Posted by Tom/NJ on 4/11/09 6:08pm
Msg #284506

Opinions wanted for website

Hey guys,
Just wanted some feedback on my website...Not complete yet, but I been giving it a couple days of work and wanted some in sight into what you guys thought about it.

Website is located at:
www.njsignings.com

Honest opinions wanted...Free game to be as ruthless as you want.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 4/11/09 6:23pm
Msg #284507

Sent you a p/m, Tom... n/m

Reply by Paul2_FL on 4/11/09 6:25pm
Msg #284508

Hi Tom,

Looks good to me so far. The only thing I saw that needs to be fixed is on your About Us page. The last paragraph states "I covered" I think you wanted to say "I am covered".

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/11/09 6:39pm
Msg #284509

Fixed! Thank you

Reply by John_NorCal on 4/11/09 7:00pm
Msg #284511

Looks good Tom, simple and to the point.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 4/11/09 7:05pm
Msg #284514

On your coverage page you have:
Areas in black, my services are currently unavailable in

I would change it to: My services are currently unavailable in the areas in black.

And on the About Us page - change Error and Omission to Errors and Omissions

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/11/09 7:35pm
Msg #284519

Fixed...That's for the recommendations

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 4/11/09 7:51pm
Msg #284520

Home Page....Mommouth County is MoNmouth County...

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 4/11/09 8:28pm
Msg #284526

Also I don''t know that I would mention fax backs

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 4/11/09 8:16pm
Msg #284521

Here's one of my biggest pet peeves about web sites...

Individuals who use "About Us" or "Contact Us" or other phrases that indicate that there are more than a single individual in the business. There is NO HARM is admitting you're a one-man shop. It should say something like, "About Thomas" or "Contact Me" or something similar.

It's also an issue in that it makes you look like a signing service rather than an individual notary, and that could be confusing.


Also, for SEO and bookmarking purposes, you're going to want to edit your Title. Right now it just says, "Home" -- You want that be be more descriptive, like, "Thomas Pinder, New Jersey Notary Public"

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 4/11/09 8:27pm
Msg #284524

also....

"I am a newly commissioned notary public ...."

No need to tell anyone you're new. In fact, a lot of signing services, TCs and other clients might see than and click the X right away because they want someone who at least looks like they know what they're doing. It's okay to be new...but you don't have to admit it unless you're asked directly, especially in this industry.

You might want to pay someone a few bucks to have them clean up the tense and grammar on all of your copy. You've got a good start, but some of your grammar might turn people off. That's not really a big deal... even the best writers have editors!

On your coverage page... rather than blacking out areas and using negative words like 'unavailable', try just stating where you are available. People understand that even though you're in a State you likely don't cover the whole place. Well, I don't know about back east... but I don't know anyone who even sees "Southern California" an assumes I actually cover all parts of SoCal, much less the entire state. Shoot, I don't even cover all of LA County!

Also that graphic seems to be pretty low resolution. You might want something a bit more sharp.

Otherwise, you're off to a good start!

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/11/09 8:45pm
Msg #284528

Re: also....

I'll fix up the grammar and such..This is all a work in progress, having done all this in only a few days time. I often am brainstorming on the site and having it up and modifying it out later. I'm actually really not this bad at grammar and spelling and such as it may seem.

The graphic for the availability is make-shift I know. It's actually just up to show someone kind of what I am going for to make a better one up for me, along with my own logo for the site.

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/11/09 8:37pm
Msg #284527

You're correct. I debated that with myself and what's sure what the right answer was but I will make those changes.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 4/12/09 12:06am
Msg #284545

Thanks for bringing up the "About Us" phrase. That's something that I've been chewing on and struggling with for a long time on my website. I'm still trying to come up with a better option. I might just leave out "About" and use a different phrase altogether. You've pushed me over the edge!

Reply by LKT/CA on 4/11/09 8:27pm
Msg #284525

Home page, 2nd to last sentence in the paragraph - change "inquries" to "inquiries"

Reply by MW/VA on 4/11/09 8:55pm
Msg #284529

IMO I would get rid of the "Faxbacks ok". I think the website look pretty good.
It has been my personal experience that my website doesn't get many hits. I have found it more important to list on the major websites, like this one, where I get the most exposure.
With that in mind, I notice that you are not a premium member here, and haven't completed your profile. This is a major advertising site, and I would suggest you use it to your maximum advantage. When I was starting out it took me a while to get it, but now pay for the highest listing I can get on the major sites. I only have a one page website, and it suits the purpose, but it is not where my business comes from. Good luck.

Reply by Michelle/AL on 4/11/09 9:23pm
Msg #284536

Tom, I haven't read the earlier responses so I may comment on something someone already said:

1) I like the coverage and contact-me tabs.
2) I'm not crazy about the brown color. It's so close to baby diaper brown,
3) The home page needs a little tweaking. The typed words seems to target signing and title companies but I get the impression that you're also available to the general public. I think you need to add some text geared to the general public so that your comments about "getting docs back the same day" doesn't confuse them.

