Fabulous Friday to you. I have some quick thoughts based on navigating a few arts websites recently.
The mantra “User friendly first” should be implemented at all times for your website. You want to earn this badge:
Here are a few updates to incorporate if you haven’t already:
- If there is any scrolling or back and forth involved to getting core information or information that should go together, then consider fixing this pronto.
- Check the apps you are using on both a desktop computer and a mobile phone. There are some apps that will not work for both. This would be good to fix if this is the case for your site.
- Are the links to donate or purchase tickets/art/music, etc. upfront enough to get to at all times? If they are click deep, meaning it takes a few clicks to get to them, then I would update so only one click is involved from your front page.
- For links to your online art gallery, music clips, and video trailers, make sure they are on your main header AND footer sections. People should be able to get to these important sampler additions anywhere on your sites.
- If you have multiple shows, consider having a landing page for each show with video and/or pic highlights and ticket links to purchase. This will help with marketing each show individually. If you really can’t come up with the space, it would be good to go the anchor tag route so you still have a way to individually promote each show. Think personalization and segment your list for the people who will really love this particular show!
- Make sure your media is embedded on your site. For buying tickets or purchasing art and music, if possible, embed the widgets on your site. Keeping people on your site is the name of the game, and having a one-stop shop is the way to go to not lose those more fickle buyers. If they hop off your site, you might just lose them.
- Create a media kit page for publicity. Include links to press releases (.pdfs), media, and other helpful information for the press to cover you easily.
- Always make sure they have an easy way to get in touch with you, especially help them to navigate to the right person based on particular buying situations.
I hope these suggestions help, and remember when building and updating your website: “User friendly first!”
If I have left out anything, let us know by replying! Thank you!
Cheers to happy and loyal audiences,
Shoshana
Shoshana Fanizza
Chief Audience Builder, Audience Development Specialists
