keep up with the latest trends, but just ends up falling short of expectations. Several big-name corporations recently withdrew their support of the multimedia platform, setting the Internet abuzz over the possibility that this could really be the end of Adobe Flash. Why All the Hate? Web developers — including the team at The Web Guys — know all too well that Adobe Flash slows down computers. Frequent crashing doesn’t help the waning technology’s case either. The program also contains more security gaps than there were plot holes in the last installment of The Dark Knight franchise. Online giants like Amazon, Mozilla Firefox, and Facebook have already taken a stance against Adobe Flash. And on Sept. 1, industry behemoth … Continued
What Do We Do All Day? #FAQuesday
As a spunky and fun small business, no two days around our office are the same. Granted, we work with clients across the country in many different industries, so that in itself provides a colorful calendar of work. But that’s not all we do around here. The Chalkboard Besides being a retro reminder of our childhoods, the giant chalkboard in our office is a central place to communicate with the whole gang. We scribble team updates. We drink too much coffee and write inspirational quotes. It serves as the backdrop for impromptu staff meetings. And when it’s not being used for work, we obviously use it to play. The Glass Case of Success Secluded on the south side of our office lies our Client Success Team Headquarters. These jovial folks are the smiling faces that constantly answer phone calls and reach out to our clients. There is such a constant … Continued
What’s New With The Web Guys?
One of the themes that ties The Web Guys together is that we’re always working to push ourselves to the next level — both in our personal and professional lives. As the summer draws to a close, we thought we’d offer a snapshot of what’s going on in the lives of your favorite digital marketing team. Here’s a brief look at some recent highlights:
How to Know What You’re Talking About
Ah, the Information Age is so full of … well … information! Nowadays, it’s fairly easy to become a Jack (or Jill) of all trades and a master of none. We have access to tutorials, encyclopedias, and entire college courses for free at the touch of a button. So when it comes time to be the Master of One – starting a new hobby, general curiosity, or taking on a new client in an unfamiliar industry – how exactly do you make that happen? How do you weed through all of the nonsense to really understand your subject? And how do you keep your ducks in a row in case someone relentlessly attempts to fact-check you?Well, I’m here to help! Reading & Research I bet you didn’t see Reading & Research coming! With endless information sources, it’s hard to pick where to start. Not to go too psychologist on you, … Continued
New Google Platform Boosts Home-Service Providers
Attention all plumbers, landscapers, and contractors — and anyone who runs a home-service business. Google is now testing a new paid search product. The advertising platform, called home service ads, connects new customers to qualified home-service providers through Google Search. What Are Home Service Ads? The idea behind home service ads is that users who perform searches for certain services on Google can browse ad units of trusted and experienced home-service providers in the targeted area. For example, say you are searching for an emergency plumber. You arrive at the search results page, and at the top you see home-service professionals. Google compiles the business basics so that you can quickly browse through a reputable company’s profile, services offered, contact information, areas served, hours of operation, and customer reviews — all in one place. How Do Providers Qualify? A big feature Google seems to target for the new product is … Continued
