Top 5 Cross-Browser Testing Tools
Remember two decades ago when everyone around the world used Internet Explorer even though it sucked but because it used to be the only option available?
The internet has evolved and today everyone has access to internet technologies at their palm with a lot of options available. Today we have a number of operating systems and browsers used across the world by millions of web users on desktop and mobile devices.
Every year, new flagship phones hit the market and go out of stock in minutes; every other day a new browser update introduces new features. We are facing this in our day-to-day life. This creates a choice for people across the globe to use the latest technologies, to use something that they are comfortable with, on a device that provides the feature they love.
Since the number of web users and devices has rapidly gone up, the demand for content to be made accessible on various platforms has posed a new challenge for web developers.
Also, as the behavior and preferences of individuals vary widely across geographic boundaries, it is necessary to ensure that the website performs as expected irrespective of the browser or the operating system being used. This is where cross-browser compatibility can be your savior.
Boosts Page Visits and Drives Targeted Traffic
Cross-browser compatibility is much in demand these days. Staying updated about new developments in a fast-paced environment will always reap rich rewards. If developers keep track of the updates, tools, technologies, and frameworks they will be better equipped to execute actions when they are required.
Making sure that your website is compatible with various browsers helps you to tap the ever-increasing customers in the software market. Moreover, with an overwhelming number of browsers being available today, ensuring compatibility with just one or two of them would not help you go global.
Increases Sales
Yes, you read it right! Cross-browser compatibility also affects sales.
Just imagine that a user visited your website. He was going to buy the product. But when he started making the transaction, your payment page was incompatible with the browser he was using. So, he tried one or two times refreshing the page hoping that the button will work or it will load properly and work. But, unfortunately, he wasn’t able to do so.
Now, do you think he’s going to change the browser to access your website? Or he will go to your competitors and instead?
Users should have an experience that leaves an everlasting impression on their minds and makes them want to revisit your website not to leave it for good.
If you are the owner of an e-commerce store or a business website, surely you do not want to lose users because they were not able to access your website properly.
So, to gain more customers or have more conversions on your website, it is necessary to make it compatible with all the browsers and devices your users might be using to access it.
Improves Functionality And Accessibility
Another important advantage of cross-browser testing is that it increases the functionality of the application and makes it more user-friendly.
Do note that your website may be performing well in one browser but it may behave poorly in another browser. It may perform better in your native country but may not perform as expected in the rest of the 194 countries. Plus, you need to be even more careful while working with RIAs (Rich Internet Applications).
Further, there are countries where technological capabilities of users are limited by plenty of factors, which reiterates the importance of making a cross-browser compatible website so that they are accessible to everyone around the world.
Mobile Compatibility is Crucial
The graph above shows that over the years desktop and mobile usage shares have changed drastically and around 50% of the users today are using mobile devices to access a website. And that might be the percentage of users who are going to open your website on their phone. So, you need to be extra-cautious for that.
So, if your website is not mobile-friendly, you may suffer losses, not just from users, but also from an SEO point of view, as Google has made it mandatory for websites to be mobile-friendly.
Get Rid Of Browser-Specific Testing
It is actually a task to compare the various test logs and test results if the tests are not identical for each browser platform. It is indispensable, therefore, to have a common test that runs in multiple browsers if you want to have a smooth testing experience. This will simplify your job a lot and make it easier for you to detect any discrepancy in results. Not just that, but reproducing the bug also becomes easier.
An easier way out is to repeat the similar use cases or tests across browsers while keeping a watch on the contrast of differences. This must be done with respect to the actions being taken and the information being displayed.
Another important point to note here is that a lot of online tools are available today that help you make sure that your website is cross-browser compatible. Tools like LambdaTest give you real-time access to more than 2,000 real browsers and operating systems online which also includes a lot of mobile browsers too!
Happy Customers and Fewer Bugs
Cross-browser compatibility is an important aspect of the usability of any website. It enhances the user experience and results in happy customers. One of the primary goals and the driving factor behind successful business ventures is customer satisfaction, and for good reason.
After all, customers are the ultimate testers of any product and they are what make a business successful! Thus, cross-browser compatibility of a website, software product, or application, in general, is required to make it easier for the customers to interact with the product and employ it for relevant purposes. Cross-browser compatibility is a result of extensive cross-browser testing which ultimately implies fewer bugs and a defect-free virtual product.
Smooth User Experience
Just like in the purchase of fast-moving consumer goods where the buyer is not the end-user, the developer is not the end-user. Therefore, it is important for the developers to ensure that the target audience can see what they see and enable a smooth experience. This is because if the visitor to a website on a specific platform faces any hurdles, it is quite unlikely that the user will return for another experience.
What this does is damage the reputation of your brand along with a loss of heavy incoming traffic, and potential loss of revenue.
The whole idea above is to ensure that your users can have the same experience across all platforms, whether it is on a particular platform or a specific device. Cross-browser compatibility is indispensable if you wish to survive and thrive. Happy testing!
