The Inspired Entrepreneurs' Club

Feedback on website

Latest post 09-22-2008 2:52 PM by ALAN TAYLOR. 25 replies.
  • 07-19-2008 6:09 AM

    • ALAN TAYLOR
    • Top 25 Contributor
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    • Joined on 05-24-2008
    • Wandsworth, South London
    • Posts 16
    • Points 290

    Feedback on website

    Hi everyone. This is new to me ...joining a forum.I am so used to trying to do it all by myself.I am also scared of any feedback that I am about to ask for.

    (deep breath here)OK, My website is up and I would love some feedback on it Please. Any feedback on the design, contents, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks in advance       

    Alan Taylor

    • Post Points: 80
  • 07-19-2008 6:55 AM In reply to

    Re: Feedback on website

    Hi Alan

    Can you remind us of the URL?

    Thanks

    Nick

    http://www.inspired-entrepreneur.com/coaching/nick

    .... to book a coaching session with Nick.

    • Post Points: 5
  • 07-20-2008 4:07 PM In reply to

    Re: Feedback on website

    Hi Alan,

    First of all, many congratulations on getting your first website up and running - it must feel good to be over that hurdle :o) 

    I think this is your website, here - http://www.innerphonics.com?

    ... a few quick comments:

    In terms of the content, the major things I see missing are -

    • A streaming audio / video introduction from yourself: I think this is essential if your products are multimedia.
    • Examples of your work: probably the best way to promote what you do is to have snippets of the work you've done for existing clients. A show reel of some kind perhaps?
    • A lead generation element: how does this website convert visitors into an audience, which you can build a relationship with, and later sell to? I'd consider offering some kind of free e-course or information product in exchange for people's names and e-mail addresses.

    Did you create this website yourself? ... if so, in terms of coding, there are several major search engine accessibility issues you could look into - 

    • You should use keywords in the titles of your pages that describe your offering (by this I mean the <title>Title Goes Here</title> part of the HTML)... E.g. on the homepage I'd say "<title>Coaches: Professional audio presentations to promote your coaching business so you can get more clients..." Your title tags have things like "HOME 2", which is a missed opportunity because the search engines attribute a lot of importance to the words you place in these tags. You'd be surprised what a difference it makes to your search engine rankings if you get this right.
    • Your website has very little structure that the search engines can follow - I'd consider at least using some heading and subheading tags, e.g. <h1>Heading Here</h1> and <h2>Sub-Heading Here</h2>.
    • Having big images as text is a huge no-no, because without the proper annotations, the search engines can't even read them. Therefore, as far as Google is concerned, some of your pages are almost devoid of content. I'd replace these big images with properly marked up HTML, or at least put some "alt" tags on those big images.

    ... I'd also put some more love into your booking page - the form looks a bit shabby - and at the moment it's your major response element, so you need it to look professional. 

    In terms of the actual content of the site, the copy is not bad. If I was you I might expand it a bit. Really zoom into detail about yours services and drill down into the benefits more. Beware typos - I'd give it a thorough proofing.

    In terms of the overall look and style - it's not a major problem, but it does look a little dated - and there are also some inconsistencies (for example the homepage is centred in the browser, and the rest of the site is left aligned).

    All in all, what you have is a great start - but in your shoes I might consider getting a professional to update the design for you, and perhaps look at those search engine optimisation issues at the same time. I could probably recommend a couple of designers if you're struggling to find a decent one...

    ... again, many congratulations on getting your website up and running.

    Cheers,

    Niki

    http://www.inspired-entrepreneur.com/coaching/niki

    .... to book a coaching session with Niki.

