I am about to give a seminar on websites to a group of very fine DJ entertainment companies. In preparation for the seminar, I’ve briefly reviewed over 35 websites. My head is spinning.
There is right and wrong in every site I’ve reviewed. Unfortunately, there are too many basic mistakes.
This has motivated me to post a series of website tips addressing many of these design issues.
One of the big points I’ll be making is: People who tell you ‘I like your website’ feed your ego, and tell you nothing practical.
This statement applies, in spades, when it comes to music on your website. Specifically, automatic loading music.
REALITY: Many brides, perhaps 50% or more, do some of their surfing at work. When music starts playing, their ‘personal use of the computer’ at work becomes obvious. They will click out of your site, never to return.
I know…. you’ve never gotten nothing but praise for the music on your site. Maybe true, but it misses the point. You’re getting praise, primarily from the people that surf from home or in private situations. I’m sure they’re thrilled.
Alan Berg (The Knot) gave this same, absolute recommendation, at a seminar I attended. He gave one further piece of back-up information. He explained that the statistical tracking for the TheKnot.com spikes during mid-day (lunch hour), clearly showing that brides are doing research at work.
By including auto-loading music, you are immediately alienating perhaps half of your audience.
Do yourself a favor, get rid of the music. Don’t make me ask twice 
I too have address the same thought to other DJ’s in a meeting. Another key point is to not have vendor links on your home page as they may click out of your site before actually knowing all about you.