Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I will, I`m thinking......

One I`d write, is to my Mom.  She died when she was in her 50`s. It would mean alot to me to write it, right. The point is, their site inspired me to want to do that!  Just to say thanks Mom, again.

The reason I asked because I wondered if we could identify the
disconnect between the desire to write a letter and actually doing so.

And it seems your answer is that it is such a personal act, that you
wanted more time to think about it. You know, I thought about writing
one too since I spent a decent amount of time tonight thinking and
discussing here the site. But I didn`t. Why? Because I wasn`t sure yet
what I would say to who? And I wasn`t neccesarily in a sentimental frame
of mind. I want to write a letter but I also want a little more time.

Hmmm... This makes me think. How might one be inspired to write a
letter more promptly?

I think the letters themselves on the homepage would help but what else?
It`s better to get people to write while they are on the site than click away
and maybe come back, maybe.

hmmm, you are right.

Inspire visitors somehow to write a quick note?

Entice them to sign up for the newsletter that will give them bits and pieces of all the great letters everyone writes???  Will that interest people and give them a reason to come back for more??  To read more,or write more?? 

I agree, a great concept! Also, (agree) a change in the design would be good.. getting the letters or even just the letter titles on the home page.

It seems to me a blog format would work very well for the site. You have categories of letters, letters/titles could be shown on the home page, and a graphic theme could be applied.

A simpler change maybe just to make the two sample letters more visable...higher on the page or in a third column on the right?

It seemed strange that the read a letter button at the top goes to:  http://www.dearmissditty.com/content/blogsection/4/33/

Whilte the "All letters" link on the left goes to: http://www.dearmissditty.com/gratitude/

A personal note: While I understand the idea and purpose, I`m not a big fan of ads on a website. I think they can detract from the website, especially when, like on the read leters page, they are on the right side. Monitizing websites is a common practice and ultimate goal for many and ad revenue can help support a site.  If that is important, you might also (or instead) have a "donation" button/link for people to make a contribution to help support the site.

As Steve hinted, there are some revenue generating ideas that would be appropriate.

~Roland

 

 

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

Web Design | Best Beef Jerky | ecommerce articles | Follow vwebworld on Twitter

Writing is not easy for some people... "I want to do it, but I don`t know what to say." "I can`t think of the words to express my thoughts."

One way to help, show sample sentiments. Another approach, gets away from the personal connection, is to provide letter writing service or even some copy and paste text (like you find at some greeting card sites).

~Roland

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

Web Design | Best Beef Jerky | ecommerce articles | Follow vwebworld on Twitter

Why would anybody want to read unoriginal thoughts? IMO that would be counterproductive.

Just a comment on the ads on the site. The ones that displayed were about letter writing templates and the like. Unlikely that anybody browsing your site will click on them, I believe you should target your ads. First identify what type of people are likely to write/read stuff like this and second place ads that will interest them and they will click on. My first guess would be folks that are into genealogy they know stuff about their relatives and just want to tell the whole world, so they`ll write. Also if you put ads that are genealogy oriented, programs, book publishing, organizations, research centers and the like they will likely click on them.

Good luck!

Agree - that`s why I said it gets away from the personal connection. But, it was just an idea to help potential letter writers to get over the hurdle of not knowing what to say or how to say it.

~Roland

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

Web Design | Best Beef Jerky | ecommerce articles | Follow vwebworld on Twitter

Hi All.  It`s her (Michelle)....and I wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your feedback.  I was apprehensive about going into this as the site is very personal to me but really wanted feedback and ideas from others and it looks like SUN is coming through!  We hope to hear more!

Steve...I share many of your thoughts and ideas.  I also do not like the cartoon characters and hope to improve that part.  I would also like to add a simple thank you section to the site where people can choose from postcard type e- designs and send their simple thanks to a friend, babysitter,etc.  These would not be posted, just a service offered. I would also like to see stationary type choices too.  We will be adding a feature where you can add a photo to your letter also.

To keep people interested in the site we will have a blog and a newsletter.  They will have the same information.....examples of touching letters and stories, site updates, and gratitude quotes and discussions eventually.  I agree with Janie it takes you awhile to think about these inspiring individuals and decide what you want to say.  I hope the blog and newsletter will keep us connected with our customers.

We have some gift ideas and another feature idea that may bring in revenue.  We will discuss those more in the future.

Thanks again and keep the suggestions coming!

Michelle

 

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

Russ & Michelle http://www.dearmissditty.com Honor special people in your life by saying Thanks!

Michelle,

You may want to take a peek at a message I posted a while back on Digital Millennium Copyright compliance (http://www.startupnation.com/pages/community/forum_posts.as p?TID=4312).  Because you are allowing user to post text, it`s probably a good idea to get familiar with these requirements.

Dan


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


Pepper Law Group, LLC
21 E. High Street, Suite D
Somerville, NJ 08876
informationlaw.com
Now available on DVD!
The Legal Considerations of Starting an Online Business