Cognitive Perception
One of the most common mistakes webmasters trying to sell
their work make is ignoring perception. I have had the
opportunity to take one of the first classes in the psychology of
art and interest.  One must also keep in mind that various
cultures and countries have different cognitive perceptions than
others.  
The brain scans the web sites for certain criteria. Sensory
perception happens so quickly and a decision is formed. Do we
like this place or not? I am not a web designer, but more of a site
critic in the consumer decision to stay and buy or leave. Light,
shadows, symmetry, color balance, creativity, emotion and
content all play a major factor whether a consumer decides to
stay on your site and browse, but one thing that is sure to make
them flee in terror is mal-ware, pop-ups, flashing lights and
tracking software. All of that is marketing in bad taste and very
intrusive. If it is a graphic design site the flashing lights may get
a pass, but if you are a service oriented business site try to look
professional. Stick to one color when you write. Don't write in
huge colored letters 50%, going now, going now, last chance or
make false outrageous claims like we can make you a millionaire
in 2 days. We will teach you how to present yourself
professionally with integrity and how to keep clients interested.
However, I have been studying this for years and it is not easy.
In fact it can be quite frustrating, once I think I am close to
perfection I find a flaw. One must realize there is no such thing
as perfection. You may hate your work and be critical while
others may love it. Before any of this can take place your site  
must be seen. We suggest you survey friends. This will give you
a chance to analyze what a few consumers like without
submitting to the masses. My next section will talk about how to
get your work seen and how to survey consumers. Please email
me with any question pertaining to the sensory perception of
web sites and the cognitive process. In the next article we will
discuss the first steps any web based business must take to be
successful.