The Green Sheet Online Edition

September 08, 2014 • Issue 14:09:01

Boost Your Biz

Surf the web enough and you begin to notice that websites are becoming easier to navigate – and easier to read. In large part, this simplification movement is being driven by the explosion in mobile device usage, where screen sizes are smaller and demand larger type, less text, and clear, simple touch-screen navigation.

It seems mobile startups are leading this trend toward more simple and direct website design. It also seems the websites of many payment businesses are lagging behind. With customers expecting quicker, more immediate mobile web interactions, payment firms can do themselves a favor and simplify their turf on the web.

1. Site layout: Mobile devices typically cannot load web pages as quickly as computers do (particularly those with old-fashioned architecture), so make your pages lean, and minimize the number of navigable pages. Devote pages to your most important products and services, most pertinent information about your company and, of course, how potential customers can contact you.
2. Take advantage of white space: Cluttered websites are a turn-off. By incorporating white space into site design, you create a cleaner, more sophisticated appearance. And you also make it easier for users to touch the buttons they want to touch.
3. Avoid fancy animation: It’s fun to incorporate Flash or Java animations into websites. But Apple Inc. products do not support Flash, and many other smartphone models are Java averse as well. Animation can be eye catching, however, so upload snappy marketing videos to YouTube and link them to your site.
4. Avoid heavy color schemes: Website color pallets have become lighter over time. Light blues and greens, as well as tangerine and mango type colors, dominate over solid reds and blacks. Light colors give an impression of elegance and ease, while heavy colors create weighty, sluggish experiences.
5. Forego pop-up windows: It is harder to navigate between multiple tabs and browser windows on mobile devices. And opening multiple windows slows down load times.

Remember, we live in an age of instant communication. So when potential customers navigate to your websites, make sure they think "light and fast" rather than "heavy and slow."

The Green Sheet Inc. is now a proud affiliate of Bankcard Life, a premier community that provides industry-leading training and resources for payment professionals. Click here for more information.

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