Using Color and Graphics

Your website can make or break you when a visitor views it for the first time.  If it doesn't grab their attention and keep it, you've lost money.  See Harvard University website to the right.  They have a big picture of the top of a tower.  Does that make you want to go to school there?  Would a picture of the students having fun at a football game not be more enticing?

Also, if you website gives them the wrong impression, they may go elsewhere.  The website at the right is for a ski lodge.  I expect to be taken care of in a professional way and know that my rooms are clean and comfortable and relaxing. This website does not make me think they are capable of this.  I won't be staying there!



So what are some things you can do to make your home page more appealing?  
Here are some "Warm Friendly" suggestions for your website:

1. Do not put pictures of the outside of your building on the home page!  These are fine for the contact page, but put people pictures on your home page! Large pictures of friendly people that look ready and willing to help are best.  If you can't take your own pictures, buy them from an online resource.  A warm, friendly, welcoming face goes a long way towards inciting trust.  Look approachable!
2. Do not use animated GIFs and midi files.   Look professional!
3. Use color and logos to brand your site.  Make sure all your marketing material has the same branding, including your yellow pages ads, business cards, brochures, fliers, social media and website.  Try for a clean, bright and professional look.  Look memorable!
4. Use moving elements, like slide shows, flash or video to maintain viewer interest.  Look interesting!
5. Make your primary focus: "Here is how we can help you!"  instead of "we are so wonderful because..."  Look helpful!
6. Invent reasons to bring people back to your site frequently.  This can be a blog, a store, free coupons, etc.  Regular, new, updated information is key.  Look knowledgeable!
7. Create a clear navigation flow from first opening page through to your desired result.  Make it look easy!

The images on the left are three images of the slide show of a local business website I designed.  Each image causes a different feeling and a different impression of their company.  Look at them and see which one you like best.

Image is everything!  Don't loose sales because you portray the wrong one to the public on your website.

The most important thing is to keep seeking ways to improve it and make it more valuable to your clients and prospects.