We'll leave "post-modern" to the Derrida theorists. So what does "interactive" mean then? Let's break it down into components: "inter" means "through" (a relationship is established between two objects) and "active" means it actually "does something." Using this definition, a simple email form becomes "interactive." The user acts upon the form, and the form sends mail. Simply put, it's the cyber version of conversation: exchange in all its forms. You just want the user to leave feeling as if they received something, whether that is a return email, a bit of trivia, or a slideshow.
Most of us (including myself) are used to thinking of "interactive" as a Rube Goldberg whiz-bang collection of interactive flash features or auto-checking radial-dot forms that are smarter than we are. Of course, this causes us to push the concept of "interactive," out of their heads, because it sounds too complicated to be bothered with. But believe me, it's worth pondering (and implementing) at least a few interactive features.
Here's a short list of ways to make your site more interactive without drastically increasing download times, or giving yourself a migraine as you attempt to decipher a complicated audio/video/bell and whistle software package:
* Weekly newsletters (naturally)* Discussion boards
* Professional tips and advice
* Printable "coupons" for goods or services (which rewards users for visiting the site)
* Calendars
* Events related to your website's subject (conferences, speakers, etc)
* Recipes
* Free samples of your product/service
* Polls and surveys
* Frequently updated articles (iSyndicate and FreeContent are two good sources of copy. You can find them at www.isyndicate.com and www.egoups.com/group/Free-Content)
* Q and A columns, using reader's questions (this should also be updated as frequently as possible)
* Quick, reliable customer service
* Easily-located contact information (name, phone number, address, email)
* A bio page--if people feel like they're dealing with another person (rather than a borg-bot) that's the original human version of interactivity)
* Easy, clear navigation
* An order form/catalog/shopping cart that is easy to find, easy to use (and hopefully secure)
You've probably already implemented some of these, but if not, what are you waiting for? You've got nothing to lose--except bored, confused users.
Stefene Russell is a freelance writer for both web and print and the manager of Dr. Nunley's web site at http://fixmywebsite.com. You may reach her at 801-328-9006 or email her: stefene@drnunley.com
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