Posted by John_NorCal on 8/27/07 1:39am
Msg #207805

OT - Website review

I just put together a new website for my other endeavor. I would appreciate it if you website gurus would take a look at it and give me your feed back. This is a trial hosting site so my website will only be up for the next 12 hours. So get looking all you night owls. Thanks!

http://trialsites.ihoststudio.com/trialsite147293/website/index.html

Reply by Hugh Nations Signing Agents of Austin on 8/27/07 1:54am
Msg #207806

Looks good.

Flip your picture horizontally on the home page; it leads the eye off the page in the current orientation.

Try flush right for the type on the home page. Symetrical design is static; asymetric is dynamic. Flush right type would frame your picture and focus the eye on it, plus add more dynamism.

Reply by Hugh Nations Signing Agents of Austin on 8/27/07 1:59am
Msg #207807

Didn't mention: You'll seldom see professional writers use exclamation points. Check that statement out by looking at national ads in magazines and newspapers, and at journalists' copy. If the writing does not exclaim, a punctuation mark is not going to make it do it. It's better to be understated, especially for a tax consultant, than to give a prospective customer the initial impression from your ad that you're trying to sell him an empty sack.

Reply by John_NorCal on 8/27/07 2:25am
Msg #207808

Thanks Hugh n/m

Reply by JK/TX on 8/27/07 2:51am
Msg #207810

depends........ do you already have a following? If not or you are looking to generate business from the site you need much more content (as I have found - I'm working on my 3rd business.) to bring your site to top ranking pages. If you are one of few serving the same area in the same business you may not need content.

I guess you already have a domain name? If not, don't use a name that is not "domain.com or net, etc... what i am trying to say is don't use a free website. Even if you rank high when someone searches your site, they will look at your website address and decide if it looks credible.

Put more info on the home page to pull them into the other pages but keep it formated for easy reading as you have now.

Much Luck!

Reply by ZLee_Califia on 8/27/07 3:14am
Msg #207811

From a Woman's Point of View...

Personally, I liked the overall presentation. The punctuation didn't detract.
I think your picture is fine where it is. It's a good, professional and effective photo in my opinion. The other photos used to illustrate the site are eye-catching and served their purpose.

The only area I would have enhanced would have been in the "About" section. Perhaps something more about your background, i.e., education and/or experience.

An otherwise overall nicely done, succinct and easy to navigate site

JMHO...

Reply by RickinVA on 8/27/07 7:31am
Msg #207816

Might want to look at this: http://validator.w3.org/ It found some errors. I use
Firefox and your slogan "John, the..." is placed in and over some of the text.

Rick

Reply by Charm_AL on 8/27/07 7:59am
Msg #207818

personally, I like it, it makes me want to say helllllpppp me Tax guy !!!

Reply by John_NorCal on 8/27/07 9:07am
Msg #207825

Thank you for all your input n/m

Reply by MelissaCT on 8/27/07 9:13am
Msg #207827

The text of the links is difficult to read (pink on purple/blue) -- not working for me. I know I'm old & the eyes aren't what they used to be, but I would make the [link] text on the buttons white for better clarity.

On the Services page, I would change data input to data entry. I would also mention that by you keeping their data in QuickBooks, it's backed up regularly, which would be a bonus should something happen to the business itself (such as fire or data loss at their main location). I view that as an added benefit.

Clicking on the "contact" link, I would expect to find contact information about you, vs. the form there for you to contact the visitor based on information they provide. You state on the "Services" page: [Documents are dropped off, picked up, emailed, faxed or mailed in.] but neglect to list your fax or email information or much about your location.

The keywords in your meta tags should mention bookkeeper or other words that your target audience would search for on google or other search engine. You can use google webmaster tools to find keywords that would be best suited to your site & find them ranked by popularity also. A site is only good if people can find it.

I do think it's straight & to the point. The graphics lend well to the overall message and are relevant to the services provided. The colors work well together and the site in mostly logical in design (aside from my previous comments).

Reply by MelissaCT on 8/27/07 9:21am
Msg #207835

I also agree with Hugh & Zee. Pictures should face into the site, not away from it. Also more information should be given about your background. In other words, why should a business hire you vs. the way they've been doing things or vs hiring someone else. What qualifications do you have? What experience do you have? Who are your current clients? Similar size/type businesses? Highlight the benefits a company would have to use your services. Is there an emotional quality you can impact upon -- such as frazzled month/quarter end reporting period -- expand on that frustration & show how your services can alleviate that for the business. Most people buy based upon emotion, then logic. What problem do you solve? - i.e. less stress for them at a resonable cost, win-win.

Reply by ZeeCA on 8/27/07 9:34am
Msg #207842

overall looks good....

changes I would make is mostly on the services tab.... take out the word some and the ! you might add services and you want pot. clients to contact you and ask for what is not listed... it is a detractor.... for example you say:

"We can provide you with quick and easy access to accurate financial information about your company – information you need to make decisions on how to grow your business. "

should state: We provide take out all those passives and change them to assertive can do statements.... there are quite a few passive statements thru out.........


also do not center your bullets... hard to read and follow.....

i agree your contact page was a surprise as i expected contact info and than your form....


JMO and gl