This isn’t about the USPS. It’s about the message. It’s direct. To the point. No doubt about what you are supposed to do. Clarity is good. While waiting for my turn, behind the sign as requested, I started thinking why can’t websites be this clear? You know what I mean. You’ve seen the sites with lengthy copy that really doesn’t tell you much. Or a site with cool graphics and music with no real content.
And then there is the contact me, contact us, stuff. What is up with the obscurity here? Don’t you want people to contact you? Isn’t a ringing phone and full in box the whole idea? Every page should have your name, phone number, email address, twitter link, Facebook link; the whole package.
And while you’re updating things give me a reason to contact you. In the sales and marketing industry, it’s aptly named a call to action. Sums it up nicely don’t you think? Tell me what you want me to do. Somehow, for some reason I am on your website, so let me know what to do next!
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Bloggers – ask questions if you want me to comment. Actively seek input and continue the conversation.
Shopping Site – pretty obvious here, but make it easy for me to browse and put things in a shopping cart. Don’t ask me to register, fill out a profile form or give you my credit card info until I’m ready to buy. But DO encourage me to check out the cool stuff you offer and make it as easy as you can to search for items.
Services/Consulting Sites – Give me an easy way to opt in for info. It’s great to offer free stuff – remind me on every page how nice you are to give things away and make it easy to get. Tell me how I can reach you. If I can’t find a phone number or an email address to reach out with questions I’m certainly not going to fill out a detailed profile so you can send me a formal quote.
Look at your site with a critical eye. If you can’t be objective, ask a friend or trusted business associate to do it for you. I’d be happy to check it out and provide some feedback. You can reach me here:
Email me at pnichols@soundadvicesales.com
Call me at 614 726 3126
What other tips do you have? Any pet peeves when navigating web sites? Want to share a site that does things really well?
