How Time’s 50 Best Websites Can Make Your Site Better

Time Magazine posted its list of the 50 Best Websites 2008, and as evidenced by the string of suggested sites that visitors left, there are thousands more out there that people are passionate about.

Aside from some handy resources and cool features, what does the average business owner have to learn from Time’s Best Websites list? Plenty. These websites have been designed not just to be cool, but to have the user’s experience as the site’s primary focus. It’s this attention to the user that has prompted over 150,000 people to visit Time and vote for their favorite site.

When planning your website design, take a cue from the creative ones that made Time’s Best Websites list this year.

  • Keep the navigation simple. While you may be tempted to try out funky link graphics or titles, remember that most of your users will be new to the site and if they find it difficult to get around the first time, they probably won’t be back for more. The easier it is for a user to navigate, the better they’ll feel about the experience. The better the experience, the more likely they’ll be to take action – whether it’s as simple as signing up for a mailing list or a full-out e-commerce transaction.
  • Make your products interactive. Not all sites need to be as extensive as Lookybook.com, but one visit to Lookybook’s library makes it easy to understand why the site made the 50 best list. The flip-through technology takes the guess work out of picking out a children’s book for your favorite little one. Not all e-commerce sites need to offer such extensive detail. Depending on what you’re selling, simple features such as alternate views, 360° rotation, or just a solid, creative description will be enough to move the user to action. However you choose to do it, make your products come alive. It’s the best way to move the user from a shopper to a buyer.
  • Instant gratification. Internet users are a fickle bunch, so don’t make them jump through hoops. Offer up the most pertinent information early in their visit, like the search engine SearchMe.com. One visit to this innovative, graphic-driven site and you’ll see how users don’t even have to bother clicking to visit a site to make sure it’s the right one. When developing your site, brainstorm with your programmers about ways to give your users an easy feeling of accomplishment.
  • Make your site a place to hangout. You don’t need to create the next Myspace or Facebook, but in today’s internetland, people like to make their presence known. Sites like iliketotallyloveit.com let users lead the way. On this site, guests get to submit products for review by fellow visitors as well as comment on items posted by friends or strangers. As Time notes, it’s a good way to watch trends “bubble” up to the top of the shopping charts, but by allowing the user to track his or her product responses, you’ve also created incentive for users to visit more frequently.

Time’s list is far from exhaustive, but strolling through it will offer up more than a few creative ideas for designing a site of your own. Once you’ve got a list of features that interest you, talk to your web designer about the best way to incorporate these ideas. Working with a designer that has your site’s best interest at heart will help ensure that your site is as functional and intriguing as it is informative.

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Joining Hearts President
Joining Hearts President
2023-07-14
Brady's professionalism and attention to detail exudes his beyond standards to ensure his clients are not only satisfied but exceeds in work. He totally revamped our website and made it more user friendly and provided supreme consultation to ensure the smooth transition and we were not down for any period of time when we launched. He is always available to assist when we have questions or need support. I highly recommend.
S Reaves
S Reaves
2023-07-14
I started a podcast in July of 2021. I reached out to Brady to help me make my website better, the person I originally hired lacked vision or listened to what I wanted. Brady listened to what I wanted for my website and took it to an entirely new level!! Not only did he take it to a new level, he showed me how to manage my website and make updates. Anytime I call Brady with a question or concern, he gets back to me right away....STILL in 2023. I love Brady, and I recommend him to everyone!
Caroline Karolinko
Caroline Karolinko
2023-07-12
I absolutely LOVE working with Brady. He is readily available and has so much knowledge. He also is detail oriented and has a great eye for design!
Justine Gesualdi
Justine Gesualdi
2023-07-11
Brady has worked with us for years and has been our web designer and up keep. He is a great guy and responds quickly!! We recommend him for businesses especially.
Cathy Beardsley
Cathy Beardsley
2023-07-11
We have worked with Brady for over two years. He helped us completely redesign our website and continues to support updates to the site as well as other technology projects we are working on. Although Brady is a consultant, he works like a team member and is available to help whenever we need him!
Heather Shields
Heather Shields
2023-07-11
To say that I love working with Brady Mills is a bit of an understatement. After all, when SEOs and Designers work together, it can go either way. Luckily, through a messenger-like service of recommendations, my company was introduced to the Brady Mills agency as simply "a super website designer resource." I myself work for a media agency that has no real connections for creative services that we offer our clients. Well, that has certainly changed. From the beginning of a website and branding redesign, as well as site migration, I've loved partnering with Brady and team because the communication (understanding vision, asking questions, timely responses, accessibility, talent of representing company marketing and sales and execs, etc.), passion, and creativity has been top-notch. They were able to craft a wonderfully digital experience for a client that was so impressive, I went on to share the work and proven lift in site usage and conversions with the rest of my agency. I recommend Brady Mills to every company seeking to enhance their website to solidify that B2B or B2C connection online. If I sound a bit overzealous it's because I am. In my couple decades' work in SEO, content, analytics, and consulting, I hadn't found a better site designer until early 2021. If I could give six stars, I would.
Debra Cates
Debra Cates
2023-07-11
If you need someone who is extremely knowledgeable of the industry, an efficient worker and easy to deal with when designing or updating your company's website, Brady Mills is the best choice. Five stars - all day, every day!
Sarah Martin
Sarah Martin
2016-07-11
I contracted Brady for a website for a political race. He was professional and courteous, and the product was beyond expectations, very user friendly. Definitely highly recommend!
Catherine Martucci
Catherine Martucci
2016-07-10
I've worked with Brady Mills on several projects including website redesign, web development, SEO, email marketing, and social media projects. He is a ROCK STAR! He knows all the latest technologies and best practices. And best of all -- he is both easy and fun to work with. I highly recommend you do business with Brady!

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