Even though we know that it’s what’s inside that really counts, when it comes to websites – and many other things in life – the harsh reality is that first impressions matter…a LOT.
Ages ago – back when you could physically hear your computer (slowly) connecting with the internet – people didn’t expect much out of websites. Often times, the mere fact of having one (regardless of appearance or function) instantaneously made you one of the “cool kids”. But, that’s just not the case anymore.
So, what is it that people want NOW?
Well, nowadays people not only expect you to have a website…they expect you to have a GOOD (and when we say “good” we mean “amazing”) website. They want something that’s easy on the eyes AND easy to navigate. They want a website that’s informative without being overbearing, and has all the features that they’ve come to expect from all of the other fantastic websites that exist in the virtual world.
They want a website that not only looks nice – that means no glaring colors or horrifically hard to read fonts – but also one that feels nice. When I say “feels nice” I’m talking about a website that flows…both on their computer AND mobile devices…in a seemingly effortless manner. The want menus…and they want menus that work – that means no broken links and no vague titles that lead viewers on a wild goose chase as they hunt for what they’re looking for. They – again – want menus that work with their phones and tablets…they DON’T want to have to constantly be shrinking and enlarging your site on their tablet as they try to view your wares.
Seriously.
I promise.
They don’t.
What’s the first thing that you notice?
Is it all of the glowing reviews that their loyal customers have left?
Or is it the blinding bands of neon colors that span the width of the screen from top to bottom?
I wish I could say that I spent a lot of time poking around on this website but, in all honesty, I didn’t.
I couldn’t.
While there is more to this website that just this particular page, it’s incredibly difficult to find. The menu is at the very bottom of the page and is in teeny tiny little letters (and are blue on a green background, to boot). Even on a full size monitor it’s too much for me to handle.
So, I gave up. Which, of course, is exactly what you don’t what your customers to do. Because, if you have a website that in any way resembles this, that very well may be what happens.