Subject: Panic
Hey Milt,
So like I said over coffee Friday, I’ve got to get a website set up fast. And it needs to look credible! Not like I put it together in a week.
Even though that’s exactly what I need to do.
Not sure where to start.
Thoughts?
Frank
Subject: Re: Panic
Hey Frank,
Well, the good news is that you’re aware it needs to look credible. A lot of people never get to that point. They think they just need big promises and awesome offers, and they never think about how any of it looks.
Here’s the thing about your site design, it’s not a feature. It’s a thread. It weaves through everything you do online. Every page, every post, every email that links back to your site.
When your site looks good, it’s good for business.
So I’m glad you’re thinking about it.
My recommendation: go with a well-established platform and a professionally designed theme. Look for something with a track record, good support, and clean code.
Good luck,
Milton
Subject: Re: Re: Panic
Milt,
Thanks for the recommendation. Now my problem will be picking the right theme.
There are so many options out there. Seems like a good problem to have, though.
Not sure what you mean by “your website design pervades every aspect of your online presence.”
Sounds ominous. Can you explain?
Frank
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Panic
Hey Frank,
A lot of people think website design is the icing on a cake. A nice finishing touch added to make your offer look good.
But design plays a much more important role than decoration.
First off, you only get one chance to make a first impression, and I mean one. Before people ever read your headline or see your offer, they see the overall appearance of your site. It happens in less than a second. Research on this is clear: users form aesthetic judgments about websites in 50 milliseconds. That’s faster than you can blink.
Your design is either going to draw them in or turn them away, and they won’t give you a second chance to change their mind.
There’s more, but I’m heading out the door. Does that make sense?
Milton
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Panic
Milt,
It makes sense, even though I’d never thought about it like this.
It’s almost like site design is a door people have to pass through before they’ll spend any time with what I’m actually offering.
I get it.
What else do I need to be thinking about? Fill me in?
Frank
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Panic
Hey Frank,
OK, moving on. Let’s say your design convinced someone you have credible information. They’re on your site.
Now you need to keep them there. You want them to stick around long enough to absorb your content, build trust, and eventually consider your offer. That takes time.
The problem is, if your site is complex or confusing, they won’t stick around. Period.
The Nielsen Norman Group calls this “featuritis”, when a website offers too many confusing choices and people just… leave. Not because your content isn’t good. Because they can’t figure out where to look.
Simple, well-designed sites are easy to use. Easy-to-use sites keep people happy. Happy people stick around. Sticking around builds trust.
Start with a well-designed theme. Then keep it simple.
Good luck,
Milton
Subject: Calm
Milt,
Dude … my site is live. I can’t believe I’m saying that.
It didn’t take long to put together. And now that it’s done, I won’t have to spend the holiday weekend working on it like I thought I would.
I’ve already started sharing it. Getting good feedback.
Here’s something I didn’t expect: people seem to enjoy sharing a site that looks good. It makes them feel smart for finding it. Like they discovered something.
Thanks for all your help,
Frank
Subject: Re: Calm
Frank,
You’re going to get a lot of shares. Here’s why: it’s still surprisingly rare to find a website that’s simple, well-designed, clear, and easy to use. You’d think that would be the baseline, but it’s not. Most sites are cluttered, confusing, or just… meh.
By hitting those basic marks, clean design, clear navigation, readable content, you’re already ahead of most.
What I’ve found:
Inviting, engaging, shareable sites grow naturally.
You built a good door. Now people want to walk through it, and bring their friends.
Really glad you went for it. Congrats, man.
Keep me posted,
Milton