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We’re in the insurance industry and we tend to focus on SEO, aggregators and hopefully ethics. But we’re going to delve a little in to how this may hit companies where it hurts – conversion. This is where it gets a little technical…The people that make these sites work, the people behind the scenes that code, develop, design and test may well have a lot of work on their hands. Why? Because, if the bold claims that this will surpass Firefox usage by the end of the year are true, this puts a new requirement on these sites – to make sure that they are compatible with Google Chrome.
Many sites (the Admiral group used to be appauling) don’t work in some browsers. This affects conversions of customers. Not by much but by enough. Particularly when aggregator sites are getting bad press, small differences in conversion can have a big impact on the bottom line.
It’s due to launch in a few hours 1800GMT – let’s hope your sites work in this new browser if you want to keep your customers.
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As an aside, affiliates should be a little worried. Google Chrome includes the Greenborder technology which essentially strips all tracks of affiliate sites.
The Insurance IndustryAn Entrepreneur's Perspective
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Chrome is built on Apples Webkit framework so sites that work fine with that *should* work fine with Chrome.
Hi Patrick,
Good to have you pop in – you’re jumping back in to your insurance roots!
I like the assumption that they *should* work! But you’re forgetting the new V8 Javascript Runtime environment. Who knows how that is going to behave we these AJAX heavy forms such as occupation or vehicle lookups.
I’m using the new browser and its good, I haven’t come across any layout problems yet either. Do you guys think new code will need to be applied to websites to sort the layout out for chroma?
I hope google brings some good SEO plugins with the new browser.
Most designers (should) test in Safari which is based on Webkit. The new V8 engine is based on pre-defined standards. This in theory means that most sites should be ok.
I wouldn’t hold your breath for plugins… it interferes with their separate process idea per tab. There then subsequent issues regarding security, incognito mode etc. I’m sure they’ll work it out but it will take some time.
Good speed – especially with JS apps, a little bit “early learning centre” on the interface but essentially they’ve applied the old design technique of “exactly what NEEDS to be on the page”. Like it.
However, to make it a complete browser for my use, I’m going to have to ask Google to push on with the mouse gestures plug-in and a Firebug extension – although the developer tools are pretty good. Obviously, Google Maps is miles better than Opera could ever cope with.
One thing to look out for is the automatic file download default. Go to settings > minor tweaks, and change the option to prompt me before downloading. A little dangerous me thinks!
Now that most of the community have embraced it, think of the power. As this spreads (download link from the homepage is enough for that), think about the statics. Google Analytics or no Google Analytics, with this browser they’ve got a much better picture of what people do …and therefore how to monetise it.
And, of course it’s a strategic move up the vertical to knock a few dollars off the Microsoft share price.
It’s a shame they don’t know anything about search. That would make them a “proper” company (had to get that one in!!).
Great, another thing to worry about!
Not sure how relevent, but here goes….
Just noticed a TV channel on Sky 888, Ocean Finance TV. Not just adverts, but real programmes (seems just programmes to promote themselves however)
As I recall, Ocean were bought for $500 million by AIG last year. Wonder if AIG were behind the launch (prior to last few days problems!!)
Anyone else got any thoughts?
Actually, the people that develop our sites should NOT develop sites that work with one or other browser. They should be using W3C standards, including accessibility recommendations, to ensure the sites they develop work in ALL browsers present and future.
Browser testing still needs to take place but should be focus merely on the littlest cosmetic details introduced by browsers’ slightly different interpretations of the standards, things that should in any case not affect conversion – as designers should know what areas those issues affect and steer clear of those at crucial parts of the site.
Browser testing is no substitute for sound coding. Companies that don’t know the difference should rightly suffer the consequences.
Just seen what you were looking at Smith…
Quite surprised, not the usual tacky fat people. Some quality television.
Wait til midnight, they have a live fish tank. Great for when you get back from the pub!
@Roberto – the problem (as you probably know but didn’t put across in your post) is actually that IE6 (for example) is not a standards compliant browser. As each browser updates and evolves, we’re seeing much more variation in how aggressive each one is on different aspects – such as Javascript speed, caching, cookie setting defaults, z-order behaviour …the list goes on.
Hi there,
I tried contacting you a while but never received a response, can you please email me so we can discuss my proposal?
Thanks
Hi Guys, Its gone a bit quiet on here. Everything ok or is the credit crunch affecting you guys as well? Cheers.