Nothing is more annoying (or jarring) than visiting a website and being blasted with music, right? It either causes users to back clicking away (especially if they’re getting caught passing time at work) or scramble to figure out the volume.
It’s a guerilla warfare tactic of websites and it has thankfully been put to bed, for the most part. Instead, it’s been replaced by random audio/visual advertisements that surprise you a few seconds or minutes after you open the window.
There’s actually a place for music on websites, however, and that shouldn’t be limited solely to music-oriented sites. As long as you allow the user to stay in control of the music, including when it starts and ends, this can add great atmosphere to the online experience.
There are a few industries that could benefit greatly from this addition. Make sure the option is obvious but steer clear of pop-ups and choose a selection that complements your field.
Industries matched for music
A nightclub, lounge, or party-based website can help users get in the mood with the right mix. Update the options regularly, perhaps using a favorite local DJ for free promotion, and your visitors will be more likely to book.
This can be an option on the homepage, when pre-ordering bottle service or perusing the upcoming events. Plus, it gives users a preview of what to expect.
Soothing music is a good match for health-related sites such as physical therapists, massage therapists, or acupuncturists. When you manage a site that’s geared toward optimizing health, you want to communicate that it’s a holistic approach.
Choose musical elements that align with what your users expect for results and you’re on the right track. Again, this should be regularly changed, or at least designed to start at different points on the playlist.
How to control it
You need to ensure the musical option is clear the moment users get to the website, but the key word here is “optional.” They should also be able to choose to bypass the music if they like.
It’s a site enhancement, not a barrier that users need to get around to gain access to the information they desire. Another option is asking for user feedback, including whether you should even provide music. Take requests and get reviews during your pilot test stage.
There’s a place for music in nearly every part of your life, including when you’re browsing online. Just make sure it stays an optional offering and doesn’t become a requirement to connect digitally.
