ou see a lot of new web large files (as all flash or .fta
site templates that have files are) you are making the
all sorts of special user wait. That is never a good
effects like noise, moving thing in today’s I want it now
images, and morphing graphics. mindset. The second slow down can
The gee whiz or cool factor is occur based on the user’s screen
used to sell the web site design settings and resolution. And the
template and entice the buyer. third is that the user may not
But what impact, if any, does have the necessary version of
this kind of special effect have flash so they will be asked to
on the value of the user download the latest version.
experience?
First impressions do count and if
I know that I’m not very you start off by making the user
attracted to noisy web sites. If update and wait for some gee whiz
fact if your target user is visual that doesn’t add any
working in an office environment value, it’s probably not a good
or other quiet working area, thing. Especially if you are
noise is the last thing they doing some type of direct
need. One of the most common marketing. The emotional state of
practice jokes I’ve seen is to the potential buyer is important
lure an unsuspecting user to a and irritating a user right off
site that screams or plays some the bat doesn’t bode well for
dramatic music as soon as you generating sales.
enter the web site. It is funny
but it’s not nice. It’s a well-known fact that you
only have a few seconds to grab
Special effects have 3 possible the visitor’s attention. If you
drawbacks. First and foremost is use up those precious seconds
load time. When you add several loading some flash routine that’s
not a very good use of time. A template as a guide on color and
strong headline or even an layout. Maybe use a graphic or
illustration would be a better illustration that fits my subject
choice. matter. There are no rules, the
important issues are to
The one benefit of using communicate, sell, or influence
templates is that you can change your visitor. So as long as you
the layout to better fit your can accomplish the given tasks,
subject matter or target that’s all that matters.
audience. The designer of the
template (like many chefs I’ve That’s not to say that you can’t
met about being horrified when use flash or other special
you pick up a condiment to put on effects. When the subject matter
their perfect dish) don’t want or message lends itself to audio
you messing with their design. or specific graphics flash can be
Whenever I use a template I very effective. I have audio on
almost always customize the several of my web sites since it
design. is a good method of
communication. But the audio is
There are two reasons I change controlled by the visitor, they
something on almost any template. can choose to listen or not, it’s
The first is to make sure people their option.
don’t see multiple copies of the
same design. The other is that Special effects cover a lot of
rarely will a template fit my grounds. If you need to visually
concept exactly. Some type of demonstrate a process that is
tweaking or changing is necessary difficult to describe, an
to achieve my goal. illustration is perfect. If you
want to provide an example of
Many times I just use the music, or provide a video demo on
some process, or the special like, but the humans do and they
effect helps create credibility are the ones buying the product.
(like testimonials for example).
And don’t be afraid to make
I think the main thing to keep in changes to the templates to suit
mind is to use and not abuse any your particular need. If you like
flash routines. Don’t over do it the colors and layout but not the
just for the sake of having some illustrations or graphics, just
flashy (no pun intended) design remove the graphics and
that slows down the load time and illustrations or put in ones you
doesn’t add any value. Use any feel better serve the design.
special effects appropriately and
keep them as fast loading as I would also suggest some change
possible. is necessary on any template to
give it your personal touch. You
And when you go shopping for don’t want 50 other websites with
templates, don’t go for the the same design as yours anyway.
singing dogs or flying fish. It’s Add some originality to the
like the dog food commercials layout or add some new graphics
trying to show how much their dog that are unique to your web site.
food looks like human food. The
dog doesn’t care what it looks
About the Author:
John Dow owns http://www.fptemplates.net, a website that sells a great set of web site templates and tools package. Get 125 Templates and utilities like Audio, Shopping Carts, and other scripts. Don’t pay $30-$150 for just one template when you can get 125 for $29.95. Go to http://www.fptemplates.net.
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John Dow
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