Question

Topic: Website Critique

Translation And Genealogical Research Company Site

Posted by Anonymous on 9/30/2006 at 2:26 AM ET 250 Points
Hi all,

I would be most grateful if I could get some feedback on our newly revamped website: www.polaron.net.

The idea behind the design is that I've looked at 39438493843 other translation websites that had a smiling telephone operator each in the left hand corner ;-) and wanted to introduce an element of difference. The floral motifs are Eastern European paper cut outs. I come from Poland originally, currently living in Australia and wanted to find something other than the white eagle or Aboriginal designs.

I also wanted for people to find plenty to do on the website, hence the photo album, family tree and articles. This is my way of capturing customer's attention.

My other aim was to introduce prospective customers to real people, hence staff's photos and profiles. The website lost some of its corporate look (see polaron.com.au) but the question now is whether that's acceptable in the business world or whether I should tone it down with the flowers. I don't want it to look tacky or gaudy, obviously.

I would like to know whether my aims have been achieved and whether there is anything else I should improve. Thank you very much in advance!

Eva
Note: Some parts of the new website are not quite finished.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by Jesse on 9/30/2006 at 4:04 AM Accepted
    It's obvious you've put a lot of thought into making this website. It's well organized and the wealth of connections with your company (gallery, articles, staff profiles) are excellent.

    The little touches and attention to detail with the floral highlights, the fonts and colour choices PLUS the great content really show a lot of care went into this website and this says a lot about your business.

    Speaking of business... the only immediate feedback I have:

    1. HOME PAGE

    Move the accreditataion and membership part a little higher up, and bigger bolder (maybe in the header) about what you do, so it's the first thing in focus. It's not immediate that this is a business website.

    2. THE FREE STUFF

    I'd highlight this more, somehow - maybe in the services area. Good qaulity downloads go a long ways in capturing and retaining traffic and good points of conversion, I'd think, for your business.

    3. FOOTER

    Links on every page in the footer - contact us, about us, services, etc.

    4. THE DESIGN VS. COMPETITION

    The design being so different from the other translation sites... it's good to stand out, but looking so different you risk failing to meet expectations. Think about why gas stations all look similar (or what makes them look similar and stand out when you are flying down the highway). I like it, but it's a choice that may not connect with web surfers... web analytics can help address this.

    5. TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

    The only real short comings are on the HTML side. If search engines, usability, and web standards are issues I can offer some insights. The navigation system is definitely something I would change.

    --

    Overall, you've done what you've set out to do. It's a nice looking site, and you've done an amazing job with the content.

    ** Your story about the design of the site (your posting above) is fun - I'd put that on the site somewhere too.
  • Posted by Harry Hallman on 9/30/2006 at 9:59 AM Accepted
    Site is very good a great blend of consumer/business. I like it being differenet than other translation sites and your service is different in that you offer genealogical research.

    Jesse's suggestions are right on, and I would add a site map, all HTML with good description. Put the link on the bottom with the navigation items she mentioned. This also makes it easier for search engines to find you. If you do this you may not have to change the main navigation.

    Also, I would get Google Analytics https://www.google.com/analytics/. It is free and you will be able to see how people are reacting to your content.
  • Posted by Frank Hurtte on 9/30/2006 at 11:24 AM Member
    i liked your site.. the mix of cool stuff and free things on your site are a winner.

    I found a couple of the pictures to be interesting but dark... while that is a cool artistic effect, some people will find them distracting.
  • Posted by whimziequiltz on 9/30/2006 at 11:43 AM Accepted
    I absolutely loved the look of your new website - not tacky or gaudy at all. In fact I thought is was beautiful.

    What didn't work for me (and I'm not a website professional, so consider my opinion with that in mind) was the way you mix business and personal services on the homepage.

    The first sentence "premier provider of language services, genealogical research, training and corporate communications solutions" stopped me and I thought "Language services and genealogical research? How does genealogical research mix with training and corporate communications?" When I visited your old page, without the genealogical research so prominent, it made more sense.

    I agree with Harry that offering the research makes your company stand out. But is there a better way to layout the different services you offer on the website to clarify things? Maybe half the page for the business side and half for the personal side - like "Click here for our premier language services, training and corporate communications solutions." and "Click here for genealogical research".

    Again, I'm not a professional. But it just seems like two completely different targets your trying to market to and mixing them would leave each a little confused.
  • Posted by jpoyer on 10/5/2006 at 3:37 PM Accepted
    Eva,
    First of all let me say that I really like the feel and look of your site. It's like walking into a winter garden. Very refreshing! :)

    I do think however, that in creating the dual site, you risk losing one or both of your target audiences. If you were my client I would recommend that you separate the two (or three?), because in trying to be both things to both groups, you can lose your credibility in both realms.

    So you have language services, genealogical research, training and corporate communications solutions ... and a gift shop? Something to think about anyway :)

    The comments above are very good as well.

    I wish you the best,

    Jennifer
    XPRT Creative
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