Know-How Exchange : Website Critique

This was based on a quick scan of your site. It's late on this side of the Atlantic, so apols if I missed something.

The website is compact and to the point. There is little argument that you can stand against it just as it stands, which is how it should be after all.

For a European, the emphasis at the bottom of each page is a little repetitive. I guess it works for you, otherwise you wouldn't do it.

Now for the Moriarty special. Is there something you don't/can't/won't do or failed to do? Because publishing that sort of honest statement isn't the sort of thing that a charlatan does. Were it not for the fact that you stand in the top 5 experts, I might not entirely believe the punch you pack. It would give it a dimension of clarity if you get what I mean.

Do you have a special kind of client? You could speak to them directly and not miss a beat in your marketing through this site.

To your success, M

Hi Phil,

I'm currently putting together a new site of my own and I trust you'll offer your opinion when the time comes. Here's my initial two cents' worth:

1. Consider removing the line "For marketing results you can take to the bank" from its current location and replace it with a mug shot of you, or with a logo, ranged left. On the same level, above your navigation menu and image and over to the extreme right, consider including social media icons to Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

2. Nav menu text might be better in upper and lower case, as opposed to all caps.

3. The image of the money? It might be better to change this image from page to page, and to rethink the text. Perhaps a block of text over to the right, ghosted out so that the image beneath shows through a little might be better. This would be a great place to include a short, bullet list of benefit points—a list that changes from image to image to keep people on their visual toes.

4. Body copy: the long line length might be better chopped down into shorter lines, possible with a two column layout. Shorter lines are easier on the eye.

5. Your text at the bottom of the page? "Got a problem? We provide solutions! Got a goal? We'll get you there! Call 847-347-5220 Now!" the first line's not centered on the other two. This text could all come down in size and sit on two lines as opposed to three.

6. The line below that? The text could go down in size a tad.

7. Custom three or four column footer. There ain't one! This is an ideal place to repeat your nav links,
include a mailing address and phone number, and to reiterate social media links and a decent place to put a link to a site map.

Hope these points are received in the spirit in which they're offered: constructively. Cheers and happy new year.

Overall, a nice site ... content-wise.

Two comments, other than to reiterate what Gary has offered:

1. The site could use some "human" in it. Right now if you just look at the site all you get is "money" and lots of words. Where is the image of a happy/satisfied client? The site is weak visually. If you can punctuate it with pictures that match the words it will be 10 times more effective.

2. Depending on how people are going to find the site, you will need some highly targeted landing pages. If someone is there because they need/want copywriting (for example), they really don't care about all the other things you do. Right now the site is very generic ... trying to satisfy a range of visitors, and not specific to any of them. The list of things you can do actually detracts from the opportunity to tell them what they really want to know.

Hope this helps.

The "Web Hosting by iPage" (in footer) negates the professional tone of the home page.

What I'd like to know is who you're best for. The home page is all about your expertise, and not about the website visitor.

I'm not a big fan of simply showing money. As others have mentioned, I want to see one or more smiling people and/or examples of your work. "The Grisolia Group" text over the image is hard to read - can you put a translucent solid color behind the text for readability?

The second column on https://www.grisoliagroup.com/what-we-do.html doesn't line up for me. Also, there's an extra left paren on the bottom of this page's copy.

Rather than hear about your "bragging", I want to hear testimonials of exuberant clients.

I like "TheGrisoliaGroup.com" better than just "GrisoliaGroup.com". It just feels and reads better for me.

Otherwise, I agree with the input from the guys (and gal) above. Some of the text is a little large and some nice images would add "richness" to the site. I do like your over all succinct and clear messaging as it conveys your brand very well.

"Given the name of the company. would the domain name TheGrisoliaGroup.com be more effective than just GrisoliaGroup.com?"

No. less letters to type. You can use both, but the main one should remain what you have.

Website:

Phil, first impressions are important for web sites and your branding. You now that already. My first impression of your web site did not give me confidence that I would want to use your group for marketing.

It lacks design, which is always important to branding and image. To me it looks like one of those sites that sell widgets or diet pills. It does not have the design of a competent and professions marketer I know you are. The dollar bills image is way off. If I were you I would start over and hire a designer who have experiences with agencies.

As for message, the approach is not my cup of tea, but I don't know your target. Somebody already said you should use clients to make these points. Again the tone smacks me as a Viagra ad.