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 message nearly as specifically or quickly as well-chosen words can.

It's important to remember that web revolves around information. People use 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, problem is that most of copy on websites today is vague and not enticing. It's focused on company rather than 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.

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.

- Placing elements in unexpected places. Like putting logo on right side of page or placing main navigation along bottom of design.

- Using a splash page on site because it looks neat, even though it keeps visitors from getting to real information in site.

- Using a lot of fancy images that make page load more slowly.

- Opting for a totally graphical design with no copy on main page. Regardless of fact that visitors won't have a clue what business is all about until they get further into site.

These are all examples of choosing form over function. Unfortunately, if your design looks great but is hard to figure out, your visitors will be gone. They don't come to your site to admire looks; they come to use site--to find information or to accomplish a task. Anything you do to stand in their way is a no-no.

Most of time, a visitor's attention span is about as long as snake fur. They have no patience. If you complicate their lives, they're outta here. Other sites are ready and waiting to meet their needs, so there is no reason they should struggle through your site. If you opt for form over function, you're likely to opt yourself right out of sales. Not good.

When you're designing your website, don't think about looks first. Always make function a priority. Think about what's going to be easiest for your visitors to use and understand. Then create an attractive presentation to accentuate it.

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.