A recent joint study prepared by staff at Stanford University
for
Consumer Webwatch, the same organization which publishes the
highly respected "Consumer Reports" magazine, has some
surprising results.
The study was conducted in an attempt to determine what
criteria the average user applies to a website to determine if
it is a credible website. In other words, what attracts a
browser (visitor) to a site?
The results of the study suggest that a credible site is
primarily one that has an authoritative look to it, is well
designed and easy to navigate. It should possess an abundance
of relevant, in-depth content, even if most users don't read it.
The study also went to on to describe how specific sites
should appear, in order to help them give the impression of
credibility.
For example, finance related sites were rated highest in
terms of having an authoritative appearance, while health and
news sites should focus more on information to make them appear
more authoritative. E-commerce and Finance sites should have an
easily recognizable name to improve their usability while news
sites had the appearance of being biased.
For more information on this research click
here to go to the site to read or download the study.
Rob Sullivan
Searchengineposition.com
Search Engine
Positioning
specialists
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This article can be reproduced in it's entirety, if the author
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