 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Review: eWebDevelopment
Our company recently launched about 6 months ago and we're still finalizing our website. Feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!
Company Hompage:
http://www.ewebdevelopment.net
Webmaster Forums:
http://www.ewebdevelopment.net/forum/
Company Hompage:
http://www.ewebdevelopment.net
Webmaster Forums:
http://www.ewebdevelopment.net/forum/
0
The top 'boxes' should all have rounded edges really to match the rest of the boxes.
Other than that, Nice site. Easy on the eyes. And pleasant colours used.
All round nice really.
Other than that, Nice site. Easy on the eyes. And pleasant colours used.
All round nice really.
0
Curious the lack of response to your request for feedback.
Perhaps most reviewers consider you a competitor?
Well, I do Internet software, so you aren't my competitor. :-)
I like the general look of the site.
I like the changing "Latest News" on the left. It might
change too often for my taste. Consider making it
change more slowly and giving me a button to stop it
or got forward or back. If I'm trying to read the rest of the
page and that is bugging me, a stop button will make
the difference if I stay on your page, or not.
Consider a button to display what "last month's special" was.
AND ... a button for "next month's special".... but make that
button do a window or page to collect their email address
so they can be informed when you decide. ;-)
I guess that assumes that your monthly special is going to
change monthly. ;-)
The thing that strikes me about your prose and your home page
is that it doesn't focus on what I think the most important
question on the surfer's mind is.... "why me instead of the
other guys/gals/whatever?"
The first paragraph in the center for example.
In my opinion making the case for the web, is beyond
a cliche at this point. The person is reading your
page... they drank the cool-aid, so to speak.
They want a website.
I'm thinking that your target is too generic, so your prose
is too generic. "want a website" is not specific enough.
Your prospects fall into one or more categories:
1) have a website by a direct competitor and have a
relationship with that competitor still.
2) have a website by a direct competitor, but don't
have a relationship any longer with him/her.
3) have a website done by an amateur (friend, relative, other)
4) have a website done by self (tread carefully with this one)
5) have had websites before of one of the kinds (1-4)
6) never had a website or business before
7) starting a new business, need a website, considering
1,2 or 3.
8) already have a business, never had a website before,
figure it's time.
I don't know which market is the biggest or best for
you to focus on, but my suggestion is that you
pick one or two, and focus on it.
For example.. if you told me that you understand that
a $5000 website is a big committment, so you BELIEVE
in a 2 or 3 stage approach. stage 1 does this and costs that,
stage 2 is a few months later, when you are ready.. yada yada.
THAT would give me a reason to select you, and not the
other guy ( who has a web page just like yours, by the way
and who just wants all my money right away ).
Of course this notion of staging will need a terrific example.
A "tour"... a multi-page, multi-click storytelling tour of
what this staging concept is all about. By the 3rd or 4th
click, if they are still taking the tour, you are well on your
way to the final "contact us" click.
The second paragraph begins to dance around the "why me",
Consider making it the first paragraph and delete
what is currently first.
Consider (at least) linking a "before and after" example page
to the text "... or redesign every component... "
You know the drill.. "We gave a make over to a client who
had *that*, now they have *this*." That'll impress more
prospects than a paragraph that makes the case
(again/still) for having a website at all.
Consider instead of this:
"We use the most recent tools in technology & design to go beyond our clients' goals."
use
"We use the most advanced technology and design tools to exceed
your goals."
It's a still a bit of a cliche and I just adjusted a few words, not
enough to really answer the question "why me?"
I don't know what your answer is, and I'm not
trying to put words in your mouth (well, maybe I am,
a little bit ;-) . But, consider this...
Tell us 3 things you believe about the web, that you
competitors may or may not believe.
But, there's no room in our brains for all 3 ( especially
considering how much other "stuff" is going on this
one page ). So instead of just a list or just a paragraph
for each, swap the "beliefs" in and out with "latest news"
So, in other words, reuse that geography but keep it changing.
If you believed the following, you could make a compelling
case for yourself on this page that would get you business
(even lure business away from your competitors).
Beyond just the multi-stage idea...
Consider the paradigm of the web itself. The fundamental unit is
the "page." This isn't an accident. Tim wanted to give people
a way to share their documents with others around the world
at a click of the mouse and give 24/7 access. Email documents
around was a pain, every copy you sent to a collegue was
out of date the moment you made a change of any kind.
Well, a document means pages. Printed text needs a page,
right? A book, a magazine, a newspaper... everywhere we look..
pages, pages, pages.
And it's not that pages are bad. But, it seems that when I
revisit your page tomorrow, if it says the same as it
did yesterday... my chances of coming back the day after
go way down.
A specific example:
You decided that "Web Design", "Graphic Design"
"E-Commerce" and "Web Hosting" are where they are
on the page, say what they say and even appear
in that specific order. You made those decisions
when you designed the "page", after all, that's
what designers do, they make decisions and design.
But, are you willing to argue that something as simple
as the order they appear shouldn't be different?
Then why is it the same each time I revisit or reload your page?
