websites

geosamm · 03-07-2008, 10:37 AM

Im not sure this is the correct place for this item or even if the item is worthy of the space it occupies. Hopefully some will find it useful, interesting or even advantageous.
When you consider setting up your own domain it may be helpful to consider the following.
Try to select a domain name that stands out but is easy to remember, if possible try to keep some connection between the name and the products or services you offer. [although this is not essential]
Try to avoid off the shelf template style content, everyone uses them and they are frankly boring. Yes they are the cheapest option and the easiest to find but consider how will yours stand out hidden within the millions of others.
Keep the colouring as simple and pleasing to the eye as possible. Bright and garish colours offend the eye and visitors soon switch them off.
Always give a full and complete description of the products.
Give the visitors a clear product photo, cluttered backgrounds look messy and unprofessional and often create the impression of shoddiness.
Make the home page attractive and interesting, thats the visitors first impression of you and your business.
Be sure the site flows through instead of the stop start return to homepage type that makes the shopper travel backwards to go forward.
Make sure all the buttons and links work before you post it.
Make sure it will open in all browsers and on all operating systems.
Give all the information to the shopper... imagine you were a visitor and ask yourself the questions they will ask.... and answer them before they need to.
Check your spelling and get someone to proof read the content.
Get the site translated and offer access in different languages.
Have clear policies.... for returns.... damages etc etc
Try to avoid customers having to leave your site... for any reason
If you include sound.... select something that is acceptable to all and give the option to switch it off... nothing worse than being forced to listen to cher when your a hendrix fan.
Remember you are not building the site for you based on what you like.
Make everything as easy and accessible as possible.
Make it enjoyable and entertaining to visit your site and encourage your visitors to be a part of it.

The above is not meant to be an exhaustive list of do's and don'ts just an over simplistic view of what people forget to remember

**Anthony** · 03-07-2008, 11:57 AM

Sounds advice! I've moved it to the Business Resources section.

Why not spruce the layout up a little and then submit this to our article competition?

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geosamm · 03-07-2008, 01:43 PM

well I suppose I could... but that would mean extending the advice to try to cover all areas of web production and advertising and how it applies to e-commerce...... bit of a dry subject at the best of times.... I would also have to go into more extensive detail to make it more comprehensive... and possibly suggest flash objects, animation, interactivity etc etc.... which would probably leave most gaging for a beer and dilute the essence of the idea... it was only written to get readers who are thinking about a web presence to contemplate something out of the ordinary and distinctive but to remember what they are trying to achieve.... but thanks for the comments... at least one read it

**Pete** · 03-07-2008, 02:16 PM

Oh, I read it as well.

There was one point I began to quibble over, but decided against it. But your reply causes me to interject a thought or two of my own, as well as the collective wisdom of may other online sellers.

"Try to avoid off the shelf template style content, everyone uses them and they are frankly boring." Is not wrong, in itself, but the fact is that boring is often what you want the site to be. You want the eyes of the buyer on the products you are selling, not the design of your shopping cart.

I would go so far to say that more online buyers are comfortable with a no nonsense, for lack of a better description "OS Commerce" type site than they are with truly unique, but not what they expect to see type sites.

I'm not saying that adding distinctive headers and logos, and having custom templates is bad. But to vary too far from the generally accepted "boring" design or header, side menus and a footer may be pushing the envelope.

You will find that "free" has nothing to do with it. Many "high-dollar" shopping carts still employ the same basic layout. Unless you are selling truly revolutionary or esoteric products, to vary far from the norm could cost you sales.

Winning a design award is one thing, selling goods is something else. A designer must consider the hard economics of the marketplace.

Those were my initial thoughts, but I was going to keep them to myself. I've actually expressed them here at other times, in other threads.

But then you mentioned the most horrible word ever for retailers - Flash! Never in the history of the Internet has anything caused so many Back buttons to be clicked as Flash and Flash Intros. People just don't have the required patience for Flash on a shopping cart.

Boring is good. When is the last time you got "turned on" in a shopping mall? Most people are more comfortable when they see just what they expect to see in a mall, or online. Distinctive, sure. But also "normal", which could be called boring.

Pushing the envelope may earn accolades from designers, but it seldom adds to the jingle in the register till.

Particularly as a primer for those just starting their initial online adventure, your article should promote the tried and true, not the adventurous. As someone who literally daily extends a helping hand to online newbies, believe me, standard out of the box is still a big stretch for many. To go beyond that when setting up their first cart is more than I would suggest.
.

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**Anthony** · 03-07-2008, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geosamm

well I suppose I could...

If you don't, I'll do it on your behalf.

Its great as it is, adding to it will make it even better.

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geosamm · 03-07-2008, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

Oh, I read it as well.

But then you mentioned the most horrible word ever for retailers - Flash! Never in the history of the Internet has anything caused so many Back buttons to be clicked as Flash and Flash Intros. People just don't have the required patience for Flash on a shopping cart.

Boring is good. When is the last time you got "turned on" in a shopping mall? Most people are more comfortable when they see just what they expect to see in a mall, or online. Distinctive, sure. But also "normal", which could be called boring.

Pushing the envelope may earn accolades from designers, but it seldom adds to the jingle in the register till.

Particularly as a primer for those just starting their initial online adventure, your article should promote the tried and true, not the adventurous. As someone who literally daily extends a helping hand to online newbies, believe me, standard out of the box is still a big stretch for many. To go beyond that when setting up their first cart is more than I would suggest.
.

well comfortable may be easier and same old same old may be whats expected... but how many times have you walked around a shopping arcade and looked at the stores and thought "they are all the same" same products same layout same same same. being comfortable with the old and established is ok if you are the old and established.
I dont suggest that people go and break the bank and create the outlandish... or to build a designers dream of what a site should be... or even one that detracts attention away from the product. More one that compliments the products without numbing the mind.
A pleasurable experience is often revisited and recommended to friends.... if you can combine that with good products and prices and ease of use you could well be on to a winner.
As for being turned on shopping...... never.... because all the outlets look and feel the same.... and thats never a turn on... but put one shop in there thats different [in a tasteful way] and you have a crowd.

As for flash and other usable additives..... they are not for the faint hearted I agree... you can build a whole site using just flash or just a rotating product group album as a button... there are and have been many problems with lots of products used to build sites... they are more expensive and labour intensive than other options... but usable if thats what you feel you need.
I dont suggest people stretch the envelope....... I offer the possibility of people thinking outside the box.... before they restrict themselves to the confines of someone else's box