Posted by Pamela on 8/6/06 6:38pm
Msg #137370
Re: Website
Hello,
Just revised my website (had minor dental surgery and plenty of time on hand).
All opinions welcomed!
Http://www.tiptopwebsite.com/pamrodriguez
Pam
| Reply by Gerry_VT on 8/6/06 6:51pm
Msg #137373
Re: Website
I use Internet Explorer, and have the privacy set to "High". When I view your site I get the following message near the top of my screen:
"Your security settings do not allow Web sites to use ActiveX controls installed on your computer. This page may not display correctly. Click here for options..."
So, do you really have information on your web site that really requires ActiveX controls to present?
| Reply by Pamela on 8/6/06 6:59pm
Msg #137376
Re: Website
Hi Gerry,
I have my own computer set at medium level, as I know that the high setting can
be a deterrent against "friendly" information.
My website is an informational site with many links.
Sorry, that the site posed a problem for you!
Pam
| Reply by Laura Vestanen on 8/6/06 6:59pm
Msg #137375
Re: Website
Your website is very pretty.
I've been to the Uffizi. When did you go to find it so empty???
I assume you want comments that will increase your business' profit margin, not just sweet words.
Therefore I say with all kindness: your site will not get you work.
Think about your customers. What are they looking for? What words do they use in a google or yahoo search?
Your customers want to be assured that you are competent and experienced.
Your customers want to know that you have experience handling their specific documents (loan, living will, whatever).
Pretty pics will not establish your credibility.
The info on your left column is nice but your customers could care less. Lose that info.
Do a google on SEO (search engine optimization) and apply what you learn. This will take weeks.
I know EXACTLY which words my customers use in a google or yahoo search for a notary. I have been asking them this question for years.
When someone enters the top 2 words in a search, my info comes up 4 times on the first page (10 results).
Good luck and I hope you have a speedy recovery!
LV
| Reply by BrendaTx on 8/6/06 7:17pm
Msg #137377
Re: Website - Pamela -
I looked at your meta info. Good work.
You might want to figure about about the active x thing. Some people do feel really put off by that.
| Reply by PAW on 8/6/06 9:32pm
Msg #137388
ActiveX is NOT good ...
Many lenders and title company networks do not allow for the infiltration of ActiveX components to their workstations. For some companies, this is actually a security violation of ActiveX is allowed. As a former TRM (Technical Risk Manager) for a major lender, I can tell you that if your site is peppered with ActiveX or too many Java scripts, it may be blocked by the corporate information services security settings and policies.
Also, for ease of viewing in ALL the different viewers and browsers, it is best to keep your website as simple and basic (in code context) as possible. One of the biggest no-no's is music. In a home or single user environment it may be acceptable, even if the user doesn't care for your selection. In a corporate environment, staff people are often told not to visit sites that play music. Why? Two reasons: (1) the music may be disruptive to others and (2) bosses often think that the employee is not doing their job, but surfing the web instead.
| Reply by Pamela on 8/6/06 9:57pm
Msg #137390
PAW Re: ActiveX is NOT good ...
Good Evening,
Thank you for reviewing my website. I deleted the music
(was on the homepage only). Now, how do I identify ActiveX
on my webpages? Also, how do I keep the context basic,
without deleting much of the information?
Thanks,
Pam
| Reply by PAW on 8/7/06 8:50am
Msg #137415
Re: PAW Re: ActiveX is NOT good ...
Identifying ActiveX controls can be difficult for non-programmers. Depending on what application you use to build your website, will determine which controls, if any, are used. When you use some of the tools, such as menu drop downs, flashy graphics, etc. and the website is designed for Internet Explorer, chances are, ActiveX is embedded.
What I meant by keeping the context basic, was to keep the resulting code (HTML, PHP, etc.) simple and basic, which would be understood without any problems by all the various browsers, e.g. IE, Firefox, Mozilla, Netscape, Opera, etc. You don't need to limit your content, just some of the ways the content may be presented.
| Reply by Pamela on 8/7/06 9:13am
Msg #137421
PAW
PAW, Good Morning!
Thank You for letting me know.
The website is a monthly paid plan, for which is structured for non-technical
folks like myself. There are many designs and downloads (including flashes)
for which to use. However, all of the photos were taken via the internet.
Up until this thread, I had not heard of ActiveX. Needless to say, I will review
each page and revise accordingly.
Again, I Thank You for your help!
Have a Good Day,
Pamela
| Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 8/7/06 12:31am
Msg #137401
I agree with Paw concerning music
All I have to hear is music or some other nonsense that begins a website and I done with that website.
