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The World Wide Web has witnessed
a proliferation of cheap, template-based Websites. Typically
produced using formulaic builders, such Websites undeniably
serve the function of "getting something online,"
which at least avoids the embarrassment of not having
secured any real estate on our planet's sole ubiquitous
business network. The impression thus conveyed, however,
is almost always generic and stale, if not downright
trashy.
In its E-Commerce
Survey, the Economist explains the importance of
a high-quality Website that forcefully communicates
a firm's personality and value proposition:
“A company that neglects its website may be committing
commercial suicide. A website is increasingly
becoming the gateway to a company's brand, products
and services—even if the firm does not sell online.
A useless website suggests a useless company, and a
rival is only a mouse-click away.”
Independent research backs this view. According to an
extensive study conducted by Consumer
WebWatch (a division of Consumer Union/Consumer
Reports) and the Stanford
Persuasive Technology Lab, visitors determine
a Website's credibility predominantly on the basis of
the design quality, or the “look,” presented. "To
look good is to be good--that's the primary test when
people assess a Website's credibility," explains
B.J. Fogg, Ph.D, Director of the Stanford research team.
And "while consumers say they judge on substance,
these studies demonstrate that they judge on aesthetics"
affirms Beau Brendler, Director of Consumer WebWatch.
Your organization may be losing valuable opportunities
because of a low-quality or underdeveloped Web identity,
and your competitors may be capitalizing on your weakness.
The sums at stake can be quite large, depending on the
nature of, and your position in, the markets in which
you are competing. We're here to help you capture
these revenues and growth opportunities, so tell
us about the challenges you face.
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