Is there no 5th thing when you brainstormed what to
put in that space?
See, the "pages are static" philosophy of design led you
to the decision that since there is room for 4 things,
then you select the 4 that seem to be the most important,
the ones you want to highlight, and you throw away the 5th.
Well, ya know, I look at computers and software a little
differently. We can throw off the limitations that
people in other fields have. Take an interior designer,
for example. They make decisions with the client about
what furniture, what pillows, what rugs, what art
for the walls, etc, etc, etc. A million decisions that
translate in to the purchase of physical objects.
It's a little silly for the Interior Designer to say,
"let's be creative and buy you 3 sets of pillows...
and I'll come over once a week and change what's on
your couch and once a month, different couch!"
But, with software, with computers.... :-)
If the one at the top gets the most eye-time, then
for some percentage of the audience, "Web Hosting"
would be best at the top. Whoops. So sorry.
We have a page. And the page today and tomorrow is
what we said it should be yesterday. :-(
We bought the pillows and that's what we have. :-(
If you added a message of "precision variability" not
only to your prose, but also to your own website,
then you would have an interesting answer to the
question "why me?" that will get you new business
(even away from the majority of other designers
reading this who think I'm a heretic. lol)
"Many other firms believe that your pages should be static
so you have to pay them frequently to keep it fresh...
We believe in 'precision variability'. We make your web
pages change automatically in precise ways to keep
your audience coming back. What is this? Reload our
page and you'll see what we mean...."
If at this point you are thinking, "sure pages change...
different google ads, different content from an RSS feed..."
you aren't getting the point.
The last suggestion I have for you to help answer
the "why me?" question on your surfers mind is this...
Find a way to highlight your message boards.
Most web designers don't do this, so it's something
that differentiates you. Do more to leverage
that than just have a link at the top and bottom
of the screen.
Enjoy!
Dan
Perhaps most reviewers consider you a competitor?
Well, I do Internet software, so you aren't my competitor. :-)
I like the general look of the site.
I like the changing "Latest News" on the left. It might
change too often for my taste. Consider making it
change more slowly and giving me a button to stop it
or got forward or back. If I'm trying to read the rest of the
page and that is bugging me, a stop button will make
the difference if I stay on your page, or not.
Consider a button to display what "last month's special" was.
AND ... a button for "next month's special".... but make that
button do a window or page to collect their email address
so they can be informed when you decide. ;-)
I guess that assumes that your monthly special is going to
change monthly. ;-)
The thing that strikes me about your prose and your home page
is that it doesn't focus on what I think the most important
question on the surfer's mind is.... "why me instead of the
other guys/gals/whatever?"
The first paragraph in the center for example.
In my opinion making the case for the web, is beyond
a cliche at this point. The person is reading your
page... they drank the cool-aid, so to speak.
They want a website.
I'm thinking that your target is too generic, so your prose
is too generic. "want a website" is not specific enough.
Your prospects fall into one or more categories:
1) have a website by a direct competitor and have a
relationship with that competitor still.
2) have a website by a direct competitor, but don't
have a relationship any longer with him/her.
3) have a website done by an amateur (friend, relative, other)
4) have a website done by self (tread carefully with this one)
5) have had websites before of one of the kinds (1-4)
6) never had a website or business before
7) starting a new business, need a website, considering
1,2 or 3.
8) already have a business, never had a website before,
figure it's time.
I don't know which market is the biggest or best for
you to focus on, but my suggestion is that you
pick one or two, and focus on it.
For example.. if you told me that you understand that
a $5000 website is a big committment, so you BELIEVE
in a 2 or 3 stage approach. stage 1 does this and costs that,
stage 2 is a few months later, when you are ready.. yada yada.
THAT would give me a reason to select you, and not the
other guy ( who has a web page just like yours, by the way
and who just wants all my money right away ).
Of course this notion of staging will need a terrific example.
A "tour"... a multi-page, multi-click storytelling tour of
what this staging concept is all about. By the 3rd or 4th
click, if they are still taking the tour, you are well on your
way to the final "contact us" click.
The second paragraph begins to dance around the "why me",
Consider making it the first paragraph and delete
what is currently first.
Consider (at least) linking a "before and after" example page
to the text "... or redesign every component... "
You know the drill.. "We gave a make over to a client who
had *that*, now they have *this*." That'll impress more
prospects than a paragraph that makes the case
(again/still) for having a website at all.
Consider instead of this:
"We use the most recent tools in technology & design to go beyond our clients' goals."
use
"We use the most advanced technology and design tools to exceed
your goals."
It's a still a bit of a cliche and I just adjusted a few words, not
enough to really answer the question "why me?"
I don't know what your answer is, and I'm not
trying to put words in your mouth (well, maybe I am,
a little bit ;-) . But, consider this...
Tell us 3 things you believe about the web, that you
competitors may or may not believe.
But, there's no room in our brains for all 3 ( especially
considering how much other "stuff" is going on this
one page ). So instead of just a list or just a paragraph
for each, swap the "beliefs" in and out with "latest news"
So, in other words, reuse that geography but keep it changing.