Hope this helps.

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/11/09 9:34pm
Msg #284537

1-Thank you
2- Changed it back to black and white...I didn't like the brown either, though it was supposed to be red.
3-I definitely am mostly targetting title and signing companies..Let me think about adding some text in there..

Thanks Michelle

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/11/09 10:18pm
Msg #284539

Why the cafe logo...esp. without a link?

Tom, you made the remark you are new. Unless I am missing something I don't understand why a notary would give the middleman a leg up by giving them advertising. Signing services serve their purpose but they are also the competitor that will gobble up every direct contact to a title company you can get.

I like the color brown you have chosen. I like brown a lot.

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/12/09 7:11am
Msg #284553

I have just been experimenting with links through pictures and such and just threw it up there.

I'm also a big fan brown..

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/12/09 8:33am
Msg #284562

Good point.

Content, content, content.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 4/12/09 2:48am
Msg #284548

Something to think about.

You said it wasn't done yet, so I won't sweat the small stuff. It is well thought out and looks good.

I am going to give you something else to think about. When I first began, I had my own domain name and email to that domain plus a simple website outlining all the essentials. Quite catchy, I thought.

About 3 years into this, I was analyzing what business I was getting vs what my advertising costs were and what I thought my advertising and marketing budget should be. As catchy as I thought my domain name was and website were, I wasn't really getting any business from it. The hits it did get were from my profile links from a this and a couple of other sites. Also, by keeping notes from when I received calls, 90% of the time, all they wanted was my phone number and when they got it from this or a couple of other sites they went no farther. I also noticed that with one site that I had subscribed that included a website of sorts with the annual fee, when my town + notary was Googled, I was on the first page. And to get your own website to show up on a first page of anything is expensive and near impossible. So I did not renew my domain name, changed my email to my isp server and moved the front page of my website to the free area of my isp. I also got rid of all the notary sites that were not returning a profit. Took that money, bought more business cards, post cards and flyers to be left at local businesses and actually increased my business at a time when people were complaining of over saturation of notaries in my area and loan signing work was beginning to slow down.

This is not meant to throw cold water on websites. It just depends on your business model. PAW has a heck of a business and website. Check out his magnetic car signs.

Just something to think about if you need to pinch pennys ....

Best of luck with your business.

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/12/09 7:09am
Msg #284552

Re: Something to think about.

Glenn,

Point taken. This website is actually free for the first year then $14.95 after that, so it really isn't that big of a deal to me to have it up for $14.95 a year..If it was something like $50 a year or $14.95 a month or something like that, it's certainly the first thing I would probably cut.

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/12/09 7:13am
Msg #284554

In contrast to what Glenn said,

I get multiple calls from my website each week. I think websites are the cheapest way to go for advertising dollars which bring revenue. Everyone's experience is different...everyone's area is different.

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/12/09 7:41am
Msg #284556

Re: In contrast to what Glenn said,

I actually think for a business in general, it is essential to have a website. I know when I require a product or service, the VERY first thing I do is look for a website or company on the internet that offers said product or service.

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/12/09 7:41am
Msg #284557

Re: In contrast to what Glenn said,

I actually think for a business in general, it is essential to have a website. I know when I require a product or service, the VERY first thing I do is look for a website or company on the internet that offers said product or service.

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/12/09 7:41am
Msg #284558

Re: In contrast to what Glenn said,

I actually think for a business in general, it is essential to have a website. I know when I require a product or service, the VERY first thing I do is look for a website or company on the internet that offers said product or service.

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/12/09 7:41am
Msg #284559

Re: In contrast to what Glenn said,

I actually think for a business in general, it is essential to have a website. I know when I require a product or service, the VERY first thing I do is look for a website or company on the internet that offers said product or service.

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/12/09 7:43am
Msg #284560

Re: In contrast to what Glenn said,

Sorry...Dog jumped on me and made me press the "Post" button about twelve times

Reply by jba/fl on 4/12/09 12:10pm
Msg #284567

Re: In contrast to what Glenn said,

Well, 4 anyway! LOL

Reply by PAW on 4/12/09 7:43pm
Msg #284611

About getting listed on search engines ...

>>> And to get your own website to show up on a first page of anything is expensive and near impossible. <<<

Glenn offers some great advice, but I completely disagree with the above statement. As many of you know, my website appears at the top, or at least near the top, on searches that seek the keywords in my website. I have never paid for SEO services to get my website listed. I spent my time doing it myself, over and over again. Plus building content that creates visitors to my site. All that time and effort has paid off. As I said, my site is often at the top of the search results, even above some of the notary directory sites.

I have a notary links page for other notary websites. When a search is done where the name of the site, or web address is the criteria, my site appears in the list, not always on top, but at least on the first page.

I didn't happen overnight. You have to work at your site, constantly updating it, and submitting it to the big search engines. But you also have to join other marketing sites, such as MerchantCircle, LinkedIn, and other social and professional networking sites. And, it is helpful to have reciprocal links on other seached notary sites, such as notary-directory, and other notary's websites. Also, set up profiles for you business on as many business sites as you can. Don't forget to advertise on Craigslist, Yahoo, Google, etc. Again, I don't buy advertising space on any site.

