The first impression your website makes on a visitor can be the difference between them staying to explore or leaving immediately. Does your website elicit a "Wow, this is interesting!" reaction, or does it prompt a "Not this again, how dull" response? The 'flavor' or 'spice' of your website could be the deciding factor.
I recall the early days of my website, adorned with more animations than a Christmas tree in December. I was under the impression that I was on the right track. However, as time passed, my products remained stagnant. My website was aesthetically pleasing and even had music, but it wasn't effective.
To rectify this, I started reading various newsletters to learn how to drive sales through my website. I realized the importance of having a merchant account to accept credit cards and began my search for an affordable one.
I sought advice from web consultants about why my website wasn't generating sales. One suggested that I had too many animations, while another recommended adding a caption like "How to dress as an islander?" to align with my Island theme. I was also advised to make my website look more like the larger companies, such as Amazon.
Despite my reservations, I decided to revamp my website to resemble those of other companies. However, this decision turned out to be a complete failure. Not only did I feel a sense of disappointment every time I visited my website, but I also received negative feedback from returning visitors. They missed the animations and music that had previously characterized my website.
Encouraged by this feedback, I decided to reintroduce some 'spice' to my website. I gradually brought back some of the animations, particularly the swaying palm trees and the bouncing lizard head, which were crowd favorites. I also added walking feet and a swimming fish, along with other interactive elements. I continually update my website to keep it fresh and engaging for all visitors.
While I'm not suggesting that everyone should add swaying palm trees and lizards to their websites, I do recommend adding a unique 'flavor' that aligns with your instincts and the culture of your products. This could be the difference between a visitor merely glancing at your website and leaving, or staying to explore what other surprises you have in store. Remember, the right amount of 'spice' can make a significant difference.
