Your Message: Is it clearly presented?

Your message, is it getting lost in the details? This picture is currently making the rounds of the various forums, blogs and humor sites on the Internet. While it has lost its own history, the point it makes is timeless.

Your message is your chance to tell the world what makes you and your business unique. One of the best ways to share your message with your customers is through a website.

Your Message: Don't lose it in the details

Too many websites are like this sign. Extraneous details, while possibly informative, can overwhelm the true message of a webpage.

We've all seen them, those websites that have words and pictures on every available pixel. Their message becomes difficult, if not impossible to find amidst the chaos. Look a little harder and it becomes clear that many of these sites have no clear message.

Don't fall into that trap with your site. If your site is supposed to be selling your product or service; make sure your message is clear.

Have a friend or relative look at the site. Let them look at it without any explanation. Don't tell them why you put that cool picture in the middle of the page. Let them tell you if it adds value. If they ask what's the picture of or for, you know you need to evaluate its usage and the copy surrounding it.

This sign, while it does have a clear message, "Beware sharp edges!", the important message, "The bridge is out!" has become secondary.

Whether writing a website or paper-based materials, always make sure your important message doesn't get lost among lesser ones.

Your Message: What are you selling?

Think about this a little differently. Suppose your store is hard to find, but you are the only place in town to get a particular item. Customers looking for that item will only want to know how to get to your store after they learn you carry that item.

That said, which is a more important message; "Conveniently located one block from the Walmart Plaza" or "We are the only store in the county to carry Item X"?

While both are important, it should be clear that the second sentence is your message and the first is only a detail.

Details are important. They can close the deal. But, it's your message that will get them in the door and turn them into customers.

A note about the author:
Articles appearing on www.yourmessageconsultant.com were written by Michele Tway. Michele has almost 20 years of experience as both an IT and writing professional. She has worked with publicly traded, private and government organizations, and now offers her services as Your Message Consultant. While this article is not available for reprints, she is available to write similar content for your website, newsletter, blog, or print publication.