Bikeshedding is a term that was coined as a metaphor. Focusing on minutiae while neglecting the bigger picture sums it up quite well. Below is a discussion of how bikeshedding can be utilized in an effort to maintain perspective while still creating a compelling, relevant, and functional website.
Clients have often come to us with minor issues such as the color palette utilized on a page, the fonts being utilized, and various other aesthetic concerns. Quite often we find that configuring extensions which are more relevant in terms of the appearance of a website rather than promoting its functionality. Many clients would rather pay attention to the layout of a site rather than take a peek ‘under the hood’, but it is vital to realize that without the proper underlying mechanics, your site is at risk of becoming less relevant than it could be. Your content...what your website is putting forward and sharing with other people is what needs to be top-notch, it needs to draw people in so deeply that they want to share it with others. It is the heart and soul of your online brand.
Skin-deep, aesthetic changes to a website’s appearance or even its user experience will not serve to increase a site’s presence online if the end result for the visitor is all fluff and no substance. Below are some ideas for creating awesome content:
When browsing the Internet, patience is not always a virtue…and so it stands to reason that having a site which is largely focused upon delivering content to visitors quickly should be a top priority. Speed boosts the conversion rates of all sites, because it is a matter of convenience (which all customers appreciate). Below are some useful tips on how to boost the rate of speed at which your site delivers content:
Below you will find some tools for testing the speed at which your site operates:
A high performing website will be very important as your site and brand gain steam online, because you will have the online infrastructure to accommodate the growth in question. Now that you’re aware of the existing options available to optimize your site for search and overall functionality you can leave the small things behind, and focus on the big picture.