Know-How Exchange : Website Critique

Ellie,

WHAT site?

I think one example of an effective site for a writer is www.suzanstmaur.com . For one thing, it's WRITTEN well. ;]

Ellie, if I were you I'd be less concerned about your search engine results and more interested in having a site that truly demonstrates your communication, organization and presentation skills. Your current site is not very compelling.

Do you really expect to get new business from random people who find you by typing "writer" on Google? No, people will go to your site because they've already met you, hired you, or heard of you. (Put your URL on your car, your shirt, your biz card, and your children if you want to generate some website traffic.)

As for layout and design ideas, I certainly hope that the new web designer you've hired has some! If not, you need to spend some time looking at websites you love, bookmarking them or printing them, then trying to articulate what you think makes them effective. Also, look for design themes that make your heart thump. (That's what I do with my own web customers.)

One thing to consider: Get your designer to set up your new site on a temporary web server before it's actually finished (or siteS if you're getting more than one design to choose from). Then post a new question on the forum asking for feedback. I think you'll get better results here that way.

~ Shelley

Ellie

The runic fonts lack clarity and legibility. The colours don't help.

Why would you use centered text? Or headings in block capitals? Legibility is about the visual and then the literal. Like looking at a beautifully arranged plate of fine food and enjoying it with the olfactory and visual senses before tasting it.

Look forward to the link to the new site soon.

ChrisB

Hi elliemk,

More so than probably any other category here, you need thick skin before you ask for a website critique.

So, with that being said, your website is not well designed - for usability, optimization or, most importantly, to compel a call to action.

Actually Shelley's comments are right on. You should be thanking here and go back and digest her critique and strongly consider a complete redesign not chastising her!

Your only real question, that is, one that has a question mark is: Also, what is the best layout for optimum search results?

This is something your website designer, whom you mention on your site 'Ellen Hanley is a great Web designer. She's fast and reasonable!" should know how to do, right?

Seriously, if you want a world class website, you are not heading in the right direction, why don't you post a RFP on the "Hire an Expert" feature here.

If you don't want to do that, contact me directly. I have an excellent copywriter who is an expert at layout for optimization results.

Why else would you come here and ask for a critique if you didn't expect the feedback you are getting?

You're not getting a lot of positive responses, so embrace the value it is giving you, don't be so defensive, we are all seasoned experts and trying to help!

Ellie

Remember SEO is like a puppy. Not just for Christmas.

You have to feed, walk and train that puppy every day for the rest of its life.

Your SEO isn't something you have done once, like getting your house restumped..

You have to keep doing it over and over to stay high in the ratings.

I question whether the expense would be good value.

You might want to consider other forms of A & P first, where your ROI might be quicker and higher.

Who is your target? Where can YOU find them?

How can you make them come directly to you, not just randomly see you amongst a page full of competitors?


Just my $.02.

ChrisB

Sounds like you've gotten a ton of good advice on the website content. I don't really have much to add.

My question is, "Why don't you have your own domain?" Being on someone else's domain is really cheezy. After all, domain names are going for less than US$10 a year.

Also, do you think it would help to have a name for your business that communicates the benefits someone might realize if they hired you? Do you have a positioning statement, or do you think people will understand that Ellie Kuykendall MEANS dependability, honesty, deadline-oriented, etc.?

There isn't a lot on your site that makes you sound much different than every other copywriter. At least try to position yourself with a company name and/or tagline that tells people why you're different and better than the other 10,000 copywriters.

Hope this helps. That's how it's intended.

I just re-read your original question and see that you're going to register your own domain. That brings me to the company name issue. I'd look for a name that communicates some benefit, then register THAT name.