Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi all,

I am working on a site that will serve as a directory of online business resources.  I`m going to purposely not get into specifics in this post because I want to get your opinion on what I am offering on my current home page: www.startuprising.com.

I am running some A/B tests so you will all see slightly different content, but each version should convey the same core message.  I`m interested in feedback on the following:

1. Is the content on the landing page clear?  Do you have a good idea of what sort of listings will be in the directory?

2. Is this something you personally see a need for?

Thanks in advance!

Ethan

Hi Ethan :-)

I took a look at the site, and I`m thinking there`s perhaps a little too much written text. I`m already tending to want to click away because I don`t like to sign up for anything unless I really expect to get a major benefit. I`ve got so damn many usernames and logins, it`s ridiculous.

So there I am, with "Sign Up" all in my face. I read your initial content, and it was just too wordy for a quick attention-getter. Given I was already leaning away, I would have just clicked off the site.

What I`m thinking would be helpful would be to open up all those words into quick sales points. Your main heading is just jargon gobblety-gook, so it doesn`t do anything for me or you:

What`s that even mean? For example, you could use the heading for helpful and useful information:
Then your first paragraph could be something more along the lines of defining "tools."
The point is that there are a zillion directories out there, and more coming all the time. It`s gotten to the point where it`s hard to even use a search engine to find actual businesses, what with directory this and directory that.

So in my opinion, your major first impression challenge is to immediately demonstrate a real benefit to a casual visitor. What would they be searching for? What would the query be?

Then answer that question. What`s missing from all these directories is any kind of useful help. Nobody bothers to review anything. They just list a bunch of junk and hope someone else will be interested in reading that list. See? :-)

Hi Craig,

Thank you very much for the feedback!  I do agree with your assessment of the text.  Too much and not focused enough.  I have had a hard time determining the right way to explain exactly what I will be offering, which is why I think I got a bit long winded.  You have some very good suggestions on how I can tune the copy.  I really appreciate you taking the time to look at the site and offer up such thoughtful advice.  Thank you!

Ethan