Interesting Article On Automatic Image Sliders On Websites

[directmarketingadvice]

I think this is interesting:

http://conversionxl.com/dont-use-automatic-image-sliders-or-carousels-ignore-the-fad/

I suspect it's probably true. (Most of the time.)

Steve

 

[S-Marketing]

Fisicx has been saying exactly that for quite some time in the site review forum. Its good to see other opinion backing it up.

 

[AlexanderR]

I'm not so sure, it's pulled me in quite a few times while I've been browsing for prospects. I've almost purchased because of something I've seen on them, until common sense kicks in of course.

Have to say it's an entirely retail thing though.

 

[mattearlycom]

I like the idea of banner blindness... Is that actually a term?

Do we have the other side of the argument though?

 

[Scott-Copywriter]

My tests have proven that the carousel on my website has increased conversions, so it all depends how they're used.

I believe it's down to three reasons:

1). My carousel contains testimonials from clients, so it isn't about multiple offers pulling the visitor in numerous directions; it's about fortifying the main sales copy with testimonials to add credibility and trust.

2). The carousel allows visitors to move from slide to slide with buttons as they please, so it becomes more of an interactive tool to flick through testimonials if a visitor wishes to do so.

3). By embedding the testimonial copy within images and then turning them into slides presented one at a time, it avoids the page being too saturated with text. Also, it's funny that the article mentions how the information within the carousel may not be focused on as well as static text, as that is what I would intend to happen. The main headline and sales copy is always the primary focus with the carousel acting as a back-up tool for visitors who score testimonials highly when it comes to buying decisions. It's all about catering for a wider scope of target prospects.

However, when it comes to using carousels for multiple offers, I'd probably agree that there are more effective ways to get them across.

 

[35173]

I would say don't rely on them, but keep them as an extra for people who will use them. I don't believe it's ever as black and white as - using xy and z is wrong or right, I think the balance needs to be found.