Real experts at web marketing know that basics of advertising are key to success. Below are links to articles which cite examples of website successes and failures.

Surprisingly even so-called expert ad agencies and other creative marketers have failed miserably on the internet because they do not understand that it is not just like other media and there are technical requirements and limitations unlike other advertising.

It is very important to design for all the technical and marketing requirements in the early stages, so obviously you need to study important web selling principles. If you have an existing website, even more planning and research is important to not lose traffic and not spend too much money.

Here are a few article links to read which are about design and success on the internet.

http://www.businessweek.com/2000/00_47/b3708076.htm

http://www.business.com/guides/search-engine-optimization-seo-407/

http://www.gerrymcgovern.com/nt/2004/nt_2004_01_19_ad1.htm
(note what he says about flash or similar about midway down in the article)

Your web designer can help you keep your site interesting and attractive without overdoing flash or javascript animation that can be slow and distracting. Great pictures of what you do or your featured products really help sell. If you use slideshows or image changers, these images should be the main featured items with text to get the buyer to BUY NOW, etc.

Below is a quote from a leading expert on web design (McGovern).

"There is no question that certain designs can be made both beautiful and functional. But for other design challenges, the more beautiful the design is made, the less functional and easy to use it becomes. This is particularly true for websites."
Article from "The best websites are useful and ugly" By Gerry McGovern.

In another article he notes that the top selling website Ryanair.com is literally almost ugly but highly functional.

http://www.gerrymcgovern.com/nt/2006/nt-2006-01-30-blink.htm
(see midpage Ryanair.com)

Quoting him again:

"If first impressions are so important on the Web, then why have all the above websites been so successful? Perhaps the answer is that the look of the website comes second to the function of the website."

Please note it does NOT have to be ugly but it must be functional and easily readable by people and search engine spiders as well as be easy to navigate quickly.

If you are a qualifying prospective customer, you may request a password to read our article on design priorities:

We will adding more proprietary articles in the future for our customers pertaining to building traffic and business sales.

In summary, web marketing success requires thoughtful study and a fine balance of technical, business strategy and internet marketing requirements. Your web design and marketing expert can help you achieve these balances.