Web Design: How much should you value your first impression?

Today, web sites can be created with many different types of software applications, each providing pros and cons (in some instances only cons) for the features integrated into the software. These determine the complexity of the web site you are able, (with the appropriate skills) to create. Unless you are a computer whiz or have experience with building web sites, it is not the kind of business tool that is a simple point and click application to get set up. For this reason, there are many web design companies that will provide you with the service. Again, different companies will provide you with a web site at different rates. Some “template” orientated design companies will allow you to choose from several templates, a web layout to which they will add your given content. This may be a low cost option but is best kept away from unless you are looking for a standard web site that may turn out to be the same as the guy down the street. To define yourself and stand your ground in this highly competitive industry, it pays to seek a design company that has experience in your industry and will provide you with a completely unique web site. However, be warned, you will always get what you pay for!

There’s a popular saying that most have heard, “Never judge a book by its cover.” Although these words of wisdom are well known through the generations, I would not hesitate to place a bet that more often than not readers judge a book exactly by the cover (or at least it plays a large part in the decision process). I know that I am just as guilty as most.

In a similar way, web users (and that’s approximately 1,086,250,903 users

worldwide according to www.internetworldstats.com) tend to judge a company by its web site. That is because today, web sites have become the first point of contact for many customers, whether they are researching an industry, shopping for products or searching for news. In the case of the die cutting industry, the customer is likely to learn about your company from the Internet; thus creating a positive first impression is essential. Recent studies show that a web user is likely to make a judgement about the company based on the web site appearance within 50 milliseconds of loading a web site. Here they will make a decision if to stay on this site and learn about the products and services offered, or move on.

A recent client of Beamond Creative, LLC had minimal content and a very basic layout. We had the opportunity to revamp the site and turn it into an information resource on their industry as well as a showcase of their products and features. Word about the new web site soon spread. Coupled with several ongoing public relation efforts, the client saw a growth in online traffic of 1000% + over the following 24months.

So does your web site provide an accurate first impression of your business as a whole? Will a web user hat finds your site perceive you as a start-up company or a multi-million dollar business?

The answers to these questions depend on a number of elements: overall design, functionality and content.

Web design

Today, web sites can be created with many different types of software applications, each providing pros and cons (in some instances only cons) for the features integrated into the software. These determine the complexity of the web site you are able, (with the appropriate skills) to create. Unless you are a computer whiz or have experience with building web sites, it is not the kind of business tool that is a simple point and click application to get set up. For this reason, there are many web design companies that will provide you with the service. Again, different companies will provide you with a web site at different rates. Some “template” orientated design companies will allow you to choose from several templates, a web layout to which they will add your given content. This may be a low cost option but is best kept away from unless you are looking for a standard web site that may turn out to be the same as the guy down the street. To define yourself and stand your ground in this highly competitive industry, it pays to seek a design company that has experience in your industry and will provide you with a completely unique web site. However, be warned, you will always get what you pay for!

Functionality

When functionality is added to a web site, it enables the user to become engaged in the site. By this I mean that the user will have the ability to interact with your company through your web site. Maybe they will be providing feedback through an easily accessible simple form, inquiring more about your product or searching a database of information specific to your business. Users could sign up to create an account, profile or similar feature and log in to gain access to “their” area. Whatever functionality you include in your site, you can be sure of positive results by engaging your users and allowing them to become more familiar with your product or service.

Content

There’s no point having a web site that looks great and works well, if when the user starts to browse around, they realize that there is nothing, or little, worth looking at. Well-written content that focuses on the customers’ needs will draw them in to your site. However, written text alone is not appealing to the viewer and should be broken up accordingly to maintain your users interest.

Web sites vary dramatically in appearance, content and functionality, with several pros and cons for each aspect. I would place all web sites into the following three main categories:

Static web sites are more of a brochure-based web site, showcasing the company’s products or services, maybe includes a contact form or two.

Pros: Low cost, quick set up, easy updates, will perform on all computers, all hosts support this kind of site.

Cons: Lacks functionality. Serves little more purpose than an online brochure.

Dynamic web sites feature all that is included with the static site, as well as a lot more programming that allows for database integration, online shopping store, username and password login features and more.

Pros: Great amount of depth to engage with the user, functionality, generate revenue from selling products and/or services online, simple updates with a content management system (CMS), register users and track usage (regional, national interest), automated functions.

Cons: Web host will need to be compatible, more advanced programming requires a company who knows what they are doing, more expensive for initial setup.

The third and final category is for Flash web sites. These sites can include all of the above and much more. The purpose of a flash web site is to provide visual appeal “eye candy” and is graphically superior to other types of web site and usually includes audio, animation and flowing imagery.

Pros: Slick and smooth looking site, all functionality can be included and displayed more attractively, include animation, audio, custom games and gimmicks, makes your site stand out from the rest.

Cons: Sometimes difficult to establish presence on search engines. Users are required to have flash player installed (although 97.5% of web users have the ability to view flash content). Updates need to be made by your designer, longer page load times with intense animated content.

In summary…

Creating a stunning first impression online highly relies on how quickly your site loads and how visually appealing it is to the user. However, there is much more to your web site than how it looks or just simply having an online presence. You need to fully evaluate your web site goals and establish exactly what and how you want to be perceived by web users. Remember, these users are potential customers, who in this advancing Internet age, will more than likely first learn about you through the internet. Show them, engage them, learn about them, and sell them.

Make your first impression an eye-opener!

Take a look at a few web design samples in our portfolio