Why do some websites sell better than others? Do you
need a marketing degree to create a website? Does design have
much impact on sales?
You may not realize this but many of the successful
internet marketing businesses realize that design, or layout
of the website should be as much of a marketing decision as
the ad copy. Why is that?
Web designers can do some amazing things with graphics and
colors. You will also have a much more professional looking
site when an expert applies his handiwork. However, it is very
important to understand some of the key elements that smart
marketers will make certain to appear (or NOT appear) on their
highly profitable sites. If you are aware of these you may be
able to select a designer who is
knowledgeable in
marketing as well as design.
COLOR:
Designs with a dramatic color
can make compelling choices for setting a mood. But reading on
a computer screen demands as much contrast as possible,
otherwise the reader will develop vision fatigue. You do not
want to irritate or tire your visitors in any way or they may
leave, so be certain that the main body of your website copy
is black writing on a white background – or as close to that
ideal as possible.
Colors also change appearance on
different monitors, so what looks cool and calm on one monitor
may be bright and glaring on another. Simple works.
GRAPHICS:
Striking, bold graphics can
be a real eye-catcher for visitors. Still, successful internet
marketers are pretty much unanimous in stating that you should
avoid flash graphics as much as possible. Again, they tend to
tire visitors eyes or create a distraction from the written
copy. Even if they are initially impressed by the work it may
subconsciously annoy them. Simplicity is again the best way to
go.
LAYOUT:
The first 'fold' of your site
is similar to opening a traditional paper letter. If you
remove a letter from an envelope that is folded in three, you
will obviously view the top 'fold' first.
This fold is what individuals will see without scrolling
down the page. It is CRUCIAL that important elements like
descriptive headlines, your contact number, newsletter
subscription form etc. all show in the first fold. Do NOT
place banners here unless they are the main element of your
business as you will be giving prime space to other websites
and your customer (which you fought hard to get in the first
place) will be gone just as quickly.
These are just some of the important elements you should be
aware of when designing your site.
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Glenn
Cutforth is a writer and publisher of quality eBooks at Maxx Publishing.com.
For extensive information on operating a Work From Home and
Online business, check out his website at: Guide To Online
Success.
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