(This article originally appeared in Forbes)
Here are five things in technology that happened this past week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
1 -Google Search Console geotargeting can hurt search rankings.
According to a recent discussion as part of the Google Search Central SEO office hours last month, using Google Search Console’s geotargeting feature can hurt search rankings if you’re attempting to get to a bigger audience. By having your site’s international targeting setting set up for a specific country or location, it can become hyper focused on that country and less focused on others, limiting the way your site ranks in other countries. (Source: Search Engine Journal)
Why this is important for your business:
If your desire is to target a wider audience, it is advised to turn off the geotargeting in the Search Console.
2 — Ford launched a charging software to help small businesses electrify their fleets.
Ford recently announced that it will be launching charging hardware and software to help businesses make the change to electric vehicles in the future. Ford Pro Charging was introduced to help simplify the change from traditional internal combustion-powered fleets to electric vehicles, which help minimize costs and emissions. There are currently 125,000 customers for Ford’s fleet in the U.S. and the auto giant anticipates that the yearly sales of its commercial electric vans and trucks will surpass 300,000 units in the next 8 years. (Source: NWI Times)
Why this is important for your business:
The use of electric vehicles will be significantly increasing in the coming years. Using Ford’s software may help you with the transition.
3 -Acer is launching a trio of Chromebooks. Which one best fits your needs?
Acer will be rolling out a new trio of Chromebooks to fit the needs of anyone from students, hybrid employees, to those who require flexibility. (Source: Laptop Mag)
Why this is important for your business:
Your choices? The Acer Chromebook 314 which is geared toward students who are looking for a cost-friendly laptop and is ranked high in its durability, the Acer Chromebook 315 with its HDR webcam and internal microphones which are ideal for students or employees who are working both in the classroom/office or remotely, and the Acer Chromebook Spin 513 which is the most flexible out of the three with the ability to go from tablet, tent, to laptop mode.
4 — Low-code and no-code platforms move beyond the shiny-tools stage.
According to recent reports, low-code and no-code platforms are the next big thing for 2022. The platforms are proving themselves to go beyond simply acting as fancy tools for individuals to develop projects and- instead- are becoming integral to the digital strategy of businesses and enterprises across the board. With the increase in businesses becoming more digital, it is necessary for individuals beyond programmers and IT professionals to have the capabilities to develop software they need. (Source: ZDNet).
Why this is important for your business:
As I wrote previously, this is not just hype. Research firm Gartner says that the popularity of these low code applications will result in 70 percent of new applications developed by enterprises will use low-code or no-code technologies, up from less than 25 percent in 2020. There is now a rapidly growing industry of “low code” CRM applications that are taking away much of this complexity — and reducing costs for companies both big and small.
5- These are the best internet providers for 2022, according to CNET.
Technology website CNET recently released its choices for the best internet providers for the coming year. Some of the selections include AT&T, which was voted the best fiber provider, Charter Spectrum which was voted as the best cable internet provider, Rise Broadband which was voted as the best rural internet provider, and Verizon which was chosen for its customer care. You can see a full list of the internet providers here. (Source: CNET)
Why this is important for your business:
A lot of this depends on your location and the options at your location. But if you’ve got enough choice, some of these providers may be a better fit for your business.
