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A new Dublin-based Discovery Program is bringing historic Ireland to people all over the world using life-like 3D models and images. "The monastery at Skellig Michael in County Kerry, the passage tomb at Newgrange in County Meath and the Pulnabrone dolmen in County Clare are among the ancient structures in the Republic of Ireland that have been scanned and recreated using the cutting edge 3D technology," BBC News reports. These are just three of the 150 monuments and historical sites digitized by the new, 3D technology. Ireland plans to use the 3D models and images in the education and tourism sectors.

 

 

The project raises a lot of questions -- including questions that have absolutely nothing to do with the Irish tourism industry. One of those questions is, will Web developers be creating more pages using similar 3D images and technology? Although there is not necessarily a concrete answer to that question, the general consensus, at least right now, seems to be no. "Expert-level Web users liked content more and thought it was more credible when the site used simple clicking and mouse-over tools compared to less intuitive tools like the 3D carousel and drag," according to Futurity.org. And it is wildly important for Web developers, Website design companies, professional Web design companies, and Internet marketing services to take note of these preferences.

 

 

Of course, many Web design and Internet marketing strategies actually suggest the opposite. In other words, businesses are often advised that it is wise to take chances and do whatever they can to be one step ahead of the competition. When it comes to 3D technologies and Web design, however, the simple truth remains that it may be too distracting. (Remember scrolling, flashing, and twinkling marquees?) With the vast majority (93%) of Web use starting on search, 100 billion searches worldwide per month, and over one-third (39%) of customers coming from search engines like Google and Yahoo, usability and navigation should always trump technology, gadgets, and flair.

 

 

In special circumstances (i.e., tourism), 3D models and images online may be appropriate -- but use them very sparingly and tread very, very carefully right now. As it stands, simple click technology and streamlined, simple webpages are perceived as the most professional, reliable, and trustworthy.

In today's tech-savvy, Internet-dependent age, web design is one of the more critical components of any business. Nearly all businesses have some kind of website, blog, social network account, etc., which reflects the larger trend of consumers relying on the Internet (including mobile apps) to purchase products and find information. Search engines in particular are important tools used by much of the world today. Search engines such as Google and Bing process an incredible 100 billion inquiries every month. That is more than one trillion a year! Search engines are known to drive more traffic to content websites than any other website or service on the Internet.

 

 

Google has recently updated their guidelines for web designers on how to increase their position in the search results page. The updates focus on making web pages more accessible to mobile users. Professional web design companies are paying close attention to this, as are Internet ad agencies. Web designing over the years has gained even more importance as businesses look for new ways to increase their Internet presence and to appeal to the modern consumer.

 

Digital media has undergone many changes over the years. The Internet 20 years ago only had 45 million users around the world, comprising of only 0.8% of the world population. Today, there are more than 2.9 billion users that comprise over 40% of the world population! The global search engine industry in itself -- just one (albeit very important) component of the Internet -- is worth an astounding $16 billion. As a result, professional web design companies are hard at work developing advanced, innovative web content for their clients. Their clientele is much larger than it once was. Web pages and mobile apps are no longer for the large corporations. Now, all kinds of businesses, from local hardware stores to mom-and-pop restaurants, are taking full advantage of them. Web design will only increase in importance, so businesses that want to stay with the times and reach their consumers would be wise to consider their services.

Small businesses, small ad agencies, and Internet marketing services can learn something from Google's newest project, one that the search engine behemoth admits is a bit bonkers. The initiative, called "Project Loon," is aptly named for two reasons: First, yes, Google describes the scheme as crazy; and, second, the company will literally use balloons to do it. Google is attempting to bring its Web services to even more customers, and it is targeting customers in especially remote locations.

 

As part of the project, Google is flying balloons over secluded parts of Australia, Latin America, and New Zealand, testing out the balloons as a means of bringing Internet access to areas that previously did not have any. Each balloon can last up to 100 days. Google executives are able to steer and track the balloons, and Google is currently launching dozens of the balloons every day, according to Project Lead Mike Cassidy. Why is the project relevant to small and large corporations alike?

 

 

Google is demonstrating a very important principle: You can never have enough customers. Never settle for retaining the customers you already have. Retention is important, but it is not enough on its own. At every single step of the search engine optimization marketing and website design and maintenance process, businesses should always be asking, "How can I get more customers?" Recently, Google has made at least one way that companies can do that very clear. Google introduced an algorithm update favoring mobile compatibility as of April 21. Making any changes that will optimize webpages for mobile will help search rankings, and ultimately help businesses win over more customers.

 

 

Another important aspect of reaching new customers and improving search engine optimization marketing is content. Content can always be adjusted and tweaked to meet the latest standards. For example, it is easier to read content with bullet points on a mobile device. Structure content according to any algorithm changes, but make sure you have content. Why? Companies with blog content have 434% more indexed pages, nearly all (81%) of businesses recognize blogs as an important asset, and inbound leads, including those deriving from content marketing, cost 61% less than outbound leads.

 

 

Google is demonstrating a very important fact: You always need to be on the hunt for new customers. To make search engine optimization marketing as effective as possible, alter pages and content to Google's latest standards and algorithm tweaks.