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It is impossible to appeal to every visitor’s individual taste, but it is possible to create a site that reflects company’s image and elicits a positive response from viewers. Good layout, colour, style and font type can influence site user’s assumptions about company, or its products and services.
Businesses must understand their demographic and appeal to that visual sensibility. Too often companies are convinced by design firms try to be something they aren’t. Why an accounting firm would need a Flash intro is beyond me. Invest in simple, clean design that reflects spirit and guiding principles of company.
Site attractiveness also aids navigation and usability as well as adding to enjoyment and overall site experience for user. One of main reasons that a user will leave a site quickly is not being able to find relevant content. When aesthetics are good, navigation buttons are easy to read, clearly labeled and, lastly, quickly found and identified.
Aesthetics are not frivolous or wasteful. To ensure a successful site, companies must not only consider nuts and bolts of technical side of site, but visual appeal that site holds for user. A well-designed site will be cost-effective as it will last longer, create value for client and help market company in most professional way. Good design aesthetics add tangible benefits such as improved client response to Web site and a memorable and solid company image.
A. Charlotte Riley has worked as an Internet editor, content producer, marketing writer and researcher. She has a BFA from Concordia University, majoring in Photography. In her spare time she can be found cooking, working on crossword puzzles or hanging out with her daughter, Kate. Visit: http://www.acriley.com