    View Niki Hignett's profile on LinkedIn
    • Post Points: 20
  • 07-20-2008 5:44 PM In reply to

    • ALAN TAYLOR
    • Top 25 Contributor
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    • Joined on 05-24-2008
    • Wandsworth, South London
    • Posts 16
    • Points 290

    Re: Feedback on website

    Hi Niki. What Brilliant feedback! I wasn't expecting such a thorough going over from you. Thankyou so much for your time on this.I am already working on a some audio and video as you suggested.As far as previous clients are concerned, I don't yet have any!( although I have used my studio for music demos before I decided to use it for all things self-development). This has bugged me for ages.How do people start and not have previous clients who can offer testimonials?.I was thinking of offering some free sessions for the audio recordings as well as the video presentations ( soon) in exchange for e-mail addresses.I wonder if that's the way to go.
    As far as paying a Pro' to update my web design that's right out of the question.I am completely stretched financially as it is, which is why I've learnt some web design from books etc.It's taken me a couple of years to get to this point!-Also I have used a web design App. called Freeway by Softpress  and the code is written for you as you go.I was attracted to this App. because it's similar to using QuarkExpress , which I am fairly competent with and I didn't have to learn HTML coding. Are you saying leave out the photos ? or are you referring to the images as graphics?
    So, the best thing for me, having taken the risk and asked for feedback is , I am not put off! I didn't feel upset from your feedback and I really do appreciate your time and knowledge on this subject.
    Phew,..  looks like I have plenty to do/study.  (html stuff)

    Thanks again

    Alan Taylor

    • Post Points: 20
  • 07-20-2008 6:01 PM In reply to

    Re: Feedback on website

    Hi Alan

    I would also suggest that you get some "free" sucecss stories under your belt - the key thing is to demonstrate vividly what you can do for people and their businesses - whether you charged or did it for free is irrevelant. Once people see clearly what you can do for them, it makes it much easier for them to want to hire you.

    Hope that helps

    Nick

    http://www.inspired-entrepreneur.com/coaching/nick

    .... to book a coaching session with Nick.

    • Post Points: 20
  • 07-20-2008 6:09 PM In reply to

    Re: Feedback on website

    Hey Alan,

    My pleasure :o)

    ... why don't you use this forum (and others) to get some guinea pigs for your service?

    You could consider offering a few free sessions with the caveat that your guinea pigs 1) allow you to use the content on your website as part of a showcase and 2) that - if they got great value - they write a detailed testimonial that really highlights the benefits of your offering and how great you are to work with.

    ... if funding a pro-web designer is a bit much right now, another option might be adapting an off-the-shelf template (this is how I developed our main website). In this post, I give a couple of links to good template libraries.

    SEO wise, I was talking about the parts of your site were you have images of blocks of text rather than the actual text itself (e.g. on your homepage there is hardly a word of real text that the search engines can read, same for the "coaches" page, but the FAQs page does have real text).

    ... I'm glad you're not disheartened! Getting a website up and running from scratch is a big milestone in your business...

    Good luck - and let us know if we can help further.

    Niki

    http://www.inspired-entrepreneur.com/coaching/niki

    .... to book a coaching session with Niki.

    View Niki Hignett's profile on LinkedIn
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    • Post Points: 20
  • 07-20-2008 6:19 PM In reply to

    • ALAN TAYLOR
    • Top 25 Contributor
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    • Joined on 05-24-2008
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    Re: Feedback on website

    Nick, Thanks for your comment/suggestions.Much appreciated.

    Q= Do you know what a JOB is ?

    A= J.O.B.    Just Over Broke !

     

    • Post Points: 20
  • 07-20-2008 6:38 PM In reply to

    • ALAN TAYLOR
    • Top 25 Contributor
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    • Joined on 05-24-2008
    • Wandsworth, South London
    • Posts 16
    • Points 290

    Re: Feedback on website

    Hey Niki,

    It looks like I've used non html text which gets coded as a graphic ( I think ) and , as you say is not recognised by SEOs.I wanted to use a nice font from my own computer instead of the bog standard 'Verdana' or 'Times' fonts. Still, fortunately for me I love learning .

    cheers

    Alan

     

    • Post Points: 5
  • 07-20-2008 7:19 PM In reply to

    Re: Feedback on website

    Good one - must be time for prosperity then

    Nick

    http://www.inspired-entrepreneur.com/coaching/nick

    .... to book a coaching session with Nick.