Its like 3 years ago when notaries actually posted as part of their profile: Call me and I will turn on my fax machine!!!
Duh!
www.joanbergstromnotarypublic.com
| Reply by Pamela on 8/7/06 1:33am
Msg #137403
Joan, Re: I agree with Paw concerning music
Hello Joan,
I also dislike websites that have music (unless its specifically for that purpose).
As stated in the original post, I've recently had too much time on my
hands (after dental surgery) and decided to revise the site. It is during
this time that I added music to the homepage. It must have been the
Motrin affecting my behaviour ("smile" .
After Paul's message, I immediately removed it.
I also dislike telephone answering machines or cell phone message centers,
which have very long and drawn out music or so-called "sexy" introductions!
If you have viewed the website, please let me know.
Feedback is always welcomed.
Thank You,
Pam
| Reply by Winston_Tn on 8/7/06 8:42am
Msg #137414
Re: ActiveX is ??? good ...
I have a very hard time with anti-ActiveX-ists propagating generic statements about COM object security of yesteryear.
ActiveX Controls have become the primary architecture for developing programmable software components for use in a variety of different containers, ranging from software development tools to end-user productivity tools.
Using the methods, events, and properties exposed by a control, Web authors can automate their HTML pages. Examples of ActiveX Controls include text boxes, command buttons, audio players, video players, stock tickers, clocks, and so on. Woe would be Macromedia without the advent of ActiveX containers.
Granted, a poor designed ActiveX control can be an extremely insecure way to provide a feature. Because it is a Component Object Model (COM) object, it can do anything the user can do from that computer. It can read from and write to the registry, and it has access to the local file system. From the moment a user downloads an ActiveX control, the control may be vulnerable to attack because any Web application on the Internet can repurpose it, that is, use the control for its own ends whether sincere or malicious. But, you can take precautions when you write a control to avert an attack.
Soooo..... possibly prior to the condemnation of the latest building block in the COM and COM+ architecture, you should discuss such topics as Multithreading, Container private interfaces, Modeless browsers with overload IpropertyNotifySink, Event freezing, Apartment Model awareness, Initialization security, Scripting security, Run-time licensing, Digital certification, Authenticode, Sitelock template...etc. In other words, there are many ways to develop and protect secure ActiveX objects, and without the use of this class of objects to build a functional 'foundation', one cannot expect to have the pretty 'windows' set which we all enjoy viewing.
My2¢
| Reply by Glenn Strickler on 8/7/06 11:33am
Msg #137454
Re: ActiveX is ??? good ...
I would think that if you computer is secured with anti-spyware, anti-virus and a firewall as it should be these days, then the ActiveX Controls should not be a problem. I am not an expert, though, but I have all of the above and keep it updated and never seem to have an issue.
My problem with the site is that it is too busy and a person who is going to hire you will not want to wade through a bunch of content to see the basics of your service. Time is money and in my experience, most of the time, a person will Google "notary" or go directly to this or a couple of other sites that show up on the first page of Google or other search engine and never search past there. As a single LSA, you get more for your money by getting the premium listings on the most popular sites than spending a lot of money on a website. Posting a complete profile on those sites is a must.
JMHO
| Reply by Signing_Doc on 8/6/06 8:28pm
Msg #137383
Laura...I liked what you said...would you take a gander
at mine and give me any 'constructive' comments. It is very basic and I did it all my little old self :-). TIA...."Doc"
| Reply by Laura Vestanen on 8/7/06 5:54am
Msg #137408
Check your email. n/m
| Reply by Pamela on 8/6/06 9:48pm
Msg #137389
Laura, Re: Website
Laura,
Thank You very much for reviewing my website. Due to the heavy competition
in my service areas (Los Angeles and Orange Counties), I wanted to create an
informational site, which would set me apart from the other notaries.
Meaning that, people would still be drawn to it, whether they needed a notary
or not. And those that did not need my services at the time, would hopefully
bookmark the website for future use.
Also, because I receive emails from "newbies" asking various information,
I wanted a site that they could go to for notary helps.
I just started doing signings this year and do not have the experience to list.
However, I worked in the social work field for many, many years, which
is why I inserted many consumer-type links.
And Yes, the site does generate business! Intitally I had only five pages,
now it's expanded beyond that. Also, when people search for me, I
can usually be found on the first page too.
Again, I do Thank You Very Much and Apprecitate your having taken the time
to review the site and for your get-well wishes (So far, everything is coming
along fine!)!
