Article: Myth About Web Design
When we talk about web design or having a website, you would probably start to fill your mind with ideas about what is a good web design or what a website can do for you. However, there are many misconceptions and the greatest problem... everyone becomes an "expert" web designer.
In my dealings with client's, there are six common misconceptions that keeps surfacing.
1. A visually stunning and interactive website sells better.
This is often far from the truth. Unless your website deals with entertainment, design and lifestyle matters, a static website usually sells better than an interactive or graphically appealing one. It is how you sell your products and services online that will bring in the business.
A well written online sales letter is how the magic works and not how beautiful your website looks. There are many great looking sites that are ineffective and do not sell. Simplicity and content is king.
2. Static sites are boring.
Whether a site is branded as boring or interesting isn't dependent on things that are visually stunning or interactive. If you have useful and interesting contents to offer on your website, your site will never be branded as boring.
3. A well designed website will increase business quickly.
Increased business is definitely possible. We got many of our businesses because of our website. However, it is not an overnight result, never believe such claims. It could take several months before you see any noticeable results.
Unless you have a very big network of contacts at your finger tips or you have a big marketing budget; it will take time to succeed. It takes time to make your website known and even become popular. It takes work and constant improvements to get there. It is never a very easy or quick job. Be prepared to work at it and be patient.
4. I can sell products online easily.
Putting up products on your website to sell is easy but getting people to buy them is a totally different issue. This is especially difficult if you are only focused on buyers from Singapore or in SEA. The mentality and culture is very different from people from the West. So don't jump into developing an online shopping solution so quickly, test the ground first with a simple inexpensive solution. If it returns favorable results then go for it. Seek advice in this area if you are unsure, it is definitely money well spent.
5. A well optimised web site for search engines is all I need.
Let's get real here. With the billions of websites today and the numbers are still growing tremendously each day. Everyone is competing for that top 20 positions in Google, Yahoo or MSN, what are your chances? Having a well optimised site is important but don't over emphasize on it. It should never be your only avenue of being found.
6. Anyone can build a website.
Many believe that with knowledge of HTML or a web authoring tool like Dreamweaver or FrontPage, anyone can build a website. That's probably true. But to build an effective website that sells requires more than just understanding HTML and a good tool. It requires understanding your visitors, their surfing habits, your site structure and organisation to name a few.
Do give it a go but if you don't see any results after 6 months, perhaps you should consider getting some qualified help. There is more to web design than just HTML and a web design authoring tool.
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About The Author
Lo Wai Munn is a trainer, a technical writer and web content professional with more than a 15 years of experience. He has designed and managed the development of numerous websites. |
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If you are looking for web design service to build you an easy to navigate and visitor friendly website, contact us for a non-obligatory discussion today.
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