Know-How Exchange : Website Critique

I think you should focus you efforts on building social credibility (Facebook likes, for example). Your Google ranking will change daily, and it doesn't really matter to people who already found your website.

Jay and Phil are giving you the right advice, as were the students in your research.

The website, with or without the video, looks very amateurish ... not the kind of image you want to convey if you expect people to have confidence that your software is first-class.

The three most important things you need to fix:

1. Graphics. Too much text, not enough visual interest (i.e., relevant eye candy). Needs professional attention.

2. The big idea needs to dominate the page, so a casual visitor will quickly get the positioning benefit without having to read through all the copy.

3. Lose the Google ranking stuff. Once they've found your site the Google stats don't help your credibility nearly as much as a great testimonial (or two) and an emotional benefit payoff.

When people are asked about what they remember in a print ad or on a webpage, the #1 thing is a compelling picture, perhaps with a caption. The next is a compelling headline idea. After that, recall drops off fast.

If you can't get your idea across with a great picture and an engaging (and benefit-rich) headline, you've lost 'em. "Look, Mom and Dad! I got all A's this semester!"

If you need help, there are a number of folks on this site who can deliver what you need. Just post a project on "Hire an Expert" or pick one of the top experts based on their profile.