By Ratu Lewis

And do you even need Web 2.0? It sounds like a step toward the future, it’’s becoming a popular catchphrase, and it seems like something that’’s essential for all good Web sites. But should you even buy into that hype? What is Web 2.0, really?

What is Web 2.0?

Web 2.0 is a very technical term applied to a very simple concept: the little extras you might find on the Web. When you run across a site that offers blogs (Web logs, regularly-updated text on any variety of subjects), wikis (which offer content the users, themselves, can change at any time), social networking (chats, forums, etc.), and other related applications, you”re looking at Web 2.0. When users are allowed to share information with each other, add or change content to a site or participate in something socially, it’’s called Web 2.0. But are you looking at the Internet of the future or just bells and whistles?

Who Uses Web 2.0?

Web 2.0 applications can be found on many of the biggest and most popular Web sites, sites which serve as anchors or adjuncts to existing businesses. These businesses have the tools and resources available to them to hire professional Web designers who can create such 2.0 applications and help work out necessary Internet details, such as bandwidth and tracking user statistics. Web 2.0 applications are often very tricky and hard to implement: they require a lot of code, plenty of server space and knowledge of just how the Internet works.

Internet users appreciate and enjoy an interactive Web experience. Just look at the popularity of sites like YouTube, and you know Web 2.0 applications help to boost traffic. Other popular sites, however, have very few or no Web 2.0 applications and still offer an enjoyable and interactive experience. Simpler Web 2.0 applications, such as online forums and discussion boards, require less time and attention and still provide the social interaction Internet users so crave.

Affordable Applications for Businesses

Small- and medium-sized companies may benefit from many Web 2.0 applications, but it isn”t necessary to spend thousands of dollars buying the appropriate servers and speed to run intense Web projects like streaming video and wikis. Blogs are easier than ever to write these days - in fact, many Web hosting sites offer blogs free of charge.

Because blogging is so highly popular on the Internet, businesses can always find writers who are willing to offer new posts daily. In many cases, it is perfectly acceptable to offer ad-sharing revenue with these bloggers, who will then offer fresh original content at pre-determined intervals. Keeping a blog on site is a great way to offer Web 2.0 without having to spend big bucks on expensive application and design.

Let visitors share their thoughts and opinions through discussion boards, online forums, etc. This will give them social interaction and the ability to offer something to the site, but it won”t give your business big budget problems. Professional Web designers will know exactly how to create an easy-to-use, low-maintenance forum area on any site’’s existing server.

Web 2.0 Made Simple

Web sites which are capable of handling huge volumes of traffic can also handle extensive Web 2.0 applications, which offer all those bells and whistles users want. Sites offering at least a slightly watered-down version of these intense Web 2.0 applications are already ahead of most of the Internet competition out there. Many sites simply cannot support a large mass of traffic, but they can boost their existing traffic when Web 2.0 is made simple. Use affordable applications to offer that interactive experience, and you have already achieved more than most.

To learn how to get the most of your existing business Web site, and perhaps add a few simple Web 2.0 applications that will increase visitors (but not too much), it is a good idea to talk to a professional Web designer. These pros know how to work with the servers and site you already have in place, so you don”t have to make expensive purchases just to support new programs on your Web pages. The key to making any site successful is to work with what is already there, to make the existing site as good as it can possibly be. Only then is it time to think about adding all those extra bells and whistles, possibly taking business to the next level.

About The Author

Ratu Lewis is one of Australia’’s most respected Internet solutions consultants to Australian businesses. Director of Margin Media Ratu and his talented staff can create a valuable online presence for any business. Visit http://www.marginmedia.com.au for more information.