Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Greeting,

I`ve had this site up for a year and have modified it many times as new projects have been completed. Is it a good idea to have links to my customers sites?  I figured it would establish credibility with potential customers. Now I`m starting to wonder if it could expose my client list to industry competitors.  Another thing I`ve considered is "Do I need to at more text?" Any criticism would be appreciated

Thank you,

Todd

www.innovative-accents.com 

  

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Fail to plan, plan to fail.

I do not see it as a problem, but you may want to see if it is OK with your clients. Always get it in writing.

Quick note, you have a typo on the lead-in paragraph:

Layout would certainly be an issue, I had similar problems with the mass of images laid out on top of one another.  I`d rather see it as a portfolio that I could sequentially go through, with some description or other information that adds weight to the work.

On the design side, you can`t have your only navigation at the bottom of the page - I don`t want to have scroll to the bottom of every page to access more navigation options, that`s a site design no-no.  In addition, I found some pages where some of the options were turned off.

There are things that simply work online - going with a top left aligned logo with navigation below it, and the rest of your content below that would be a vast improvement.  That, combined with what Craig and I have said about presentation of the images, should move you ahead of where you are now.


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chuck fuller

Besides what was already suggested by CraigL and Chuck, the only thing I can say is: start over!
Browse the Internet with a critical eye and look for sites you like. Then use the aspects you like on your own site.

Unless I am specifically looking for your company on the Internet, if I simply bumped into your site, I would immediately go to another page. It does not look professional. Nowadays there are so many options out there for creating good looking sites, that presenting your company is such an unprofessional way is almost unacceptable (sorry for the harsh words. Nothing personal, but you asked for an opinion).

Try Googling for "Website Templates" and you will find a plethora of sites that offer either free or low cost templates you can apply to your site.
Or visit www.elance.com or www.rentacoder.com and find someone to redesign the site for you - I had a completely static site changed into a dynamic one for $75.00 only - and the project is done and the site works fine! No redesign was made, though. Redesigning your site will surely cost more than that.

In any case, think carefully about the image you want your future clients to have when they find your site.

Good luck,


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Andre Costa DaCosta Chocolates, LLC www.DaCostaChocolates.com

Andre got me thinking about starting from scratch - one route you might want to go is relaunching your site using a blogging platform.  You could install Wordpress or a similiar system on your site, and you`d have an instant dynamic content management system in place (at no cost), and since you clearly have an expertise in this area and new projects all the time (think photo blog), there would seem to be plenty of fodder for this type of set up.  Just another approach you might take.


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chuck fuller

I would also suggest starting over, it wouldn`t cost much to put something more professional in place.  I think you`re offering a nice service and you`re not doing it justice with your current site.  Also, if you want to include photos, maybe invest in a photographer to help with a more professional look.  A good photographer will really make the artwork in your product stand out and look extra-special.

Also, since the company name is Innovative Accents, that theme should be running through all your marketing materials, including your website - it should look innovative. 

Thanks for the input. It helps to have an "outsiders" view. I`ll get to work puting your ideas to play and re-submit for further evaluation.

Thanks,

Todd

 

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Fail to plan, plan to fail.

Hi Todd,

If you would like some help. I am willing to give you a hand. I create web sites as part of my company. I can help you with a few web pages or so at no cost. My company web site is at www.klanco.com .I think that you can really make what you do shine with a professionally pulled together web site. I hate to see anyone stalled for success when they just need a little help. you may email me from my company site if you would like help. Erin

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Our Goal Is Your Success!
Founder Girls with Goals

Hi there. Ok this an industry I know very little about - so my head may not be in the same place as the type of customer you are attracting. I actually come to think of it, don`t know what it is exactly that you are selling...so perhasp have a page that lays out categories of products and then have the pictures behind on another page..or perhaps use thumbnails that are smaller and can be expanded by clicking on them. The pictures really overwhelm the page in my opinion...good luck with everthing!

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Margaret Manning Editor and Founder Ex In The City Empowering Women to Move from EX to EXtraordinary! www.exinthecity.com info@exinthecity.com