Can I ask the experts their opinion on this,

In your experience has there ever been any tests done to determine if those plain style of web page with the light contrasting table and drop shadow behind as here: http://www.theadcamp.com/coachingsession.html
or: http://thegaryhalbertletter.com give a better or worse response than a more ‘traditional’ plain old white page with a dark background and header graphic, headline and perhaps self-photo. style of page, as the examples here: http://www.psychologicaltactics.com (also http://thecopydoctor.com

Or will a site with just a plain white page, dark background, no header graphic but a large headline and all copy and maybe a self-photo, generate a better response.

I’ve heard some people say that if the average prospect sees a site with graphic enhancements (header graphic, ebook images, photos of yourself etc) they perceive it as being more professional and more credible and as such they feel more confident and safer doing business on a site like that compared to the site that might look to the average person as 'unprofessional' and just a plain page full of boring copy.

I've used the page style like the example: http://www.theadcamp.com/coachingsession.html, on most of my sites but of course it's not a matter of what I like or prefer. I'm not the prospect.

I have to admit, I have not tested the variations and I know that testing will be the best indicator, but I'm sure that in the 'halls of the professional copywriters', others would have tested this extensively and have some very definite opinions.

Thanks

Glen

Is too tough of a question for the 'experts'

Come on guys and gals!

White with shadows have less response than white only.

Glen,

It's all about your target and what will THEY respond to. There is too much testing with a zillion variables not taken into account.

So ...

Find your targets wants, needs, desires, emotions, feeling etc Find out what turns them on and design your page accordingly.

If you want o be like a million and one others online doi what they do. If not ... get your mind moving and working on what your buyers want from you not what you want to give them. Design is crucial in this process.