Abstract - Usability Guidelines are based upon how our brains learn and remember. Learn how the brain thinks and why it matters in web site conversions. Why is it that UX guidelines are so important?

NEW Improve Confirmations - Improve Profits By Todd Follansbee February 2011
This first appeared in Web Marketing Today February 2, 2011 or you can read the original column.

Abstract - confirmations are often an afterthought yet when properly done they can cut support costs, improve customer retention and increase profits. The guidelines in this article are technically simple to implement but you may be surprised at how they will improve customer satisfaction with your company.

My Essential UX toolkit by Todd Follansbee November 2010
First appeared in Web Marketing Today or you can read the original column.
Abstract - In this article I describe the tools I use day to day to improve conversions. I explain how they are used (briefly) and low cost alternatives. I also include good web resources and some key books. As per usual, I don't accept remuneration for recommendations. I also include a link to a set of UX guidelines.

Can You Pass this Short Quiz on Being Persuasive? by Todd Follansbee June 2010
First appeared in Web Marketing Today or you can read the original column.
Abstract - In this article we provide a 5-question quick quiz to see how well you understand key persuasion principles. We then explains each of the answers, citing psychological research regarding principles that motivate people to act. Finally we offer an explanation for how these apply to your website design and approach.

Get more Views for your On-site Video by Todd Follansbee May 2010
First appeared in Web Marketing Today or you can read the original column.
Abstract - Simple guidelines and best practices to encourage clicks on your video Calls to Action.

Website Monitoring protects you from Revenue Loss by Todd Follansbee March 2010
First appeared in Web Marketing Today or you can read the original column.
Abstract - Simple, and often free, website monitoring offers many advantages beyond simple peace of mind. We recommend providers and best practices. (like always we do not benefit from recommendations). Nothing's more discouraging than to discover that your company's website has a broken signup form, a cart failure or an embarrassing page display.

Obvious and Consistent Hyperlinks increase conversions by Todd Follansbee January 2010
First appeared in Web Marketing Today or you can read the original column.
Abstract - Text hyperlink guidelines are simple to follow but we see problems with them all the time. Fundamentals are important, take a few minutes to review this article and your site to make sure you comply.

Faqs - Best practices which will cut Help Desk costs and increase sales by Todd Follansbee September 2009
First appeared in Web Marketing Today or you can read the original column.
Abstract - Guidelines for assembling and displaying Faqs which take a new approach to making this information work for your entire site. Also the article on this site discusses some evolving approaches to customer built Faqs. I guarantee that this article will give you the detail you need to improve your site. If you don't agree, feel free to ask me directly and I will elaborate no charge.

Why Good Navigation is Essential to your Site's Success -
Intro to our Designing effective Navigation Series by Todd Follansbee April 2009
First appeared in Web Marketing Today or you can read the original column.
Abstract - The reasons are compelling! In this short piece you can arm yourself with all the information you need to convince team members why good navigation is essential. Get committed to an exceptional User Experience.

Nav Bar Guidelines - Part 1 in our Designing effective Navigation Series by Todd Follansbee April 2009
First appeared in Web Marketing Today or you can read the original column.
Abstract - A great User Experience starts with good navigation and good navigation begins with a good Nav Bar. Carefully follow these four guidelines and conversions should improve. Existing sites may have a hard time complying with all four but a new site should have little trouble. Any improvement will help so gather your information here and plan your redesign strategy.

Information Architecture - Part 2 in our Designing effective Navigation Series by Todd Follansbee April 2009
First appeared in Web Marketing Today or you can read the original column.

Abstract - This article will address how to design your Information Architecture, how to present the information in your site and how to test your results.

Designing Navigation Elements - "the rest of the story" part 3 of 3 in our Designing effective Navigation Series By Todd Follansbee July, 2009
First appeared in Web Marketing Today or you can read the original column. Web Marketing Today is the largest, oldest internet marketing newsletter on the web - and still free.

