2 Websites
with potential problems
http://www.richsoil.com/raising-chickens.jsp
This site is
way too busy. It should be broken down
into separate pages or sections. It doesn't give you a sense of direction or flow.
How about at least a back to top link.
Where’s the branding? How about a
logo? It just looks like a newsletter
was thrown up on a website. It doesn't make
me want to come back and visit the site again.
This site
has some potential. But their home page
looks just like their news page, with the same info. It appears like their home page is one large
blog. Nice pictures, but you have to
scroll forever. How about a back to top link,
or maybe breaking it down by months. Why
are they not using the whole screen? Too
much wasted space, with everything stuck in the middle of the page in small
print. Do they use social media? I didn’t see any links. Their logo stands out though. This site just needs to be cleaned up, utilizing
the whole screen, and the home page or blog needs to be better organized.
2 websites
that have done it right
Apple
obviously knows what they are doing when it comes to design. Everything they do reflects that, from their
website to their products to their commercials.
The design and branding is very consistent. They keep it simple, yet elegant. They are even trying to do this with their new
operating system and the icons. Less is
more. The website makes you want to
explore it completely. What else is in here? They have a great site map, however, I couldn't find any social media links. Apple is a
bit arrogant in that they think their way is the only way, and if they don’t
have it, you don’t need it type of philosophy.
I like the
layout of the Swagelok site. It’s easy
to find things, they keep their home page simple but with enough info and links
to get you where you need to go. They have
a call to action to sign up for an account to receive pricing and quotes. Their site is designed to do exactly what
they want it to do. I think the printing
could be a little larger, but that’s the only fault I see.
I also listed this website as a website with potential problems. Like you, I am steering clear of that website at all costs. It is such a pain to use with its lack of organization! Maybe I'm being dramatic but nothing is worth going through all that to get information that I could get much easier elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteI think Apple's design, aesthetics and branding is superior and they seem to think so as well. Normally, I would consider a company's lack of social media a mistake, but in my opinion Apple is an exception. I don't think this makes them seem arrogant because they have a direct and passionate relationship with their customers, who are loyal. They grant their customers opportunities to use social media through their computers, phones and tablets and were among the first to offer mobile based apps. They just choose not to do business that way. Apple keeps its upcoming products hidden from competitors so that they can have complete control over the message when they do announce a new product. With the impeccable design, appearance and branding of Apple's website, there is no better place to find updates and the newest information on Apple products anyway. It seems that using social media would just compromise the message. Plus, the company's secretive nature makes it difficult for them to collaborate with social media platforms.
I agree with both of you guys, yes those websites with major lack of organization are losing a great avenue to attract customers. I get frustrated and take my business to another website that has a better layout and makes my shopping experience pleasant. The lack of social media on the Apple's website is a great mystery to me also, why are they not taking advantage of this awesome means of marketing?
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