Do you remember the mobile internet before 4G? I remember being impressed when I could load Wikipedia or a good blog from anywhere in the world. When 4G came around, the 500x faster speeds provided video streaming and fast-loading content that changed how we interacted with the web.
As 5G becomes more and more popular, with speeds of up to 20gb/s, a shift in interactive content is coming again. Learn why it is vital that you capitalise early for your site today, with the number one SEO Agency in Leeds – Wildfire Marketing.
What is Interactive Content?
Interactive content is any website feature that requires a user to engage with it consciously. Of course, this is a relatively loose definition. For example, as you read this blog – you’ll be scrolling to see more info. When you visit our home page, you can change the top bar content with a swipe. Both of these are interactive, but one requires more willing and active engagement than the other!
That’s why we like to give the analogy of the zebra vs pelican crossing. When you walk across the zebra crossing, no meaningful action is required to make the traffic stop. However, when you want to walk across the pelican crossing, you must press the button to proceed with your intended action.
Why does Interactive Content Matter?
When a user interacts, you’ve got their attention. As the online world becomes sleeker, faster and more meaningful in its purpose – you need to keep a customer engaged and on the path to their intended action without being obtrusive.
Consider the following. Your user wants a full-on look at the product. The classic approach to providing this functionality is with a carousel of images the user clicks through. Simple, effective and efficient – though lacking in continued engagement.
Compare this to a 3D Model, fully interactable by the user. They have complete control of the product in a high-quality format. You’re keeping their interest and driving engagement just by offering a view they can control precisely.
How to Include Interactive Content
Interactive content doesn’t have to be high-tech, next-generation technology. Instead, you can take simple steps from a UX perspective to make your customer a more active participant in the website experience.
If you create a lot of technical blog content, begin with a brief introduction that summarises the concept in an easy to understand way. Then, follow on with a ‘read more’ button to reach a more in-depth explanation. Simple changes like this ensure the user is consistently engaged.
Interactive content doesn’t just have to benefit the user. It can provide actionable data for your website too. For example, quick forums and polls, with a potential reward at the end, offers valuable primary market research that your business can act upon.
In summary, the best way to include interactive content is to have it in a way that benefits the user directly. Don’t disrupt a user on their way to complete their goal. Just make sure they’re staying engaged along the way!
We hope this guide has helped you understand the basics of interactive content from a web development perspective in Digital Marketing. Learn more about web development and digital marketing with more of our descriptive guides today.
Ready to take your interactive content and your digital marketing as a whole to the next level? Trust Wildfire Marketing, the number one SEO Agency in Leeds, to ignite your digital marketing today.