What Makes A Credit Union Web Site Great?

I have been developing web sites for well over 10 years. During that time I have seen many changes and differing attitudes regarding what constitutes effective web design. Below you will find details of the philosophy of web design that I have developed through this extensive experience. Some of this you will find self-evident, some bucks the conventional wisdom or current trends and fads. All of it I believe to be the best approach for Credit Union sites right now, but like the web itself, these conclusions will continue to evolve and change.

Here are my own personal conclusions:

• You must realize and never forget: The web is NOT print.
• Pages must load quickly.
• Information should be presented in a legible manner and not obscured by distracting graphics, animations, banners and advertising.
• Keep individual web pages simple with a specific category of content clearly represented on each.
• Users should be able to find the information they seek quickly and easily and with a minimum of click-throughs.
• Effective navigation menus and site map are paramount.
• The World Wide Web is NOT an effective means of advertising.
  Targeted, permission-marketing e-mail is. Your web site is one means of gathering the data necessary to do this type of marketing.
• Anything that looks like an ad will be ignored.
• The Web is a very effective means of customer service, if done correctly.
• There is nothing wrong with a web site being "Brochure-Ware." Having extensive and well-presented information on all your products and services available to your members is a valuable and useful service, serving your members well and reducing staff time and printing costs devoted to providing this information.
• Your web site is also your "Cyber-Branch." Interactive elements such as Online Banking, Bill Paying, Loan Applications, Membership Forms and other tools are a very effective application of this role and lack of these elements will soon make your site lose its appeal and usefulness to your members.
• A web site that is not updated regularly with new information, new tools, current promotions, etc., will appear out of date quickly and lose its appeal and usefulness to your members.
• There should be only one place where returning visitors go for information on what's new on the site and it should be linked prominently from the home page. Users can and will bookmark it if they choose.
• The home page should not be overcrowded with links to various services, 3rd party sites, ads for new promotions, etc. One prominent link to the newest content only. There should also be a clear outline, map or menu of what's contained within the site.
• more to come...

Services  •  Portfolio  •  Design Philosophy  •  Contact