The great debate: how much copy you should have on your site, particularly on the home page?
Do you subscribe to the idea that a picture is worth a thousand words--and therefore images, not a lot of text, should be the main thrust of your home page? Or do words have more power to capture a visitor's attention and compel them to buy--meaning you should aim for powerful copy?
As a graphic designer, my natural inclination is to create graphically-rich, light text websites. Since I'm focused on what a site looks like visually, I like using impressive images, bold splashes of color all over the page, and not very much copy. The end result is an attractive, visually-appealing site, with very few words.
However, I've learned that I have to balance this inclination with a cold hard reality: what appeals to me as a designer is not necessarily the same as what visitors need.
The main problem with websites that don't have any copy is that they fail to quickly and effectively communicate the three points that all commercial websites must get across: You must explain what your company does, what the benefits are of using your product or service, and why prospective customers should purchase from you.
These important pieces of information can only be conveyed vaguely, if at all, through images. While pictures are often very useful in reinforcing a message, it's difficult to succinctly drive home these important points solely through images.
On your website, visitors want specifics, and they want them quickly. They want you to tell them exactly what you can do for them, and they want to know right now. You must specifically state what you do and explain how your product or service is going to make your customers' lives better. You have to spell out why people should buy from you versus your competitors.
Particularly on a home page, you must catch a visitor's attention and give them a reason to stay on your site. If you don't do this immediately, they'll be gone.
For this purpose, words are far more effective than images. In almost all cases, pictures cannot communicate the message nearly as specifically or quickly as well-chosen words can.
It's important to remember that the web revolves around information. People use the web to find out what they need to know, to be informed on topics that are important to them. That almost always means they are looking for text. They want explanations, answers, reasons, and motivation.
I firmly believe that pictures and images enhance a website, but they should be used to provide a tasteful, professional frame for your copy, not replace it.
It is true that web users are notorious for having short attention spans and not wanting to read large amounts of copy. However, the problem is that most of the copy on websites today is vague and not enticing. It's focused on the company rather than the customer. So it should be no surprise that visitors avoid reading it.
The solution does not lie in eliminating text-based communication; it means we have to work harder to capture interest with copy. People DO read copy that catches their attention.
If visitors are met with paragraphs that are focused on them, that are rich with benefits, and that are formatted in easy-to-read chunks, they are much more likely to be drawn in and to act on your offer.
Don't focus strictly on graphics. Go for copy.
About The Author
There are 605.6 million people online. Can they find your business? Jamie Kiley creates powerful and engaging websites that make sure YOUR company gets noticed. Visit www.kianta.com for a free quote.
Get a quick, free web design tip every two weeks--sign up for Jamie's newsletter: www.kianta.com
Alto Pass chicago limos ..Content is king. Without content your website is an empty... Read More
So your web site's online and you've got high rankings... Read More
The internet continues to grow and has become the default... Read More
Here's a really simple way... any novice can create a... Read More
So your web site's online and you've got high rankings... Read More
If you're running a website or online business, your number... Read More
CNN.com's designers have gone out of their way to make... Read More
I'm sure you've all heard the saying 'Build it and... Read More
Drop Capitals are frequently used in many newspapers, books and... Read More
As my occupation is that of a proofreader, one of... Read More
Do your web pages, sales letters or personal presentations include... Read More
Building a website that is exactly what you want and... Read More
If you are reading this, I assume you either have... Read More
Let me repeat that.."The technology may change, but human nature... Read More
Here are a few programs I can't do without. They're... Read More
Why your site should be developed with CSS and semantic... Read More
Many web site designers don't design their sites for the... Read More
The great debate: how much copy you should have on... Read More
~A man [woman] is a success if he [she] gets... Read More
The time it takes to load your site can make... Read More
With so many new websites going up, it is hard... Read More
Easy That's how you'd like life to be, right? Especially... Read More
Want to know what the worst thing to say on... Read More
The importance of choosing your website keywords carefully is very... Read More
This is a two-part article about creating a web site... Read More
Alto Pass cool limo ..When a prospect lands on your website will he or... Read More
Don't make a splash!Are you thinking about using a splash... Read More
Your website is your tool for showing the online community... Read More
When your web site sells more than a dozen items,... Read More
Back to basics. Forget funky design, good copywriting is the... Read More
This is my second article on maximising web site viewability.... Read More
Do use a consistent look and feel Your site should... Read More
Usability isn't only for Web design. It's also applicable in... Read More
About two years ago, I had a go at commercial... Read More
Remember your vision for your company and the brand or... Read More
Hire a designer or a programmer for your website is... Read More
You have only 10 seconds to impress your potential buyer.... Read More
You're almost set. The content of your website, e-book, or... Read More
There are two important reasons to build your website from... Read More
Your home page is the most important page of your... Read More
The great debate: how much copy you should have on... Read More
As my occupation is that of a proofreader, one of... Read More
Have you ever walked pass a shop that, for some... Read More
Are you thinking that it is about time your small... Read More
A search for "web design" on Google returns more than... Read More
I hate to imagine that in your web development project... Read More
The solution lies in creating a 'Database driven website', through... Read More
So how do you know when your graphic designer costs... Read More
We have all seen websites showcasing their testimonials either spread... Read More
1. What's the purpose?The most fundamental thing to do before... Read More
Web Design |