Forum Moderators: not2easy
I have been building and design sites for approximately 7 years (that means I go back to before the initial internet boom). This means I have alot of experience in what sells and what doesn't. I have been looking at the demo sites I have been showing my clients over the last 18 months and how that effects you sale. Here are my findings:
Firstly, how much content should be on a page? There are general 3 main options here:
1) One line
2) Small amount (about a paragraph, possibly two)
3) Long Length (over a screen full)
Firstly, let's take option 1. It usually says something like 'content goes here'. We have all seen or done it. My advice: DON'T! It doesn't show how the design is reflected when there is a normal amount of text. It also shows laziness. I have seen less appeal in designs that use this.
Option 2. A small paragraph usually shows how the design looks with some content and looks clean/crisp but also misses some flaws which will be brought up in the design (see option 3 for clarity on this).
Option 3. I love this. Boy does it sell. I have found that about 1 and a half to 2 screens full of text sells alot. It shows the effort you have put in and, more importantly, how the design looks with alot of text. For example, it makes sure that once you scroll down you don't lose the design, branding or navigation so it doesn't look plain.
Secondly, what should the content be? There are loads of things you can put in this content. Usually, an article from their site will be used but you can't do this on a generic demo site or if they don't already have a site. Therefore, here are my 4 pieces of food for throught.
The worst thing you can do:
Never! fill the page will 'blah blah blah', 'content ... content ... content' or 'content goes here' repeated. The client will immediately see laziness and you'll lose a potential sale. Trust me.
The 3rd best thing to do:
If possible, as explained above, an article from their site shows them how the design will fit around their existing content and also gives the impression of less hassel for them.
The 2nd best thing:
I have found that an article about their industry goes down a treat, especially if they have not read it. It attracts them sub-conscieniously. They are shown that you know about their industry and your competant, however, if they have not read the article they will be interested and pull in. You can get the benefits almost as if you wrote the article yourself, even though you have clearly marked the source.
The best thing to do:
This will amaze you all, however, I have proven stats that it has increased my sales. What is it? Foreign text! If your client doesn't speak the language this can be a big seller. Find an article in a foriegn language and use that. I don't know why but foreign (usually french or spanish) text looks attractives and gives the design a boost.
So there you have it. One of my secrets revealed. I am interested it what you guys think and if any of my finding match yours.
Chris.
Chris.
