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What Does Carousel Mean in Website Design?

In the whirlwind of website design trends, the term “carousel” often gets thrown around. But what does it actually mean, and more importantly, does it deliver on its promise of enhanced user experience and improved conversions? The short answer is often no, and we’ll explain why, using our Zero Noise Marketing methodology to cut through the hype.

A website carousel, typically a rotating slideshow of images or text blocks, is often presented as a dynamic way to showcase key features, products, or testimonials. However, data consistently shows that carousels frequently underperform. They often detract from the overall user experience rather than enhance it.

Our Assess phase involves analyzing website performance and user behavior. We’ve seen firsthand how carousels, despite their visual appeal, often lead to lower engagement and conversion rates. Why? Because they disrupt the user’s natural flow and present too many choices at once. The human brain struggles to process multiple messages simultaneously, leading to cognitive overload.

Our Strategize phase focuses on developing a tailored approach. Instead of relying on a carousel, we explore more effective alternatives that align with your specific business goals and target audience. This might include strategically placed hero images, compelling video content, or a well-organized grid showcasing your key offerings.

The Execute phase involves implementing the chosen strategy systematically. We build sustainable, repeatable processes, focusing on owned solutions like high-quality, optimized images and videos that you control. This avoids the pitfalls of relying on rented solutions that might change or disappear over time.

Our +1 Optimize phase involves continuous monitoring and refinement. We track key metrics like click-through rates, time on page, and conversions to ensure our strategies are delivering measurable results. This data-driven approach allows us to continuously improve and maximize the return on your marketing investment.

Consider these alternatives to carousels:

  • High-quality hero image or video: Captures attention and immediately conveys your brand’s message.
  • Clear and concise call-to-actions: Guide users towards desired actions with strategically placed buttons and links.
  • Well-organized content sections: Present information in a logical and easy-to-navigate format.
  • Interactive elements: Engage users with quizzes, polls, or other interactive content.

By focusing on a systematic approach, we move beyond fleeting trends and build sustainable marketing systems that deliver tangible, measurable results. Our 20+ years of experience in helping businesses navigate complex sales cycles underscores our commitment to a merit-based marketing philosophy.

For help with optimizing your website design and eliminating marketing waste, give us a call at 613-777-5001.

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“The Bride”.  A an example of an experimental, or concept album project from 2022.  Painted in acrylic. (Private collection)

Building Confidence Through Language: A Guide for the Collector

One of the biggest barriers for aspiring art collectors is not a lack of taste, but a lack of confident language. People know what they are drawn to, but they often struggle to articulate the ‘why’ behind their emotional connection. Providing them with a basic vocabulary can be transformative.

By explaining core artistic concepts, we can bridge this gap. An artist’s newsletter or a gallery brochure could break down:

  • The Architecture of Composition: How lines and shapes lead the eye and create a focal point.
  • The Emotional Weight of a Color Palette: Why a limited, muted palette feels different from a vibrant, high-contrast one.
  • The Role of Value in Creating Depth: How the interplay of light and shadow builds a believable world.

It’s like being given a phrasebook in a foreign country; suddenly, you can navigate and connect with more assurance. Consider Edward Hopper, whose stylized realism simplifies scenes to their emotional core. Understanding this allows a collector to explain why the work feels so dreamlike and memorable. This knowledge doesn’t replace the emotional response; it validates it.

The Dialogue Between Feeling and Form

Great art speaks to us on two levels: the immediate, gut-level emotional reaction and the deeper intellectual appreciation. You might feel the perpetual warmth and light in a Monet, which immerses the viewer in the sensory experience of a moment. Conversely, you might sense the rugged, stoic soul of the landscape in a piece by Canada’s Group of Seven, which evokes a feeling of profound solitude.

These feelings are universal, but the ability to discuss why we feel them builds a stronger connection. From a marketing perspective, this education slots perfectly into the buyer’s journey. During the “comparison” phase, an artist who also educates their audience is building a relationship of trust and authority, making the final “decision” more likely.

Conclusion: A Bridge of Shared Understanding

Art, in its purest form, is an act of communication. Whether through the calculated narrative of a storyteller or the freeform expression of a poet, the artist extends an invitation to the viewer. By providing the language to understand this invitation, we empower collectors to move beyond simple preference and into the realm of true appreciation. It transforms a simple transaction into a meaningful connection, where the viewer doesn’t just own a piece of art—they become part of its ongoing story.


About the Author

Jaeson Tanner is a Marketing Thinker at Zero Noise Marketing and a narrative artist once in a blue moon. You can see his work on Instagram at @jaeson_tanner.