Examples of "low overhead and maintenance" interactive elements

Surveys/Polls are one example. Are there others?

[Webwork]

Interactivity generates interest and may generate return visitors or "stickiness". However, interactivity often comes at a price, such as the time burden associated with keeping a forum running.

Surveys or polls are a nice example of an interactive element that does not require a lot of maintenance.

Can you think of other examples of interactive elements that can be added to a website that would add value without a disproportionate burden?

Has anyone added interactive elements that looked promising at first but proved to be more costly than anticipated?

[zulu_dude]

I personally think they're rather tacky, but what about 'shoutboxes' on the front page? It could require at least some maintenance though. I suppose it depends who your target audience is...

Or you could allow readers to leave comments on the articles. Once again, that could entail some maintenance, as you might need to moderate the comments.

I'd imagine both these options would be less hassle than a forum!

[moltar]

Online games are extremely sticky.

[iamlost]

Proviso: if it is not appropriate to your site it is gimmicky not sticky.

* constant addition of quality content remains king. If you are "the authority" in your niche you will be checked frequently. Add a form for "content/article requests". Give credit for article idea if appropriate. Just a dab of blog stickiness for a "real" site. Many people are adding a blog just for this purpose ... but it is not necessary.

* intelligent logical navigation/site architecture ... if they can't easily find what they are looking for they will leave and never come back. Your logs are your interactive client conversation ... "how did you hear about us?", "how can I help you?", "did you find what you were looking for?" ...

* make reference material printable (print version or pdf). I know one site where clothes sizing can be figured online and results are highlighted in a general sizing chart. Can then be printed as "yours only" or as full chart. Massive use. The various sizing charts are the most linked/initial landing pages of the entire site.

* use tutorials. Divide each into page size chunks so visitors get quick answers and keep coming back for more. Add a form for requests/feedback and if used say so and credit the person requesting if possible. Make them feel wanted and part of "the group".

* make the faq "interactive" by adding a form for new queries and one: answer to visitors email asap and/or two: if query important enough or asked enough add to faq list.

* add a "news" div or iframe to some/all pages with updates of importance to your content. Should change at least twice a week. Be the up-to-the-minute site in your niche.

* add weather/moon phase/earthquake data type page. Or horoscope/daily sayings and other silly things that change.

Optimise your site so that it is clear, concise, consistant, logical, relevant, accessable, and fast loading ... and then let your imagination free.

[Webwork]

Your post is a thing of beauty iamlost. Thank you.

Dare I ask: Any other suggestions or ideas?

[ken_b]

Some interactive, or semi-interactive, features can be added that don't really require a lot of maintenance. We often think of interactive features as needing to give immediate feedback, and that's not always true.

Depending on your topic of course, but if this kind of thing fits with your site, it can draw a lot of traffic and free word of mouth advertizing.

[ken_b]

One example of the kind of semi-interactive feature I mentioned would be an event calendar. I call it semi-interactive because you really get to set the level of interaction. Might not fit on all sites, but if it does, could be well worth considering.

Also good for getting return visits, people who post events most likely attend similar events.

[1Lit]

Yes, most 'interactive' content is time-consuming to maintain/moderate.

Horoscopes are an excellent idea and don't require maintanence once set-up. You can create your own or what we do is receive them from a Bingo affiliate program we belong to. It adds fresh horoscopes from a celebrity astrology to our site every day. Won't name the affiliate program here because WW doesn't like that kind of stuff, but sticky me if you're interested.