I noticed while surfing through the Online Pacemaker winning web sites that finding multimedia content can be a challenge. The GW Hatchet had a drop-down menu on the front page, which was nice (“Features”). Some of the other winners had no navigation menu for multimedia/interactive content. Which brings me to a recommendation: Put a prominent link on your front page to your interactive/multimedia content. #

I can’t remember how many times I’ve seen and/or heard the question: “how can we drive people to our new media content?” The first step (not the only step) is placing the content prominently on the front page. #

My suggestion would be to create a navigation item that says something like “Interact” or “Community” or “Multimedia.” Each of those has pros and cons. “Multimedia” won’t emphasize interactivity, while “Interact” isn’t really something you do when you’re watching an audio slideshow. Perhaps two separate navigation buttons: one for “interactive/community” elements (blogs, forums, share your photo pages, polls) and one for “multimedia” elements (audio slideshows, videos, podcasts, etc.). #

As for design, I’m inclined to take a cue from the iTunes music store: If you go to their podcast page and you want to find out how to submit a podcast, BAM! it’s right there in the middle of the page, with a big, fat button to click. #

Can you figure out where to submit a podcast on this page (click the thumbnail for larger image): #

#

The lesson: If you want people to find your online media, give them a big, fat button to click. #

Print Friendly