Web design being around for so long, I would imagine we have some rules or guidelines regarding this topic. When a user visits your website for the first time, what particulars have been shown to take that visitor and transform them into a member/customer? There must be some proven methods of doing things -- something that shows a big cartoony graphic isn't the best way to do conversion (or maybe it is).Off the top of my head, I'm thinking of things like, login box in a clear spot, simple graphics, showing the product, etc...In my own searching I just keep hitting websites that talk about UI design of registration forms themselves.
What design/feature aspects assist in visitor conversion rates?
website design;registration
You can find some more advanced conversion-centric design tips at Smashing Magazine:Design To Sell: 8 Useful Tips To Help Your Website Convert7 More Useful Tips To Help Your Site ConvertYou might also like NeuroMarketing.com and similar sites with a focus on cognitive science and marketing.