If you believed the following, you could make a compelling
case for yourself on this page that would get you business
(even lure business away from your competitors).
Beyond just the multi-stage idea...
Consider the paradigm of the web itself. The fundamental unit is
the "page." This isn't an accident. Tim wanted to give people
a way to share their documents with others around the world
at a click of the mouse and give 24/7 access. Email documents
around was a pain, every copy you sent to a collegue was
out of date the moment you made a change of any kind.
Well, a document means pages. Printed text needs a page,
right? A book, a magazine, a newspaper... everywhere we look..
pages, pages, pages.
And it's not that pages are bad. But, it seems that when I
revisit your page tomorrow, if it says the same as it
did yesterday... my chances of coming back the day after
go way down.
A specific example:
You decided that "Web Design", "Graphic Design"
"E-Commerce" and "Web Hosting" are where they are
on the page, say what they say and even appear
in that specific order. You made those decisions
when you designed the "page", after all, that's
what designers do, they make decisions and design.
But, are you willing to argue that something as simple
as the order they appear shouldn't be different?
Then why is it the same each time I revisit or reload your page?
Is there no 5th thing when you brainstormed what to
put in that space?
See, the "pages are static" philosophy of design led you
to the decision that since there is room for 4 things,
then you select the 4 that seem to be the most important,
the ones you want to highlight, and you throw away the 5th.
Well, ya know, I look at computers and software a little
differently. We can throw off the limitations that
people in other fields have. Take an interior designer,
for example. They make decisions with the client about
what furniture, what pillows, what rugs, what art
for the walls, etc, etc, etc. A million decisions that
translate in to the purchase of physical objects.
It's a little silly for the Interior Designer to say,
"let's be creative and buy you 3 sets of pillows...
and I'll come over once a week and change what's on
your couch and once a month, different couch!"
But, with software, with computers.... :-)
If the one at the top gets the most eye-time, then
for some percentage of the audience, "Web Hosting"
would be best at the top. Whoops. So sorry.
We have a page. And the page today and tomorrow is
what we said it should be yesterday. :-(
We bought the pillows and that's what we have. :-(
If you added a message of "precision variability" not
only to your prose, but also to your own website,
then you would have an interesting answer to the
question "why me?" that will get you new business
(even away from the majority of other designers
reading this who think I'm a heretic. lol)
"Many other firms believe that your pages should be static
so you have to pay them frequently to keep it fresh...
We believe in 'precision variability'. We make your web
pages change automatically in precise ways to keep
your audience coming back. What is this? Reload our
page and you'll see what we mean...."
If at this point you are thinking, "sure pages change...
different google ads, different content from an RSS feed..."
you aren't getting the point.
The last suggestion I have for you to help answer
the "why me?" question on your surfers mind is this...
Find a way to highlight your message boards.
Most web designers don't do this, so it's something
that differentiates you. Do more to leverage
that than just have a link at the top and bottom
of the screen.
Enjoy!
Dan
0
•
•
•
•
Originally Posted by bbott
Wow, great reply Dan.
I will def. consider your points made, thanks a bunch!
When you want to learn about publishing a new kind of content (beyond the web) for your customer, drop me a line.
0
I would realy change the images on the site.
Im a bit picky but when i se a bronze package for 799 dollars i dont want to se any jagged images on the site =) That makes me turn away asap.
Put more time in to creating smother images overall.
Even the top logo is jagged. Its not good.
And for the forum i would try to create my own style instead of using a premade style.
If you have created it im sorry but i have seen it on other sites to .
Im a bit picky but when i se a bronze package for 799 dollars i dont want to se any jagged images on the site =) That makes me turn away asap.
Put more time in to creating smother images overall.
Even the top logo is jagged. Its not good.
And for the forum i would try to create my own style instead of using a premade style.
If you have created it im sorry but i have seen it on other sites to .
0
•
•
•
•
Originally Posted by croft
I would realy change the images on the site.
Put more time in to creating smother images overall.
I had to save the header image as a .GIF. It was wasy too large when saved at a .jpeg
| Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
You need to join our community in order to build your list of favorite forums. You can visit the forum index for a listing of all forums.
Related Forum Features
Latest Website Reviews Posts
- Today's Posts
- Unanswered Threads
advertising affiliate black blogreview casmobi chat cloud community computer computing cron css database dating datingonline design earn ebusiness ecommerce email engine entertainment etiquettetraining finance fitnessdating flash flv forensic free furniture game hacking hardware havoc-arcade home hosting internet-marketing job jobs jygame madoff mahen management mannersetiquette marketing mobile money monitoring news nysilly onecare optimize p2p poll popular porn printing programs proofreading rails rank review reviews rss school science screen search sell service sex social socusoftwebvideoplayer sport studio taining technology text tips top tournament veoh video videos voip web web2.0 webapplication webcam webmaster webmastertools website websitereviews webvideoconverter webvideoplayer webvideoplayers whitepassandyukonrouterailroad worldnews xhtml youtube