The above applies only if you are considering advertising for GENERAL notary work. Signing services, title companies and lenders, typically won't search the web for notary signing agents. But the general public certainly does.

-------
To Glenn - Thank you for the kind words and plug. Your check is in the mail! (j/k)

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 4/13/09 10:31pm
Msg #284794

I'll be watching ... :) n/m

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 4/12/09 4:37am
Msg #284549

Adding to all this excellent advice ...

First of all I'd like to make a note on something - to all those who read N/R and post elsewhere of how negatively newbies (forgive me, Tom) are received - see what a difference it makes if you are NOT simply coming here with your hands out, wanting everything graciously placed before you and served up with candlelight and soft music?!

Ok - couple of tidbits to add to this banquet, Tom =)

IMHO, I would only provide ONE phone number, everywhere. Giving out two numbers is only going to become a source for confusion, eventually. It will work it's way into the wrong fields in databases - and you can't control which number or in which order of importance.

I'd also put your address - or at LEAST city, state & zip on EVERY page (with phone & e-mail). I use my full address, in 5 years it's never caused me any issue - but the reason is so your site will pull up in searches (right now, it's not). Adding it to the top of the home page puts all the vital info the client needs RIGHT in front of their eyes - don't make them look for it on another page. It might not look very aesthetically pleasing, but there's a reason for adding a long list of zip codes covered - search engines.

Also ...Dang it, man - spend the money here for Premier, you're SO lucky to have very little competition in your hometown on this list! 90% of my marketing money goes to this and two other sites, one costs me a fortune but is worth every dime. Find out who your competition is, hunt them down and find out where THEY are found at, then try to beat them to the punches.

Thank you for coming here with such a great attitude, your obvious ability to do for yourself, and just your over-all pleasant nature - rather refreshing! =)

GREAT job on the website (I personally really like the brown, btw). If you're aiming for signings over general notarial work (and kudos to you for using the word "notarial" - I give you a lot of points for even knowing that's a real word!), the website is mostly a virtual business card - most of our lending clients use the databases.

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/12/09 7:06am
Msg #284551

Renee' is so right.

About Tom's arrival (nice to have you, Tom) and all of her advice.

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/12/09 7:28am
Msg #284555

Re: Adding to all this excellent advice ...

Renee,
Just wanted to say thank you for your thoughtful response to start out.

I have made some of the recommended changes. I added my contact info into the header which doesn't look bad..It did kind of throw the title and slogan for a loop.

I know on becoming a premier member! haha..It's on my short list of things to do and I definitely will be getting it in the near future.

I will be putting a list of all the zip in a table format to keep it organized, I'm up at my fiance's parents house for the weekend so I am waiting to do all the ardous work when I get back to NJ.

Reply by Linda Juenger on 4/12/09 12:39pm
Msg #284568

I'd like to add Thank you for your service to our Country

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 4/12/09 1:15pm
Msg #284572

Re: I'd like to add Thank you for your service to our Country

Me too

Your service is very much appreciated.

Reply by MW/VA on 4/12/09 6:16pm
Msg #284603

Re: I'd like to add Thank you for your service to our Country

Glad to know you returned home safely & wish you all the best in your new notary career.
I think you're off to a good start, and have gained the respect of many on this board.
Welcome. We look forward to your input on the forum.

Reply by MW/VA on 4/12/09 6:29pm
Msg #284604

Re: I'd like to add Thank you for your service to our Country

I also see you completed your profile here on NotRot. Good work, Tom, and you are well on your way.

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/12/09 7:11pm
Msg #284607

Re: I'd like to add Thank you for your service to our Country

I'm slowly, but surely, taking in all the advice that is given to me. I promise, premium membership on NotRot is next up!

Reply by Claudine Osborne on 4/12/09 8:09pm
Msg #284616

Re: Thank you

Tom, You have been busy. You clearly are doing your research and asking this forum for advice and getting great positive feedback! We have a great group of very knowledgable people here willing and able to assist. I would urge the become a Premier Member! There are benefits!

We often see newbies coming on here wanting to be spoon fed information (information that has been asked hundreds of times). We do get tired of getting asked the same questions when this info is in the search feature. Tom you have clearly demonstrated your willingness to learn and ask for advise. This is why you are getting good positive responses..

I know I like to see newbies taking iniative to study and research before asking for help! This makes a difference as to the responses you receive from this forum!

Good luck and of course thank you for serving in the military!

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/13/09 8:13am
Msg #284662

Re: Thank you

If you only knew how busy I've been Claudine. My girlfriend I know is not too fond on the amount of time I spend on the computer researching, reading, re-reading and typing, though I had to tell her I'm not going to get anything out of a business that I am not spending time and energy putting work into.

Reply by trnsa_IL on 4/12/09 10:39pm
Msg #284641

Welcome Tom and Thank You for serving! n/m