Today I signed my son up for piano lessons. The company’s website, where I registered, was in need of help on so many levels I’m going to write a series of “what not to do” posts about it. Installment #1: adding music to your website is a really bad idea.
I Might Not Be Alone
In this particular situation I was home alone, but what if I were at my office, surrounded by cubicle neighbors? I’d have to lunge for the speaker volume, or scramble to find the pause or “music off” button on your website. The most likely scenario: I’d quickly leave and never come back.
It Slows Your Website Down
Adding large images or media files slows down your page load time. This annoys people, increases your bounce rate, and makes them unlikely to return, especially if they’re trying to view your website on a mobile device.
Don’t Assume I Like Your Taste in Music
Yes, I’m signing up for piano lessons. But they’re not lessons for me, and I don’t even care for classical music. I’m just the one with the checkbook … the mom … your buyer persona in this situation.
So think long and hard about why you’re adding music to your website and how it’s going to affect a prospect’s impression of your company. Just because Wix or Vistaprint make it easy to add media, doesn’t mean it’s a good idea for your business.