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πŸ†† πŸ†ƒ πŸ…΅: This Was a Bold UX Choice

WTF: Website Tactics for Franchises - a newsletter with Madalina Iordache

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

Welcome to WTF: Website Tactics for Franchises, a newsletter by me, Madalina Iordache,Β where I share the good, the bad, and the baffling in the world of franchise websites. Today’s edition features:

  • one fallen tree, one mini bridge, and one big ol’ lesson in user experience. Let’s get into it.

Madalina Iordache standing on the tiny wooden bridge built over a fallen tree

A Bridge Too… Unnecessary?

After my Sedona hiking high wore off, I went looking for trails in South Florida. Less majestic, sure, but still good for the step count.

That’s when I stumbled across this masterpiece in a local park (photo evidence included). A full-on wooden staircase and bridge – built over a fallen tree. I paused. I pondered. I asked: WHY?

You could easily walk around it. Or step over it. Heck, you could limbo under it if you’re feeling spry. Yet someone said: no, let’s build stairs. Let’sΒ elevateΒ this moment.

WTF Moment: Solving a Problem That Didn’t Exist

Naturally, I thought about websites (as one does). (No? Just me?)

Too often, we get so close to our own website that we start seeing problems that aren’t really problems. We pour time into features that no one asked for. We optimize things no one clicks. We build digital bridges over metaphorical twigs.

This is why user testing matters.

You don’t need a crystal ball or a sixth sense. You need a real human, seeing your site for the first time, trying to get something done. And then youΒ watch. You learn. You resist the urge to shout, β€œThe link is RIGHT THERE!”

Park Trail or Website Trail: What’s Actually Worth Building?

Before you throw budget at a redesign, here’s what we recommend:

βœ”οΈΒ Run user tests with real-life scenarios – β€œHow would you schedule an appointment?” not β€œCan you find the form?”

βœ”οΈΒ Use heat maps and session recordings – Watch where people click, scroll, rage-click, or bail. It’s like digital people-watching (without the binoculars).

βœ”οΈΒ Find the real friction points – Is your website actually confusing? Or are you just tired of looking at it?

Β 

Just because you can build a bridge doesn’t mean you should.

Especially if the other side of the tree leads to… absolutely nothing. (True story. It was just a dead end with some leaves.)

User Testing: The Bench You Didn’t Know You Needed

Maybe your users don’t need a bridge. Maybe they’d prefer a bench. Or a map. Or a better call-to-action.

And the only way to find out? Ask them. Watch them. Learn from them.

Don’t get lost solving imaginary problems.

Β 

Warmly,

Madalina β€œUX, But Make It Existential” Iordache

CEO at Bright Pink Agency

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P.S.Β Whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you turn your website from a headache into a trusty, gorgeous, hardworking marketing tool:

  1. See ourΒ favorite franchise websitesΒ for inspiration

  2. Download theΒ The 5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Franchise Website

  3. Book a freeΒ website auditΒ (I promise, no tiny bridges involved)

  4. Ready to chat? Let’s talk aboutΒ your next website project

P.P.S.Β Not sure what your website really needs – but youΒ knowΒ it needs something? OurΒ BrightStart planΒ is your trail map. It’s a strategic starting point with an in-depth audit (and optional user studies) to guide whether you need a redesign, a detour, or just a better bench.

Bright Pink who?

At Bright Pink Agency, and we build high-performing franchise websites that attract more of the right candidates, customers, and leads. If your website isn’t working as hard as you are,Β let’s chatΒ about getting your franchise website in shape. No fluff, no nonsense – just smart, strategic moves to help you grow.