The results of this survey have been posted here to assist anyone running or starting up a web site for their business. I would like to thank each and everyone of you who took the time to complete this survey. The feedback has been extremely useful for us at Marakye and we are sure that it will be for many other small businesses as well.
This survey is now closed
This survey was taken by 288 people in January 2008. The results were as follows:
Q1: When visiting a web site for the first time do you read the text on the home page?
8% – No, I just go straight into the categories to see if they have what I want / need.
53% – Sometimes, depends on what the site is for
36% – Always – I want to know everything I can before I order online
1% – other. Comments, I give it a quick scan,
Q2: How important is the search function on a web site?
8% – doesn’t bother me, I just like to browse
51% – reasonably important, it makes it easier to find things
39% – essential, I don’t like web site without a search function
Q3: What are your preferred payment methods for ordering online?
(You may choose more than 1 answer) *This question had 536 responses.
25% – bank deposit / direct deposit
24% – credit card, entering your details onto a secure payment page
28% – PayPal
13% – postal methods – cheque / money order
6% – credit card over the phone, I would like to speak with someone to give them my details
<1% – credit card to an answering service – leave your details on a recorded message.
1% – other. Mixture of comments including B-Pay, I don’t order online & have been invoiced.
Q4: When you place an order online which contact methods would you prefer?
(You may choose more than 1 answer) *This question had 377 responses
72% – Email – to say my order has been processed and posted
12% – Telephone Call – to say my order has been processed and posted
14% -SMS – to my mobile to say my order has been processed and posted
<1% – other.. someone suggested I write to them! another said neither.
some additional comments included that people were shiftworkers and did not want phone or SMS’s waking them. This is something that I have always been wary of after working shift work myself. Something to keep in mind, if you are going to call try and do it in the late afternoon!
Q5: In regards to postage of your order which would be your preference?
(You may choose more than 1 answer) *This question had 340 responses
55% – Regular mail with the option of express at an additional charge
10% – Always express post
27% – I would prefer postage to be added to the price and included
6% – no preference
<1% – other – option of registered post & international post
Q6: Please select which of the following you usually look for and read on a web site. *This question had 1269 responses
7% – newsletter subscription
21% – what’s on sale / discount
11% – about us page
1% – blog
13% – shipping and returns conditions
6% – privacy policy
6% – info on gift vouchers
8% – conditions of use
6% – testimonials
12% – the contact us page – to see where a business is located
4% – links page to see which other web sites are recommended
<1% – other – search, tips and how to’s, shopping basket & wish list
Additional comments to businesses running a web site: I have removed all comments regarding Marakye from this section but I sincerely thankyou all for your amazing feedback and your kind words – you give me inspiration and I am glad that Marakye gives so many of you inspiration as well. Thankyou!
* If I have a question I email I would like it answered within 2 days not a week later like some.
* The ‘human touch’ is the most important thing on a web page. Having a professional design the page is fine if you are after perfection, not as good if you want to keep customers coming back. You must make the customer feel that you are talking directly to him/her.
* I think the most important thing on a website and in ordering a product is the privacy and confidentiality of the buyers details, especially their payment details.
* A newsletter is also good for people who are new to the site and for everyone to keep updated with information.
* I Think web sites should be Simple in set out, that is not too much info all on one page
* prices of items and their pictures be clearly seen
* I am a first impressions person. A website needs to look professional, the images crisp, the layout balanced and I need to be able to navigate easily and search.
* Site’s that are to busy make it very hard to find what you are looking for… Keep it simple stupid is my motto in life…
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