Wording and labels are the X-factor in successful Web design — often overlooked, they have a tremendous impact on usability and branding. While site designers are enamored of structure and aesthetics, they often forget that words help visitors understand what a site has to offer, and how to get to it.

Successful labels are explicit and clear. If users find your terms ambiguous or obtuse, they'll simply leave, assuming you don't have what they seek. This report is drawn from watching hundreds of users across hundreds of sites, and it highlights the most common nomenclature mistakes.

We know that unclear terminology does not often originate from the web team, but from the other departments it works with. This report is crafted to help you make the case for clear labels throughout your organization.

Inside, you will learn:

• Why labels are so important to usability and branding
• Common mistakes Web sites make over and over again
• How to prevent those mistakes

See the introduction and table of contents »

Author Peter Merholz and the partners of Adaptive Path have guided a range of clients, including PeopleSoft, PBS, and Blogger, through the development of effective labels.