[UGAF] Opinions?

[Timothy Uhl]

It needs a bit more help:

A. The colors are very masculine.  The target audience for a photography studio is feminine, this is regardless of whether or not they're doing weddings, children, or family.  The target audience is almost so exclusively women, the site should very obviously cater to women.  This means softer colors, soft lines, fashionable design, etc.

B. Design for BIG pictures.  It's the images that sell - find a way to make the pictures big and beautiful.

C. Make it an emotional experience.  Women shop emtionally, not cognitively like men.  Try adding music, slow slideshows and very little to no words.

Here are the three ingredients for a good Web site:

1. Easy NavigationStructure.
"Put the hey where the horses will find it."  Most visitors that are looking at a photographer's site want to see a gallery and prices, make those things easy to find.

2. Compelling Messaging.
Give them a reason to hire you.  You're either the cheapest, the fastest, the most hassle free, have the best service, etc.  Make sure people know how/why you're different.

3. Call to Action.
What do you want users to do after viewing the site?  Call you, fill out a form, buy a product?  Make it obvious and easy what it is you want them to do.

Some Resources:
www.bludomain.com - They make sites JUST for photographers.
www.hypertemplates.com - Look up "artists" and see some sites for those showing their work.
www.bigfolio.com - Another one for photographers.

-Tim Uhl
www.recycledhuman.com


----------------------------------------
> From: lists at wadeshearer.com
> Subject: Re: [UGAF] Opinions?
> Date: Wed, 4 Jul 2007 16:15:08 -0600
> To: ugaf at ugaf.org
> 
> > The navigation is cut off in my browser (Safari on a Mac) That's bad
> > for usability. I would rethink the navigation structure so that is is
> > more usable. Nested menus on a site of this size are really
> > unnecessary. Either consolidate some sections, or rethink the
> > information architecture. Can the engagements, bridal, ceremony, and
> > reception sections all be on one page? That's how I have seen it on
> > most photographers' sites.
> 
> That was my first thought and recommendation: use drop menus very,  
> very sparingly and never use sub-drop menus.
> 

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