By the way, all the photos were taken off the web. I would love to go to
Greece, had planned to do so a few years ago, but had to cancel
(due to world events).
Have a Blessed Evening,
Pam
| Reply by MichiganAl on 8/7/06 3:28am
Msg #137404
Re: Website
Ok, I hope you're actually looking for help. Here's my professional opinion (and as a former web designer, it is just that). Truth is, it needs a lot of work. Just a brief look, but I see a lot of irrelevant information. Things to do around town, bus schedules, a calendar, traffic reports, links to sites that have nothing to do with the industry. It's way too watered down. Someone who goes to your site looking for relevant information would give up quickly. You should eliminate anything that isn't industry related. Focus on important keywords. Way too many photos, and I don't understand what pictures of birds have to do with anything for your top banner. You're site's trying to be everything, and it ends up doing nothing very well.
| Reply by Ndwa on 8/7/06 4:56am
Msg #137405
Re: Website
Your homepage should contain only the basic links (contact/about/service/etc.) within your website. My first impression of your website is that it was design with a purpose of pay-per-click ads.
| Reply by MelissaCT on 8/7/06 9:14am
Msg #137422
Re: Website
It is difficult to read the text on the links to the left. You don't have to repeat your title on each link -- some search engines would consider this as a "bad" thing & not list you or not list you as prominently as a result.
The mouse-overs are nice to highlight the link. You might want to note on your FAQ pages that the information contained there is not legal advice and only applies to your state. You can't count on a visitor coming through only your home page. They may come through from any page that is indexed by the search engines. As such, your contact information should be contained within your title bar that appears on every page.
On your notarial duties & notarizations FAQ page, the photo of Greece is nice, but a visitor doesn't want to scroll down to find the information they're looking for. Nix the pic. A relevant graphic, if necessary, is a much better way to go.
On the ID cont'd page, you reference information from another page within your site: (as stated in question number 8) -- this question 8 reference should be hyperlinked to the proper section of the previous page. Don't assume that someone visiting will go in the order you've chosen to present your information. They may come directly into this page from a search engine, depending on the keywords they've used.
Some of your links open VERY slowly, such as for the REAL ID links. Perhaps someone can offer a suggestion on that, but a visitor isn't going to sit around & wait for the link to open -- they'll go somewhere else.
Again, don't know what a bouquet of white roses on the calendar page has to do with notary work. The calendar is superficial to the site, unless a user can access it to make an appointment with you...
Overall, I concur with PAW, Al, etc. define the focus of your site and stick to that definition. If you feel the need for "personal" pages, then create a 2nd site for all that fluff that you link once to your business site.
| Reply by MelissaCT on 8/7/06 9:39am
Msg #137426
Re: Website
By the way, I welcome any constructive criticism of my site as well. What's good for the goose is good for the gander...
| Reply by Pamela on 8/7/06 9:59am
Msg #137429
Melissa, Re: Website
Melissa,
Thank You Very Much for your input. I am glad that you took the time to
review my website. Your comments are appreciated.
Although, there is a disclaimer on page 2, regarding my not being an attorney,
I will add this to some of the other pages as well. Initially, I had my contact
information on each page but thought it too redundant. However, due to your
comments, I am now giving this second thought.
I will be reviewing each page and revising where necessary (i.e. searching for
slow links, etc. . .). However, the webite is intented for both notaries and consumers.
Notarial references are listed as well as mortgage information (very helpful for those
in the loan signing business, as well to homeowners and perspective buyers).
The calendar was added as a matter of convenience, for those persons
requesting to schedule an appointmtent with me (or wishing to visit
one of the "Around Town" places).
"Around Town" is listed, because I service those areas. Out-of-town
people, will ask me about Disneyland and/or Knotts etc. . .while on a notary
appointment (either for themselves or a friend/relative).
Again, your insight was helpful and appreciated!
Take Care,
Pam
Pam
| Reply by Ernest__CT on 8/7/06 9:31am
Msg #137424
Re: Website
For all the reasons stated on the other Posts I find Pamela's Site to be unprofessional. In addition, there a quite a few spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors.
I doubt that I would look beyond the Page that I reached (Home or otherwise) before skipping Pamela's Site and going on to the next Notary.
| Reply by Pamela on 8/7/06 10:07am
Msg #137431
Ernest! Re: Website
Ernest,
Please point out the "few spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors".
Perhaps you would not look further than the first page, but I am not
lacking in notarial business, THANK YOU!
As far as being unprofessional, it is not! I did not want the same
mundane, boring website as many notaries have!
