Does a website design matter?

[Eric Barnes]

I know this isn't necessarily site marketing but I feel it does play a part.

I have read articles that say content is king and the layout of a website should come second. Now I do not disagree that good content is important but I just wanted to start a conversation and get your thoughts if you think the site design is an important part and if so how important?

[Lhotch +]

I do beleive content is king, but ease of use does play an important role. For example, look at craigslist? Have you ever seen an uglier site? But look at its content and traffic, people just keep using it. No flash, glammer or glitter just simple in your face content.

Personally, when given a choice and presented with multiple sites that offer the same basic content, I will gravitate toward a website that is easy to use and is more pleasing to the eye.

[civ +]

I think it depends on the market you are trying to attract, and if you are trying to convey a creative image of your company in the process. In the context of classifieds sites though, no, I don't think design has much bearing on success at all.

Craigslist & Ebay are two very successful examples of how form over function works well in our space.

[calaf6 +]

I think that when people land on your site for the first time, you have about 5 seconds to catch their eye.

If the homepage is cluttered and its not obvious how you are (in the case of classifieds) going to advertise your item, or where to go to look for an item then the prospective customer (or purchaser) will just exit and not bother to look any further.
Once you have got over the first cursory glance and the visitor decides not to use the back button, you need to have easy/clear navigation and good content to keep people on the site and interested. Speedy loading of pages and pictures helps as well.

I personally like clean uncluttered sites, without a lot of bright colours, so that they are relaxing and easy to look at without straining my eyes. To me if the site feels comfortable I am more likely to look further and stay on it, although obviously if the site is aimed at a very young market bright colours and the feel of movement and activity are a good idea.

Not been on the craigslist site, but on ebay I just use the search, and go to my account, I rarely read the homepage as there is too much on it.

[Chaslie +]

Eric - I think this thread is indeed important in 'site marketing'. Thanks for bringing it up.

The three aspects we personally consider in site development are:
(1) Layout (including navigation - needs to be intuitive)
(2) Design (the creative presentation)
(3) Content

If 'design' is also considered to be a part of 'layout', then design matters in all cases.

However I prefer to consider design as 'presentation' and keep it separate from layout. It that is the case then:

Design matters but only in relation to the present corporate image you already have out in the marketplace.

Craigslist did not have a corporate image before the site was commenced. Therefore design is negligible.

Now if CNN put up a site design like craigslist, then that would matter. It would not be inkeeping with our already developed assumptions, expectations and knowledge of CNN.

If your business is 'image' related (photographers, artists, graphic design, etc), then certainly, design is important - because it is inkeeping with the 'creative' aspect of your business.

One of our (tractor and farm machinery) hosting clients has a spectacular site design that is over and above the normal corporate image their company projects. Pity it lacks some basic areas of content that would make the site a useful tool for visitors. Their competitors know better - less on design and more on useful content. Therefore a focus on 'design' rather than 'content' = failed site objectives.

Agree with all that 'content is king'.

I love http://www.alistapart.com - that has everything but then again, this is in a 'creative' industry.

[garysmith +]

Many of you know I build and market houses for my "real job".

There are some basic issues we builders need to fulfill if you want to market to the public. If you can't get them out of the car...you can't sell them anything. Layout is huge. Street Appeal is King!

In Building We Must Pay Attention To:

Location...(I feel that your URL really should have a direct connection to what your doing in your site...otherwise when the search engines "locate you" hopefully it won't be on page 12,985).

Street Appeal...(Like calaf6 mentioned, you better be able to get them to stop long enough to come in)

Floor PLan...(your layout should fit the customer well and meet his/her demands)

Price...(how do you fit with the competion...)


I believe design plays a huge role...color and layout matters...if it's pleasing to the eye and flows...they will come again and again. And you want them to tell someone too. Refer. Refer.

gsmith

[SkGold +]

I think content and simplicity are most important.
Don�t remember where, but I read that PlentyOfFish dot com making around $10.000 per day from Google ads . Take a look their design.

[thecarsales]

Hi

Sorry im being a bit thick here!!!New member an all.

his is not a reply to current posting

Can someone tell me where i go to post a question? I cant find it (no im not blonde either!!)


thanks

John

[martini55 +]

I think content is very important but a site needs to be well set out and designed as well. Your layout and design is what the visitor first sees and if it is horrible then they will no doubt leave before even seeing the content. It needs to be inviting, well set out and easy to navigate as well as easy on the eyes I like minimal layouts that look clean and fresh personally.

No matter how good the content is, if it is going to give you a sore head whilst reading it I think most people would click the X at the top righthand corner

[Eric Barnes]

Originally Posted by thecarsales

his is not a reply to current posting
Can someone tell me where i go to post a question? I cant find it (no im not blonde either!!)

Our forums are broken down by version. So if you are running v3.1 you would post in the v3.1 Questions and Support if you are running v3.0.x you would post in the v3.0 Questions and Support.