I suppose the connection between website optimization and usability is fairly straightforward, so I won’t bore you. However, there are a few points that need touched.

If we think of usability as the ease with which visitors to a website can accomplish the purpose they came for then it becomes a very critical piece of website optimization. Really, usability and site optimization are both focused on reducing friction for potential customers.

Not surprisingly, web analytics can play a significant role in identifying friction points on your website. If you want to optimize your own web site, are a usability consultant/expert, or just want some great analytics information I highly recommend that you get familiar with the Future Now’s practice of “persuasion architecture.” Persuasion architecture is a fantastic approach to website optimization and it encompasses the basics of usability. And, to my absolute enjoyment, it embraces web analytics as well!

Last point about usability, don’t mistakenly think you are an expert just because you surf the web. The principles of usability go beyond just designing simple navigation structures. During your web site optimization efforts you will want to watch the clickstream data closely, ask your visitors about their website experiences, and test like crazy to identify usability breakdowns in your system. If you think your site may have a problem, or you are in doubt about your ability to identify usability problems, get with a usability expert.

BTW, PinPoint Performance a web and software usability firm based in the Boise,ID area will give you a free consultation. That’s right, its free, so I am not trying to sell you anything, just making connections.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007 at 3:33 pm and is filed under Website Optimization, Web Analytics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.