This is Southern Californa, not Connecticut! And the people that I service
are anything but dull!
One more thing, as a Realtor, title companies and mortgage companies
give weekly training as to how to create websites. . .
GOOD DAY!
Pamela
| Reply by kathy/ca on 8/7/06 10:47am
Msg #137440
Pamela: I am from CA and I think it is unprofessional, way
too busy, too much going on, too many irrelevancys. I am not an authority on the subject but just as an observer of your site, I think I would make sure changes if I were you. The notary industry is a very professional one, whether in CA, CT, AZ, MI, doesent matter. You asked to have your site critiqued so please take this as just that, just an observers opinion.
| Reply by Pamela on 8/7/06 11:20am
Msg #137445
Kathy,
Kathy,
Where in Caliifornia are you located? California is a huge state, and as notaries
we have our own service areas. Someone in Redwood City may not like the site
but someone else in Los Angeles may find that it pleases him or her.
Also, what exactly is irrelevant? When critiquing, list specific information
not generalizations (i.e. "too many irrelevancys". By the way, "irrelevancys"
and "doesnt" are not words. Note: A "professional" needs to know how
to spell correctly.)
And, there are people who have e-mailed me (off the board),
who like the site "as is".
Everyone cannot be please.
You have voiced your opinion and I Thank You,
Pamela
| Reply by kathy/ca on 8/7/06 11:45am
Msg #137459
Pamela: Thank you for pointing out my error's of neglecting
to insert apostrophie's in 2 word's in my last post. Oh and by the way, "everyone cannot be please", or did you mean "pleased"? Obviously you didn't really want an honest opinion and I apologise forgiving one. Respectfully, kathy/ca
| Reply by kathy/ca on 8/7/06 11:51am
Msg #137460
Oop's, I meant "for giving" one, sorry, typo! n/m
| Reply by CaliNotary on 8/7/06 1:23pm
Msg #137470
Re: Kathy,
"Note: A "professional" needs to know how to spell correctly.)"
A professional also knows the proper use of quotation marks. A professional also wouldn't use the word "helps" as the plural of the word "help", nor would they have SIX exclamation marks in the opening paragraphs of the homepage.
Sorry Pam, but I'm gonna agree with those who think it looks unprofessional. I'd use the word "cheesy" myself.
And if you're going to say that all comments are welcome, don't be such a b*tch to people like Kathy when they give you comments that you don't like and snidely point out her spelling errors. You asked for input, be a little more damn gracious when you get it.
| Reply by CaliNotary on 8/7/06 1:25pm
Msg #137472
And one more thing
Anyone who uses "L@@k" simply cannot expect to be taken seriously. Ditch that immediately, it just looks stupid.
| Reply by SharonMN on 8/7/06 10:33am
Msg #137437
Re: Website
You need to separate the "must have" information people need to hire you (services offered, area served, contact info...) from the "nice to know" industry and area links.
I would put three areas on the home page:
Notary Here and There services
Preparing for your notary appointment
Links
and sort your content from there.
| Reply by Ernest__CT on 8/7/06 10:45am
Msg #137439
Great advice, SharonMN! n/m
| Reply by Pamela on 8/7/06 11:34am
Msg #137455
Ernest Re: Great advice, SharonMN!
Sharon has serious grammar and spelling errors.
Yet you fail to bring this to her attention?
AND, I am still waiting for you to pinpoint the spelling errors
and incorrect grammar usage, for which you claim is on my website!
Pamela
| Reply by Ernest__CT on 8/7/06 12:21pm
Msg #137464
Re: Ernest Re: Great advice, SharonMN!
Complete Web Site analysis is available for a fee. I am more than willing to take a qucik look, as I did at your Site, as a favor for a fellow notary. But no more than that. As your time is money, so is mine.
You asked for opinions, yet when people expressed themselves you argued with them.
| Reply by Pamela on 8/7/06 4:42pm
Msg #137520
Ernest, Re: Ernest Re: Great advice, SharonMN!
Ernest,
Not true. I asked for opinions, not generalized condescending statements.
This type of approach is not helpful. If there are/were errors then show me.
Obviously, you and I have a different outlook on life. Although time may be
money, I often give freely, even to those who cannot afford my basic notarial fees.
Pamela
| Reply by CaliNotary on 8/7/06 1:33pm
Msg #137474
Re: Ernest Re: Great advice, SharonMN!
"AND, I am still waiting for you to pinpoint the spelling errors and incorrect grammar usage, for which you claim is on my website!"
Should be: "I am still waiting for you to pinpoint the spelling errors and incorrect grammar usage which you claim are on my website."
