It seems like many of the matrimonial sites are looking at stepping up the experience for their portals as far as the interface is concerned. Just had a look at 2 of the Indian Matrimonial Sites that are regarded as the market leaders with respect to Matrimony in India – Bharat Matrimony and Shaadi.

Both now claim to use Web 2.0 features. So the interface is definitely cleaner. In Bharat Matrimony, users can chat with each other – ditto with Shaadi. I also found that Bharat Matrimony’s ‘quick tour’ is quite crisp and well featured. With respect to making the front page more communicative and crisp – Bharat Matrimony wins hands down.

Both websites claim that they now have rich interface applications, improved algorithms, comprehensive privacy options and personal settings. Some of the things that users can add to their profiles are videos, audio, a scanned horoscope etc. – this i think is a good ploy; its basically a culturally tuned social network. So they are channelling communication and making the service relevant for audiences by driving a use experience using standard technology. This is something that not too many companies do well.

Some of these technologies have enabled the length of the 2 sites to become shorter – this is definitely a great thing. Although clutter still remains on the main sites – both sites need to figure out how to use clutter and display their features better without having the overdose of ‘We are No.1’ etc.

I didn’t also see any video testimonials – this is something that could be handy for sure. It emphasizes the personal connect.

I think both the sites have really not dived into the 2.0 experience as yet. They need to allow tagging of photos, this ensures that people can make more use of the site to find people beyond what search guides them. This also ensures that the site becomes a lot more collaborative, which is the whole point of web 2.0. It would be great if users on either of these sites can help others get a partner beyond just plain referrals. Maybe groups of friends with really strong bonds can be made via the portals. Web 2.0 is not just about features, its also about a philosophy, the philosophy of enabling people to communicate more and being available everywhere etc. It doesn’t stop at feature additions.

One of the other things that’s disappointing I think is that neither of the sites have RSS feeds so far either. This can enable the user to take the portal everywhere – so for certain search terms he should be able to enable RSS feeds so that he can get a birds eye view on developments without actually being present within the portal.  

It may not surprise many of you - Matrimony is one of the favourite pastimes for most Indians. 

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