So many sayings revolve around a circle; It comes full circle. What goes around comes around. So on and So on….

But how does it apply to you and your design? Take a look at the circle to the right. All users are in some portion or slice of the circle.

1. Discovery – This is where the user is starting to realize the need or want something. A lot of times it comes down to find a solution for a problem they currently have. Example: My legs hurt when I run, but why? Turns out I need to get new shoes.

2. Research – Now the user spends time researching solutions to the problem. Example: What kind of shoes do I need? Running, cross training, basketball, do widths matter? I’m sure you’re getting the idea.

3. Options Weighed – At this point the user knows what they need. Now the problem comes in with which offering best suits them. Do i want the $130 Nikes, $110 Addidas, $95 pumas and so on again.

4. Decision – Finally the decision is made and all is good in the world. At least till the vicious cycle starts again.

The point I’m trying to make is this: Make sure your marketing efforts and page are going after the user in the same slice of the circle. This could provide a better ROI on your campains and well if you use the drawing of my diagram in a meeting you’ll look that much cooler.