So when taking on a new client I always like to ask “What’s your site about?” It’s an obvious question, but when I ask it, it is more of a trick question. Depending on the answer, I can get a good idea about how much thought they have put into having a website.

Most People Dont Know

The typical answer starts something like this, “Well…I want a site that can do this, or offers that, and maybe do this as well”. Then they start rattling off ideas they have been thinking about, and haven’t really decided anything yet. Guess what? It’s kind of hard building a website for an idea that is not clearly defined. Step one really needs to be, define what your site is about as clearly as possible. Be as specific as possible. The entropy factor is just around the corner, and you need to avoid it day one. New visitors need to figure out your site as well. Having a site without a clear primary purpose is like shooting yourself in the foot. New visitors are very, very, quick to judge.

Look at this calorie counting system site, everything on the site is designed for one clear purpose. To sell their Nutri-Diet-Tracker kit. You can say what you want about the usability or style of the site, but in regards to having a clear purpose, this site is fantastic.

• The header has a selling point to why to buy
• Shows a picture of the product three times so it is clear what they sell
• Clear tag line
• It has product recommendations
• Image of woman losing weight, a possible benefit of buying product

No Distractions

Nothing on the site acted as a distraction. While looking for any kind of distraction, I thought I may have had a chance in their tip section. Many site owners often create a tip section, and then end up blowing it because they simply/lazily refer to other sites. This diet site wisely created their own tips, and even include success stories about using their product.

What is Nutri-Diet-Tracker about? It’s about selling their Nutri-Diet-Tracker. No fumbling with an answer there.

Like this post? Get usability and design tips delivered by email straight to you. Full feed articles are delivered, and are managed by Google's Feedburner service.

Be the first to comment!