With the latest advances in technology, more and more companies are starting to get creative with their company websites. Some are using fancy designs and layouts, others are using innovative navigation, and some are even making their sites completely interactive.
One fad that many companies are starting to employ is the use of music on their site. Some companies are for it while others are totally against it, and if you’re contemplating putting music on your website, here are a few pros and cons to help you decide if it’s a good idea.
Pros: It Sets Your Website Apart!
While putting music on a website is an easy feature, not every website does it. If your company puts music on your site, it could be a great way to set yourself apart from other sites that your audience may visit. The music can make it easier for your audience to remember you, which means that they could be more likely to return to your site over your competitors.
Cons: It Can be a Nuisance!
Most companies don’t realize that playing music on their website can take up a great deal of bandwidth. Because of this, most sites will simply loop the same song over and over again so that it’s not taking up as much space. The problem with this, though, is that the constant looping of the same song can drive your visitors crazy if they spend a significant amount of time on your website. Because of this, they will either mute the music, which defeats the purpose of having it, or they will leave your site.
Pros: It can Evoke Feelings:
Music is known to evoke certain feelings, and if you want your website to convey a certain personality or trait, then you can use music to help do this. For example, if you are a spa, then you may want to put relaxing music on your site to give your visitors the sense of being calm and relaxed while in your presence. They will then use this feeling to decide whether or not your company is providing them with what they’re looking for.
Cons: It Can be Competing with Other Noises:
Most people today are not searching the Internet in a quiet room. They could be looking at the Internet at work, while listening to music, while watching TV or while in a room with their family. If there is any type of background noise, the music on your site will be competing for their attention, and in most cases, it is easier to mute the music on the screen than it is to cancel out the background music. This means that your site’s music will not be heard.
Pros: It can Highlight Your Offering:
If your company is in the music industry, then having music on your site can be a great way to show your audience what you’re capable of or what you have to sell. If you’re a musician, having music on your site can show your audience how you sing or how you play an instrument, and it can be a great way to get them interested in your talents.
Cons: It Can Cause Legal Trouble:
Every song has rights, and if your company doesn’t have rights to the music it’s playing, then you could find yourself in some legal trouble. Aside from having to take the music off your site, you could end up having to pay a hefty fine too.
