Website Content vs Presentation, web entrepreneur challenge.

Entry into the internet business world is relatively easy. A few factors however limit how successful a venture will be. In this post I will look at a problem faced by the not so technically gifted web entrepreneur. He might have the best business plan, the best content, but how much of a factor is the presentation of his work, graphics, layout, css, etc.

Romelo makes a point that in traditional media the role of presentation is well understood, no publication hits the shelves without thorough consideration of relative size, position color and animation. It is my view that if the content is worthy presented in a legible manner, then that website should prosper, whether or not that website appears to have been created in 10 minutes.

A website with good graphics, flash,etc may be eye-candy but would that make you go back to it if it lacks in content. But a look at high traffic websites like Yahoo, Facebook and google does suggest that content and not presentation is king.

Some website I agree should die because of their presentation. Take a look at robotwisdom. The theory offered there, all text presentation is proved not to have much of a lifetime just by the appearance of that page. Everyone also knows that some webmasters in their attempt to look professional end up having an even worse amateur looking website, mis-use of flash, animated gif, etc.

I have been following with interest Champsportal. They appear to have a solid business plan. Advertisers sponsor a Counter-Strike tournament, gain access to that sort after 18 to early 30 demographic. The gamers get a chance to earn pocket money or a living from their hobby. From what I see the graphics and layout are as simple as it gets, but the site is clearly legible. A forum post called for the death of the site. So should he pay a 1 000 dollars to hire a professional designer. That is in my thoughts raising the bar to entry into web business and fights one of the ideals of the internet age. There should always be a chance for David to slay Goliath in my view.