I Found My Passion-Website Critique Needed

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I Found My Passion-Website Critique Needed

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cdbartwork

posts: 210

Jul 10, 2008 9:10 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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I started as a metalsmith, but due to a diagnosis of malignant melanoma took my design experience and designed a Sun Safe Clothing line. Working on a strict budget my site is through Yahoo, I would love to have your feedback on the site. I launched on Memorial Day Weekend which I thought was very fitting for the beginning of the summer season. Let me know what you think, I value your opinions.

Thanks.

Colleen

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Colleen Dougherty Bronstein Designs
Sun Safe Designer Clothing
http://www.sunsafedesignerclothing.com
http://www.bronsteinartwork.com

startuphelper

posts: 106

Jul 10, 2008 11:39 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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I`m going to be very blunt. The website leaves a lot to be desired. For a clothing website you must jazz it up. The home page is very boring. Get some clothing pics on the home page. Peferably on live models (they don`t need to be fashion models, friends or family will do). Check out some other websites for ideas to see what works.

And do invest in a manequin to photograph the clothing. The way you show them on a hanger they hang horribly. That small investment will really pay off.

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Sylvia Freelance Business Plan Writer

Videography

posts: 672

Jul 11, 2008 12:18 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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I don`t think the site is as bad ad Sylvia says, but her suggestions are dead on.

I do not like the home page. It really does nothing for me and takes ten seconds to finish the opening flash before I get the navigation bar. Just use the last image and a headline and subhead designed to encourage further looking.

On the "Pearl" page, I don`t like the mouseover that obscures the image. If you want to do a mouseover on the image, then make the normal image a bit darker and the moouseover image correctly exposed. Also, make the text under the images a link also.

You only mention that the pieces are for sale on one page. I would put this on the home page. If selling the pieces is your goal, then there should be a "call to action" on every page, even if it is to contact you.

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Steve Mann
Internet Videographer
MannMade Digital Video
My Email

cdbartwork

posts: 210

Jul 11, 2008 8:48 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Sylvia and Steve:

Thank you, just what I am looking for, some honest feedback. I definitely need to make the clothing come alive, that is my next step, had planned on doing last weekend but it didn`t work out.

Colleen

-------------------------

Colleen Dougherty Bronstein Designs
Sun Safe Designer Clothing
http://www.sunsafedesignerclothing.com
http://www.bronsteinartwork.com

bizsaver

posts: 11

Jul 11, 2008 3:28 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

Points: 0 Vote

Hi Colleen,

I`m the Answer Guy, and as a cancer servivor I love what you are trying to do. In regards to jazzing up your site, taking better pictures etc. the responses so far are very good.

I want to share my views as a cancer servivor. The internet is not only a place to sell stuff, it is first and foremost a place to receive information. There are so many people out there who have a melanoma or are very concerned about the possibility of developing this terrible problem and they are searching for help. I believe you should put MORE information on your home page, not less. Split the screen with one half offering helpful advice and the other half showing some of your clothing with explanations as to why they help. You explain why your swim jacket is important, but you do not do the same on your other products. People looking at your products want to know why they will benefit by owning them. Don`t keep it a secret.

You are on the right track, and the marketing opportunities are huge...Keep working on this project, it is a good one.

Gary Scaife

The Answer Guy

www.answerguy.info

cdbartwork

posts: 210

Jul 11, 2008 4:56 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Gary:

Thank you for your encouraging words and I hope all is well regarding your health. I have made a list of all the helpful information I am receiving and will be working on the site to enhance the designs and the information. I read everything I can regarding health, cancer etc. and will incorporate what I have learned on the site.

I have joined Facebook where I can reach the one segment of the population where melanoma is increasing and the trend is in thicker and later-stage melanomas; young women between the ages of 15 - 39 years old.

Thanks again.

Colleen

-------------------------

Colleen Dougherty Bronstein Designs
Sun Safe Designer Clothing
http://www.sunsafedesignerclothing.com
http://www.bronsteinartwork.com

eajerome

posts: 1

Jul 12, 2008 12:57 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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I`m not able to read everyone else`s reviews at this time but wanted to respond with my topline feedback - you need to have a serious photo session and put the clothes in models and real life situations. waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay less text, more bling and eye candy.

cdbartwork

posts: 210

Jul 12, 2008 11:00 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Eajerome:

Thanks for the feedback. You are right about the models, I am working on that right now. Not as easy as I thought it would be, bringing everyone together in the right setting.

Colleen

-------------------------

Colleen Dougherty Bronstein Designs
Sun Safe Designer Clothing
http://www.sunsafedesignerclothing.com
http://www.bronsteinartwork.com

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