Times are changing here in web 2.0 land. I still come across many websites that look like they’re stuck in the 90’s. Full of text and generic graphics. Don’t get me wrong, though. There are companies who have very well-designed websites that provide a great deal of useful content via text articles. However, people have different modes of learning. Some simply just want to read. Then you have people who love to watch videos or listen to pod casts. Your customers need different options of getting information. So, are you providing it?

I think it’s important to know what it is you need in order to be more appealing and keep customers and/or readers (if you operate a blog) coming back to your website. We’ve quickly become a multi-media world and there are different ways to get our messages across. It’s time to start adopting and integrating some of this media into your website.

It’s all about being interactive!

I came across an example of a website that utilizes these two different modes of communication: OEXOptions.com, a website dedicated to online stock trading.

There are two key elements that this online trading website uses:

1. Video - The first thing you’ll notice on the homepage is a video introduction to the company. You get a message from the founder of the website and you get to know a little bit about him. People like to see who they’re doing business with! They want to know that there’s a real person behind the website ;)

If you’re camera shy, you can still post videos that are related to your topic. You’ll see here at Online Business Resources that I have videos from YouTube about different aspects of online business. (In the right hand column) Google and Revver are also good video resources.

2. Podcasts - there are some people in this world who simply like to just listen instead of read. I read all day every day as part of my job, so sometimes I even just want to listen! Learn more about podcasts and how you can create your own podcast over at About.com

Although video and podcasts are being used more and more, let’s remember that textual content is still king! The OEXOptions.com website provides a ton of articles where you can learn about ETFs, the S&Ps and all that fun stock market stuff. Even if you do integrate video and podcasts into your website, your articles will still weight heavy in terms of search engine optimization.

Questions or comments? Leave them below!

If you liked this article, then subscribe to the Online Business Resources blog feed!

**Sponsored Post