    • Post Points: 20
  • 07-21-2008 9:25 AM In reply to

    • Claire Gillen
    • Top 10 Contributor
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    • Joined on 01-22-2008
    • Battersea, Clapham Junction
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    Re: Feedback on website

    Hi Alan

    You're right - it's terrifying asking for feedback on your website. But I think your site is great!  I know you have to appeal to the search engines but I love the font and I love the way you've worded things and 'set out your wares'.  I think I would definitely use your services and if you do want to do the 'free guinea pig' thing I'm definitely up for it (just have to write the stuff!).

     

    Even if you don't want to do the free thing I still would use you as I like the sound of you!  I'd love to have a chat with you about possibilities - now or in the future.

     

    Claire

    • Post Points: 20
  • 07-21-2008 9:31 AM In reply to

    • Claire Gillen
    • Top 10 Contributor
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    • Joined on 01-22-2008
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    Re: Feedback on website

    Alan,

     

    a 'PS'.  I am happy to proof read all the copy on your website!

    Claire

     

    • Post Points: 5
  • 07-22-2008 8:30 PM In reply to

    • ALAN TAYLOR
    • Top 25 Contributor
      Male
    • Joined on 05-24-2008
    • Wandsworth, South London
    • Posts 16
    • Points 290

    Re: Feedback on website

    Hi Claire! Thankyou for the feedback.I was wondering how to go about asking for guinea pigs on this forum , and then I received your email!.I loved your site too , it's set out in a unique way.I am glad to hear it isn't just me that took months to build a website!

    Regarding the guinea pig thing, I am in the middle of re-decorating my studio at the moment .This will take another week or two.After that, I will be offering to record both audio and video presentations for those in the self-development business ( and others ) in exchange for a written testimonial and permission to use an excerpt from the video /audio presentation as a demo to show on my website.I am really excited about this business and I have an abundance of ideas.

    So, Claire , I look forward to chatting to you about the possibilities.I am free for the rest of this week from my j.o.b., so I have more time/space than usual.

    Feel free to call me on 0208 874 5983.

    Take care......Alan

    • Post Points: 20
  • 07-23-2008 10:51 AM In reply to

    • Claire Gillen
    • Top 10 Contributor
      Female
    • Joined on 01-22-2008
    • Battersea, Clapham Junction
    • Posts 104
    • Points 1,360
    • PremiumMember

    Re: Feedback on website

    Hi Alan

    It all sounds really exciting!  Thanks for your feedback on my site.  I've put so much of myself into it it almost feels like birthing a baby (tho I've never given birth so I wouldn't really know!)

    I'm unusually free this week too.  it's my partner's birthday today, but can I phone you tomorrow for a chat?  I'm really looking forward to talking to you about all the possibilities too!  Whereabouts are you based in South London?

    Love Claire

    • Post Points: 20
  • 07-23-2008 2:04 PM In reply to

    • ALAN TAYLOR
    • Top 25 Contributor
      Male
    • Joined on 05-24-2008
    • Wandsworth, South London
    • Posts 16
    • Points 290

    Re: Feedback on website

    Hi Claire

    Yes, please call me tomorrow.After 10am is good for me .If I am out , it wil only be for a short period (local shop) and I have a BT answer machine anyway.

    I am in Wonderful Wandsworth.

    Enjoy your partner's birthday

    Alan

    • Post Points: 20
  • 08-01-2008 11:09 AM In reply to

    Re: Feedback on website

    Hi Allan

    Congratulations on setting up your website, such a creative process can be incredibly satisfying.  I thought I would just add a comment on visual layout from a visitor perspective only as I dont have my own website.

