Website Themes Does It Matter...really???

[ITsoldUK]

OK

Me and my business partner have both put forward our POV regarding a website and its appearance.

Mine, is that a site that has been operating well for some years does not have to look the same throughout (theme wise) as each section of the site offers a different aspect of use. For example, service A, different service B etc...

His is that it does need the same look and feel regardless.

What is your impartial view as we cannot agree...

Ta

(PS the subject site is not important at this juncture)

 

[OldWelshGuy]

There should be a common 'theme' this doesn't mean it has to have an identical layout etc, but ideally a logo, colour theme etc should be consistent. there is also an argument for fonts to be uniform.

In an ideal world coprorate branding should be constant, with each page using common layout etc, as this is what leads to maximum usability and as you know that means maximum return.

 

[fisicx]

Got to agree with that.

People can land on any page and move to other pages. A consistent look and feel make them more comfortable.

At the very least, keep the header and navigation constant and make sure the content has consistent styling.

 

[Nuno]

As above. Earl Krug's 'Don't make me think' book would sum it up.

If the site has a uniform look and 'feel' the reader will only have to think about those aspects which help convert him, not about e.g. why is the banner different, or where is the top nav?.

This is basic design helping conversion.

 

[OldWelshGuy]

it is ALL about the conversion rate, as no matter how much traffic you have, if it ain't converting there is no point in having it

 

[ITsoldUK]

Thanks guys

I have just popped into my kitchen and prepared a freshly baked humble pie and shall serve it to him with a note stating I am busy for the next two days converting the front end...

Much appreciated and I always admit when I am wrong.... begrudgingly

You are all stars.

 

[fisicx]

Naaaa,

You're not wrong - you just have a different opinion.

If you had a site that converted straight from the landing page then could could have different layouts/themes for each page

But if you have a site that people like to browse then keep it consistent.

 

[KM-Tiger]

I don't think you were wrong either.

As is often the case in IT matters, it's all too easy to address the wrong question, or debate solutions without properly understanding the requirements.

OWG has put it best - "it's ALL about conversion".

Start from there and everything else will fall into place.

 

[ITsoldUK]

2 days as promised and a seamless browsing experience is delivered...and guys, I have to say, it feels right.

Kudos to you all.

 

[Websitehandyman]

I don't think each page has to be identical in theme but the content context should be themed. For example if you have a "news" section and then snippits of "news" appear on other pages then that should be themed the same throughout. This could be as simple as background or board colour.

I also think the main navigation should be stable.

 

[CrLucch]

User experience is one big factor in choosing theme for your website. Make your site easy to the eyes and easy to navigate. Also, it should not affect load times.

 

[ITsoldUK]

User experience is one big factor in choosing theme for your website. Make your site easy to the eyes and easy to navigate. Also, it should not affect load times.

Did you read my first post ie the point of this thread?

Thought not...