In the last article, we discussed about what is website interactivity and the advantages of an interactive website. We also cited a few excellent examples of interactive websites such as Infinit Colors, Starbucks Coffee at Home, and Aparte Graphique to name a few.

So how do you make your own website interactive? Here are a few simple suggestions.

• Install JavaScript and Flash photo gallery or content slider. Having a slide show allows your viewers to engage with your website rather than clicking pages to browse photos.
• Get creative with your navigation by adding CSS navigation.
• There are software packs available in the Net that allows you to add interactions through simple customization without having to resort to complex programming.
• Add multi-user tools such as polls, presentations, community chat, discussion forums, or your very own social networking site within your website.
• Offer a subscription feature by having them join a group of some sort and enjoy the privileges that come with the membership. Privileges may range from getting simple monthly e-mail newsletters to having large discounts in a hotel that you pre-arranged for an ex-deal.
• Conduct contests wherein users solve puzzles or answer quizzes or trivia games. It is best if your contests are tied in to the website’s topic or subject.
• Open your website to feedback. Provide feedback forms and questionnaires, and always link your articles to your Contact Us page. The feedback from your viewers will provide you information, ideas, and suggestions on how to maintain and improve your website.
• Provide your visitors a Help option so they can solve common issues by themselves.
• Provide a search function. This makes navigation around your site easier and more intuitive merely than passive hyper-linking. A search function is desirable especially if your site has a lot of pages.

Improving website interaction through graphics, changing backgrounds, and moving objects require a more complex programming. If you decide to venture into more complex interactive features, you need to shell out some cash to hire a team composed of a graphic designer, programmer, and animator.

Good luck in making your website interactive.