If one more business owner tells me their website sucks because they're just "too darn busy to deal with it", I'm gonna hurl. That's like saying, "I'm doing business in my dirty underwear because I'm too busy to get dressed." Realize it or not, your website (or lack thereof) is very often the first impression your prospect or peer will have of you. Now, it's no longer a matter of having a website -- it's a matter of having a great one.
#1) Be Exciting
Most websites are informative, but dull. Not surprising. The Internet today is not unlike TV in the early 50's when TV was the new media. Back then it was totally exciting to have a radio announcer in front of a camera. It was revolutionary to actually see the announcer holding the package of soap or toothpaste. What soon followed was "The Golden Age" of TV when things took a major creative leap forward.
There's a definite parallel today with the Internet.
Bill Bernbach, a great leader of that last creative evolution, stated;
"You can say the right thing about a product and nobody will listen. You've got to say it in such a way that people will feel it in their gut. Because if they don't feel it, nothing will happen. That's where the creativity comes in."
Applied to the Internet Bernbach's words resonate more than ever.
#2) Be Effective
So, what makes a website effective and creatively exciting? That depends on who you talk to. A techie may say you need lots of flash animation. A designer may say it's about the right layout and color scheme. Someone else may argue it's all about blogs. When applied intelligently the latest design trend or technology is exciting. But have you ever clicked on a site you're eager to see only to have to sit through a self-indulgent 30-second flash intro? If the thinking behind the technology doesn't respectfully address the mindset of the person viewing it, it doesn't matter how cool it is.
An exciting, creative, effective website begins with a clear understanding of the target audience and the marketing objectives you're trying to reach. Only then does it take a fresh, simple, memorable creative approach that touches and moves that audience on an emotional level. Accomplishing that takes strategically smart, creative talent. So, if you don't have it, find it. The bottom line is that The Evolution has begun. Don't be left behind.
John Follis is one of the 12 "Best Advertising Minds of New York" as voted by The New York Ad Club. His campaigns are in 3 college textbooks, he has written for ADWEEK, and he has taught at 3 New York universities. Currently, John works on select projects, consults, and speaks. John may be reached at: john@follisinc.com
For John's booklet: How to Attract and Excite Your Prospects: A Guide for Getting the Best Marketing Results, visit: john@follisinc.com
For consulting info, visit: Marketing Therapy: john@follisinc.com
For speaking info, visit: Follis Speaking: john@follisinc.com
limousine Ackley .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare"I am a writer, not a business-person. I don't want... Read More
Failure, just like success, is measured differently by each and... Read More
Conceptualize, Build and Publish a Web site - What's required... Read More
Website, website, website, everyone says you need one. But do... Read More
What to put your the website if you are an... Read More
Today it seems everyone is jumping on the entrepreneur bandwagon,... Read More
"What's in it for me?" you ask. "Why should I... Read More
Starting an internet business can be confusing to non-veterans. The... Read More
Like wine cars get more attractive to collectors as years... Read More
Just like all things in life, the ways to run... Read More
The following is a list of patterns that many visitors... Read More
Many web developers today are starting to KISS their website,... Read More
Psychology is a long word which everyone thinks, "no, that's... Read More
People like to get immediate responses to requests. Autoresponders are... Read More
Affiliate programs are a great way to earn an income... Read More
The cost of setting up a web site is dirt... Read More
An accessible Web site is easily approached, easily understood, and... Read More
Starting and maintaining a business is challenging enough without the... Read More
If you are looking for creating your online presence you... Read More
When we review the sites of potential clients, there are... Read More
We all start out the same. Some have budgets, some... Read More
Making maximum profit from your law firm website is important,... Read More
If your company own one or more stores, you might... Read More
So your traffic is going through the roof yeah? It's... Read More
Understanding and using web analytics.In recent years, website marketers were... Read More
shuttle from O'Hare Alexander ..An additional benefit of website accessibility is an improved performance... Read More
You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print,... Read More
When you consider the billions of individuals and companies on... Read More
Looks like every client wants a Flash site these days... Read More
1. The first page appears quickly.It's a good way to... Read More
Your content is what gets you in search engines, speaks... Read More
Most interactive websites nowadays require data to be presented dynamically... Read More
With search engines putting a damper on direct reciprocal links,... Read More
A PHP Redirect automatically transfers a web user from one... Read More
This simple question can take on several different forms, but... Read More
First, an eye opener. Making your fortune through affiliate programs... Read More
First, using a lot of web graphics, flash, banners and... Read More
So your traffic is going through the roof yeah? It's... Read More
Web accessibility has so many benefits that I really do... Read More
There's been widespread speculation about the new legislation being introduced... Read More
Your site is getting traffic, but conversion rates are horrible.... Read More
Running an effective website is a continuous process. I have... Read More
1. Many people are not getting good or complete advice.... Read More
Customer service questionnaires can help your clients better understand their... Read More
One of the best tools you have as a webmaster... Read More
If your company own one or more stores, you might... Read More
August 8 2005, Macromedia announced a release of Studio 8.... Read More
Server Side Includes (SSI) with ASP People often... Read More
QUESTION: Should I build and maintain my business Web... Read More
It never ceases to amaze me how many people set-up... Read More
Web Development |