Seriously Pam, just based on what I've seen you post on this board, you have some major problems with grammar (incorrect use of tense, MAJOR punctutation issues). Your commenting on the language skills of others is kind of like Paris Hilton calling somebody a skank.
| Reply by MelissaCT on 8/7/06 3:11pm
Msg #137507
Re: Ernest Re: Great advice, SharonMN!
To quote Larry the Cable Guy: "I don't care who you are, THAT'S FUNNY"
| Reply by Pamela on 8/7/06 4:49pm
Msg #137521
Apologies to Sharon!
Correction to this post. The correct name is Kathy not Sharon!
It is Kathy who made the errors, not Sharon.
Pamela
| Reply by Pamela on 8/7/06 11:43am
Msg #137457
Re: Website
Sharon,
Thank You for reviewing the website and for the good advise.
At first the site had only 5 pages with the basic information.
Recently I had dental surgery, was at home, bored and decided
to revise it. After completition, I decided to seek outside opinions.
Have a Blessed Day!
Pam
| Reply by kathy/ca on 8/7/06 1:39pm
Msg #137476
Advise? OR did you mean advice??? Just checkin'! n/m
| Reply by John_NorCal on 8/7/06 11:13am
Msg #137443
Re: Website
I think it's too busy. I would consolidate all those links into categories. Remember in sales there is an old saying, KISS "Keep It Simple S_ _ _ _ _!"
| Reply by Pamela on 8/7/06 11:29am
Msg #137451
John, Re: Website
John,
Thank You for the sound advise.
As stated in the original post, there were only 5 pages, initially.
I had dental surgery, was recuperating and decided to
"add" to the pages.
Constructive criticism is always good and welcomed!
Thanks Again,
Pam
| Reply by Charm_AL on 8/7/06 2:05pm
Msg #137488
my opinion...
Your site is very colorful and fun to look through. Kind of like the 'Hometown' page that my 19 yr old college girl has. I can pull it up and catch up to her life and see photos and link to her favs and friends. It's high school or college type school away from home socializing.
While you may have a 'cool' town and links attractions, I seriously doubt that the professional seeking a notary cares about the links and may take offense to all the maneuvering around your hobby type look and feel of the site. I find that this is more or less a scrap book or photo album type of web site with your business thrown in for good measure.
Although it is attractive, it looks amateurish to me. As a company rep looking for a notary, the first thing that hits me is the length of your links box. Your use of pics reminded me immediately of your over usage of exclamation points. I really don't have the time to scroll past a big pic of a flower or something that jumps up first thing on the pages. Too much fluff, not enough lean meat.
I'll give you an A for creativity ! 
| Reply by Pamela on 8/7/06 3:39pm
Msg #137513
Charm, Re: my opinion...
Charm,
Thanks for your opinion. Originally I had 5 pages.
Last week I had dental surgery, was house bound and bored.
Decided to revise the website and ask for opinions.
I knew asking for opinions on Notary Rotary was going to be tough.
My focus of the site is on the general public, in my service areas,
which also include several colleges and tourist attractions.
The original 5 pages, had the photos etc. . . And yes, I receive
business from my website. Often times, someone will tell me that
they chose the site due to the "look" and "feel" of it.
Of course I may have went a bit overboard and will be revising it.
Again, Thank You for your input.
Pam
| Reply by BarbaraL_CA on 8/7/06 2:40pm
Msg #137502
Re: Website - Keep it simple...
Your site is "creative" but I find it difficult to navigate in order to find information. Instead of 20 pages, try 5 or 6 pages - consolidate your information.
Services offered.
Documents to notarize.
Contact and Experience
Resources and Other links and information - alot of what you have could be categorized on this ONE page.
Trying to read done the left column to find information is hard on the eyes. Use ONE or TWO words, like Contact Information, FAQ (for all those questions - put on one page), Fees and Availability,
you get the picture.
You'll get more business if you consolidate, make it concise and easy to navigate.
People want information that is easy to find.
| Reply by Pamela on 8/7/06 3:15pm
Msg #137508
Barbara Re: Website - Keep it simple...
Hi Barbara!
Thank You for the good advice.
Originally I had 5 pages. Last week I had dental surgery and had a lot
of time on my hands. This is when I decided to expand the site
with additional pages etc. . .'' It was upon completition that I decided
to ask for opinions.
Yes, I do plan to revise the site. I will not be reducing it to the
original 5 pages, but there are several pages which will be deleted etc. . .
Again, Thank you for taking the time to give your comments.
Pam
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