Just out of curiosity, did any of you say “hello” to my web page when you visited? Maybe a “How do you do?”. No, you didn’t say anything? Yep, well, I didn’t think you would. Most people don’t. In fact, I think it might be a little strange if you did. So why do so many websites say “Hello” to their visitors?

Here is a great looking website, Kansas City Website Design. My first impression, very nice layout. My second impression, cringe. They had the GIANT “hello” introduction on their page. I’m sorry, but I am not going to say “Hello” back.

Many webmasters or websites say “Hello” because I think it is a reflection of the author. They are genuinely nice people, they like to say hello to the people they meet, and when they create something on the web for the world to see they would like to be just as nice. So what do they do first? Yikes, they say “Hello”.

If you are building a website to make money, there really isn’t room for this. You have to remember why people are visiting your site. Are they there because they like you, or are they there because they are trying to buy or find out something. A real killer with the hello message is the fact that it takes up prime real estate on you page. Looking at their site again as an example, you will notice that their hello message is exceptionally large, and in the most looked at part of the screen for any website. Really look at their website, even with squinted eyes, and you will see the most emphasized message on their site is, hello.

Kill Hello

It’s time to kill hello on the web, at least as an introduction message. I really see no purpose for it, even on a personal blog. It’s pointless, and no one is going to say hi back. Use the space, and convey a real message. Tell your new visitors why they are here, and why they should stay. Make your site, and your words essential to them. We visitors don’t liked to be bothered, and we won’t be visiting for long.

Time and clicks really are the issue here. Know that an average visitor is really only good for so much time, and clicks. Time wise, six seconds could be the difference of a visitor staying or going. Saying “Hello” just cost one or two of them. Do you really need it? I don’t think so.