Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Well everyone, it`s a year later and I`ve made a LOT of changes to the website. 

It still feels like things aren`t "quite right" with the site copy.  There is plenty of traffic, but the site still doesn`t grab the visitors like I`ve hoped.

Can I please impose on you all to check out the site again and let me know what I`m overlooking? 

http://www.grantgopher.com
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Thank you so much!

• The colros are "eductational" typical which is good. It makes me think of funds and grants
• It is overwhelming, but if I was looking for grants I suppose it would be very useful.
• It is full of information, which is very meaningful.  No fluff.

• I think your offering is so strong that it is worth you spending 2,000 - 10,000 on a design firm taking you to the next level. I have taken the plunge myself but, I know it will be worth it.  My site will be redone this January.
• I think the right design/marketing co. can change your site from amazing content to amazing content delivered with amazing appeal.
• It feels like putting Brad Pitt into checkered pants and a striped shirt, with an old brown hat on and dark sunglasses.  We all know what is underneath all that, but why hide such a beautiful creation? Brad would have never done as good as he has hiding in a bad coat.

Thank you so much for the insight and I really appreciate your comments.  I also appreciate that you recognize the strength of the product; it is something I have a very difficult time communicating.  The ability for a user to customize their grant notifications is unique to the industry.  Our level of customer service is also unheard of and I`m proud of the personal attention we give all the clients.

The site was developed with Dot Net Nuke, which does not seem to lend itself to an attractive presentation.  I have seriously been considering hiring another design firm to finish polishing the site graphics, but my experience with designers so far has been disappointing.  I don`t want to sound negative; I`m sure there are great designers out there and I`ll find one sooner or later!

I don`t network much lately, but used to be very involved with community activities.  Right now, the marketing is basic, mainly using AdWords and is geared toward nonprofit organizations.  A large percentage of visitors come from organic searches, which is interesting because I haven`t concentrated on SEO at all.

Thank you again for taking the time to go through the site and give your honest feedback :)

The most consistent feedback I`ve received - here and from others references the site appearance.  And I totally agree. 

So....I`m embarking on upgrading it myself.  Wish me luck!  Should be finished in a couple days.

Will be removing the "Research, Apply, Relax" slogan too - it used to apply to what the site offered, but doesn`t anymore.

Also, just a note about the newsfeed and jobs.  I`ve added the option for users to customize their home page and select the area of interest to them.  Then they receive targeted news and jobs when they come back to the site.  Sign-ups literally doubled when that option was given.

Thank you everyone!!

I just perused by noticed you have billion capitalized--not necessary:)

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Kristen Fischer, Copywriter/Editor/Author
Creatively Self-Employed

I like the concept, but I hate the white text on a light background.  It`s almost invisible.

"Welcome to our website"  Come on - you can do better than that.  Don`t waste that space this way, shout out your unique selling position right there on your home page.

Last, I find moving text and slide shows to be rather annoying.  And the header is the same on every page.  Boring....  I would go with static images and ONE message about the page the viewer is looking at.

I am not an expert, just my individual opinion.

Steve



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Steve Mann
Internet Videographer
MannMade Digital Video
My Email

The design of the site is great, but it is kind of dificult to figure out what`s the purpose of the site. I would take out some of the images and put some precise content on what the site is really about.


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Michael Jean-Jacques
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Buggrep.com

Thanks for the great input everyone!  I really appreciate it :)