Abstract - In parts 1 and 2 of this series we explained how to improve Information Architecture and a Nav Bar which delivers a good User Experience. This article explains how to insure that the remaining navigation elements such as hyperlinks, graphic links, video links, calls to action, and offsite links, provide the correct visual cues and behaviors.

How to get compelling descriptions (Snippets) into your search results by Todd Follansbee February 9, 2009
First appeared in Web Marketing Today or you can read the original column.
Abstract - Search rankings are important but the search results (Snippets) users first see on Google should be compelling and set reasonable expectations. There is much you can do to affect these results and we tell you how in this straightforward yet important conversion article.

Why Good Graphic Design is Vital to Site Success By Todd Follansbee December 16, 2008
First appeared in Web Marketing Today or you can read the original column.
Abstract - Site managers under estimate the importance of good graphics and a professional site appearance. We explain the impact of good graphics based on years of testing user behaviors. Good graphics are worth it and may be less expensive then you think. Here is a list of reasonably priced, excellent graphic designers. (note we do not benefit at all from these recommendations beyond some possible good will).

Wider Screens - Wider Resolutions more design space by Todd Follansbee
First appeared in Web Marketing Today Aug 29, 2008 or you can read the original column .
Abstract - It is time to take advantage of wider screens. Increase your site width from 800 X 600 resolution but be sure to avoid some simple pitfalls. This is a more detailed version then appeared in WMT where space and images are limited.

How to make an effective call to action button by Todd Follansbee Aug. 20 2008
First appeared in Web Marketing Today or you can read the original column.
Abstract - Calls to action are often poorly designed, worded, and positioned. This article looks at ways to improve yours and includes some simple examples.

Morae 201: Why Video Testing is better then Metrics testing by Todd Follansbee
First appeared in Techsmith's: News you can use - usability newsletter.
Abstract - Web site and Landing Page traffic reports tell us which pages have higher exits, but not why people leave. Cart abandonment % is just a number unless you can figure out why they don't buy. Video testing tools like Morae, in the hands of a skilled tester deliver insights into the "why do customers behave this way". Both offer insights and we believe you need both tools. Read the original column.

Morae 201: The First 8 Seconds by Todd Follansbee
First appeared in Techsmith's: News you can use - usability newsletter, or read the original column.
Abstract - What would you say if we called your users a bunch of liars?
While lying isn't their intention (nor are we going to call them that), this article explains how users' words often "misrepresent their feelings" while their faces and bodies will reveal what they are actually thinking. Learn how to understand users' feelings and reactions to your home page by using Morae. Advanced direct user testing teaches us the why's about user behavior as well.

Morae 201: Gaining Deeper Insights and Earning More Revenue By Todd Follansbee
First appeared in Techsmith's: News you can use - usability newsletter.
Abstract – Learn the reasons why and the techniques for improving how you do user testing on web sites. Understanding the psychology behind user behaviors will help you deliver better recommendations and guidelines for site improvement. There is much to learn and this article addresses some of the first hurdles to be faced. Read the original column.

How to design usable Flash elements so they don't distract users. By Todd Follansbee
First appeared in Web Marketing Today or you can read the original column.
Abstract - Distracting Flash Images are hurting sales. User tests show how Flash can frustrate annoy and even hurt communication unless you follow the practical and proven guidelines.

Sell to Seniors By Todd Follansbee
First appeared in Web Marketing Today or you can read the original column.
Abstract– Heads of household ages over 50 possess 43% of the total US discretionary income and it will only grow. Seniors have different needs and behaviors and, before you can sell effectively to them, you need to understand the differences.

Search tools can hurt your business. Be careful when adding it to your web site! By Todd Follansbee 2007
Abstract - People are quick to adopt search tools on a site however they often hurt business. Used wisely they can offer new solutions which can quickly improve business as well. Here is how to use Search to your advantage. We also offer some recommended search solutions. Read the original column.