    I agree with Nikki that it looks a little dated but as you are not able to utilise the services of a designer I would make a couple of points:

    • The colour combinations are not particularly complimentary perhaps you could consider a stronger/deeper colour that is easier on the eye when you are looking at a computer screen adding other complimentary colours to your theme.  As a idea windows has basic colour palates that you could choose from and use throughout.
    • Delete empty drop down box between FAQ and Contact
    • Keep your banner box consistent throughout the pages so it gives continuity.  I would also have a critical look at this in terms of grabbing your attention.  It should be what goes on letter head, business card and other promotional material so should consider how it looks on all mediums to get best.
    • With the Coaches: Fast forward box I didnt really understand what the key message was here as not great differention.  Is your product called Coaches Fast Forward? I see that it is not your only product so I would consider reordering your pages and deciding what focus of each page is.
    • Graphics font and pictures should emphasise message you want people to get and understand first then draw their eye to supplimentary information if you have engaged them and they want to read on.
    • At the moment I feel web page is hard to get a sense of priority and clarity about what you offer. It doesnt have a natural progression for me.
    • Also font size, colour and alignment should all flow seemlessly and give continuity including layout on the page.

    Hope this was helpful.

    Best wishes Nadine

    • Post Points: 20
  • 08-01-2008 9:27 PM In reply to

    • ALAN TAYLOR
    • Top 25 Contributor
      Male
    • Joined on 05-24-2008
    • Wandsworth, South London
    • Posts 16
    • Points 290

    Re: Feedback on website

    Hi Nadine, and thanks for your feedback.I am in the process of making some major changes to my 1st. attempt.The 'new look" is very different! I am learning how to use perl scripts at the moment to enable me to offer free mp3s for downloading and to enable me to build trust and mailing lists.Your comments are very much appreciated. I've realised something from reading your comments.I lack clarity.This also shows up around me at home in the form of clutter.Hello! - I feel a clutter clearing week-end coming on!

    Thanks again

    Alan

    • Post Points: 20
  • 08-01-2008 10:11 PM In reply to

    Re: Feedback on website

    Hi Alan

    I am a great fan of a bit of clutter clearing for shifting things so good luck this weekend

    Nick

    http://www.inspired-entrepreneur.com/coaching/nick

    .... to book a coaching session with Nick.

    • Post Points: 20
  • 08-01-2008 10:46 PM In reply to

    • ALAN TAYLOR
    • Top 25 Contributor
      Male
    • Joined on 05-24-2008
    • Wandsworth, South London
    • Posts 16
    • Points 290

    Re: Feedback on website

    Hey Cheers Nick !

    Alan

    • Post Points: 20
  • 08-03-2008 8:14 AM In reply to

    Re: Feedback on website

    Hi Alan

    I was thinking having done some clutter clearing of my own yesterday that sometimes it is good to live in clutter for a wee while as it helps to really identify what is important or what the next step should be. 

    Having recently been married (3 weeks ago) we were given a number of wonderful gifts but we have a small house and an 18 month old so I just could not figure out where everything might go.  Having lived with the clutter for a time it gave me a different perspective on things - what I wanted to keep and what I wanted to clear out, what I could do with things; and just because something was in a particular place it didnt mean it had to stay there or that it was the best place.  Amazingly everything has found the perfect place!

    So hope your process was cathartic.

    Look forward to visiting your revamped site sometime.

    Nadine

    • Post Points: 20
  • 08-03-2008 11:55 AM In reply to

    • ALAN TAYLOR
    • Top 25 Contributor
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    • Joined on 05-24-2008
    • Wandsworth, South London
    • Posts 16
    • Points 290

    Re: Feedback on website

    Hi Nadine , and congratulations on your marriage.Thanks for your comments on clutter.It's always interesting to get someone elses take on this.This is a recurring theme for me (annually).I welcome the clearing as it reminds me of   'As above ...so below' and that I will be clearer when it's done.I can remember that in the past I would beat myself up over it!-Not so anymore.Love growth.

    Choose fun today

    Alan

    • Post Points: 5
  • 09-10-2008 3:27 AM In reply to

    Re: Feedback on website

    Hi Alan, I see you have already received some great feedback for your site and have alot to think about but I hope you don't mind me giving my input as well because I don't see any suggestions about what I want to suggest to you.  First off, congratulations for getting your first website up.  It is a great start.  And knowing you are limited on your finances and can't afford to hire someone to professionally redesign your site, I want to suggest using the popular Wordpress open source software that most hosting companies already have available for you to upload rather quickly and easily.  There are a ton of great free templates out there as well that you can tweak to your own liking and put your own graphics on to make them your own.  I would be more then happy to help you in any way I can but you will be surprised how easy it is especially if you have already accomplished what you have.

