How many times have you told someone?

• You are making this too complicated
• Stop over thinking the situation
• Why do you have to make this so hard
• Keep It Simple Stupid

If you weren’t the one making those statements, chances are someone was making them to you! These principles also apply to simple website design. One of the major challenges facing any business today is getting their product or service to market ahead of the competition.

In order to get your product or service to market you must alert the audience that you are available and able to fill a need. In general, with any form of advertising you have approximately thirty seconds to get your target’s attention before they turn the page or click on another website.

If your website doesn’t immediately demonstrate to the visitor what is in it for them and why they should care about your offering, you have failed to illustrate why the visitor should stay. Using simple website design and focusing on the visitor instead of solely on your offering will save you the grief of low conversion rates. Remember conversion rates are the number of lookers that become buyers. The higher the conversion rate the higher your bottom line. The lower the conversion rate the less profitable your business will be.

It is important that you maintain the idea of simple website design. As your business starts to gain momentum you can always create a more complex site that incorporates flash, surveys, and any other bells and whistles that are likely to positively impact your prospects and visitor.

Here is a way to measure if you have achieved simple website design:

• Your home page can be viewed and understood without explanation
• Your visitors are not blinded by an explosion of color that detracts from your message
• Your visitors are not overwhelmed by a flash presentation
• Your visitors are able to decide in under thirty seconds that your product or service adds value to them
• Your visitors feel that your offering is legitimate

If you are able to agree with the above statements, you have achieved a powerful but simple website design. If not keep trying until the above statements are true, and remember Keep It Simple Stupid!