
One Click Wonders - Keep it Simple Website Design Blog > Website Design Tips
May 20, 2005
Simplify, simplify, simplify. Seth Godin, the marketing
guru who wrote "The Big Red Fez" and "The
Purple Cow" argues that people on the web are like stupid
monkeys wearing a big red fez. Make it simple or they
will go somewhere else where it will be simpler. For
example, have you ever been at a site that requires you to
become a member before you even get to see if they have
something you want? Hmmmm... How do I know I want to give
out personal information to a website I know nothing
about? Doesn't sound like a smart move to me.
People are impulse buyers. Everyone knows this from
the grocery line. Why would people be any different
when they are on the web? Make it simple for customers
to view your page, subscribe to your newsletter, or order
your products. One Click! That is all it should take. They
shouldn't need to jump through hoops to contact you or
buy your product. It is just that simple.
The same goes for online ordering: One button next to the
item for purchase and one for checkout. No
need to sign up. No need to become a member. Has your
local gas station ever told you that you must
become a member before you can walk into their store?
Why do people make it so hard? (Now that doesn't mean that
you can't offer membership to people to simplify their
next order, but it shouldn't be mandatory.)
Seth Godin really pushes the "one click" signup.
Unfortuately, now with the Anti SPAM Laws people are now
required to double opt-in. However, the principle still
remains. Make it as simple as possible for people to
use your website. Anywhere you can simplify the
process the better. You might do a test run with some
random people to see if they are able to navigate your
site quickly and efficiently. You will be surprised what
people really don't know.
Look at your current web site. Do customers have to
jump through unnecessary hoops to get what
they need? How can you simplify and streamline the
process. You might even ask your customers
what they liked and didn't like about the process. There
is always room for improvement.
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