    Blessings,

    Lori

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    • Post Points: 20
  • 09-12-2008 8:09 PM In reply to

    • ALAN TAYLOR
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    • Joined on 05-24-2008
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    Re: Feedback on website

    Hi Lori, thanks for the feedback on my 'old' website.This was my first attempt at building a web site and I have just realised it is 4 years old!

    Since then, I have got to grips with the software that I used, got great advice from Niki and others .I have read and digested a great book on design ( for print as well as websites) and re designed my site using the design principles from this book.I am almost ready to upload it again as soon as  I get some audio examples done and testimonials from ex-clients. The templates thing; I am one of those people who like to create from scratch.The software that I have, also has templates , but I just didn't like any of them.I love designing things anyway so, It wasn't a chore or anything like that.

    It's been a bit of a challenge to learn to add 'scripts' that make the site interactive /user-friendly ( for collecting email addresses etc.)

    If anyone is interested, the design book is;  'The non-designers web design book' by  Robin Williams.  (she)  I love this book!  She has other books  on design too.

    Thanks again

    ps    This site is Great!

    Alan

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    • Post Points: 5
  • 09-16-2008 8:25 PM In reply to

    Re: Feedback on website

    Hi Alan

    Congratulations on taking the website plunge.

     

    My top tips....

    Avoid too many bullet points per page...it gets a little dotty!

    Use lower case..Too much upper case is hard to read. Save it for headlines only.

    Some of the info on your Coaches page is persuasive copy and would be good on your home page.  Good web copy is a conversation. yes make it appeal to the serach engines, but never forget that 'real people' are your readers.

    Bye for now

    Claire

    www.clairefindlater.com

     

     

     

     

     

     

    For personal branding, copywriting, or killer cvs check out

    www.clairefindlater.com

    • Post Points: 20
  • 09-22-2008 9:54 AM In reply to

    • ALAN TAYLOR
    • Top 25 Contributor
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    • Joined on 05-24-2008
    • Wandsworth, South London
    • Posts 16
    • Points 290

    Re: Feedback on website

    Hi all. I have decided to upload my New design website.I was so concerned about how the old one looked, that I chose to replace it as soon as possible.  Iv'e yet to add MP3s. but I am working on them now. Testimonials are being written for me by previous clients so I will upload them asap.The same goes for the Free download MP3 to collect e-mail addresses.

    For those of you who may be interested, I am currently offering my recording services at half the usual price for the next 30 days.

    I need to remember that it's website and internet stuff where I am a novice, whereas in audio recording I have 15 years experience and an HNC in Music Production since 2001.

    Thanks to Claire Findlater for your feedback. Every bit helps.

    So, more feedback would be appreciated....or even a recording session!

    Thanks     Alan

    www.innerphonics.com

    • Post Points: 20
  • 09-22-2008 10:08 AM In reply to

    Re: Feedback on website

    Hi Alan

    Just tried to take another look but your new site's not loading up right....some glitches/missing images etc...thought you'd want to know asap..

    Claire

     

    For personal branding, copywriting, or killer cvs check out

    www.clairefindlater.com

    • Post Points: 20
  • 09-22-2008 2:52 PM In reply to

    • ALAN TAYLOR
    • Top 25 Contributor
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    • Joined on 05-24-2008
    • Wandsworth, South London
    • Posts 16
    • Points 290

    Re: Feedback on website

    Hi Claire, thanks for checking.When I try it myself, it loads up immediately.I've tested it in Internet Explorer, Safari, and my default browser which is Camino.I was advised to check it especially in IE because most people have a PC and so their browsers are mainly IE.I use a Mac, but it shouldn't matter.I wonder if anyone else has any clues? I will ask some friends outside of this Forum to check too.

    p.s.

    Sometimes just the refresh button does it.( but you probably tried that)

    Take care    thanks

    Alan

    • Post Points: 5
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