Cut the clutter
This past weekend, I did a blitzkrieg house hunt, all over the city. Apparently, many home owners don’t watch HGTV’s real estate shows (or take their realtor’s advice). I saw messy bedrooms, crammed closets, and tons of clutter. And, in several cases, it was difficult to navigate around and over obstacles or even really look at things. (”Don’t go in backyard, dog will bark.” “Don’t let cats out.” etc.) The house would have great curb appeal and the interior would be - well - awful. All of which got me to thinking about web marketing.
I’m working with a new client on their web strategy (Yes, gentle reader. In addition to blogging, writing for the MicroEnterprise Journal, drinking martinis and hysterical house-hunting, I actually - ahem - manage to fit in some real work). So, I’m visiting a lot of web sites (even more than usual). And, I’ve found several that had high search rankings, great copy and interesting topics. Why did I click away before they finished loading? Well, there is so much clutter, the site takes “forever” to load (and I have high-speed cable). Even when I’m patient, there are so many lists and ads I get “clutter fever” (Where do I look next? Why is that here? Why am I having to scroll for three pages? How do I turn off that blinkin’ floating ad?) Oh, my achin’ brain and eyeballs.
Have you looked at your web site (or blog) lately, as a potential “buyer?“ And, remember many people still use dial-up (even businesses.) Terrific design, great copy and SEO (paid, organic, white hat, black hat, whatever) isn’t going to do any good if people can’t get in the front door (or find the coat closet, so to speak.)
Tags: blogher,marketing, marketing troubleshooting, nobodies, web marketing, SEO
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May 2nd, 2006 at 2:07 pm
I always tried to get clients to think about their web sites as a kind of stroll down the cookie aisle at their favorite grocery store. A great new cookie package only has seconds to get my attention. (got to have a cookie!!!)
We don’t surf the web, we scan the aisle. Let’s not assume anyone is patient and that way we won’t be kidding ourselves.
Love your “clutter fever” phrase!
May 13th, 2006 at 2:52 pm
In web site design, as in life, we succomb to the notion that “if some is good, then more must be better.” ‘Tis a gift to be simple, but it’s scary, too: if it’s simple, will anyone want it? need it? appreciate it? like it? buy it?
May 15th, 2006 at 7:12 am
Ah, and are we being “simple” or just “simple-minded?” And, minimalist interior design, which seems like a whole lot of nothing actually takes a lot of thought.
So, the less you see, the more somebody (should) be doing behind the scenes.
June 13th, 2007 at 6:16 am
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