Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hello! 

I just did a site using webs.com's free sitebuilder, and am trying to decide if it is a good one or not. As a reward for those of you willing to take the time to look it over, I am giving a free bestselling hardcover book of your choice to a random viewer. Each person that replies will be entered, and I will draw a winner on August 31st.

http://www.ontargetlisa.webs.com

So, here are my goals for the site:

1. Be a source of common sense, low tech information for business owners, both startups and existing. I have a links page and blog started that I am hoping will be of value.

2. Inform people about the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC) free consulting services, training, and research.

3. Find out what people need and want in business training in the Thumb area of Michigan.

4. Promote the upcoming classes and boost attendance.

5. Build customized Retail Promotional Seminars for communities. I have done these in the past, and really enjoy them. I need to branch out beyond the areas where I know someone.

6. Get people to sign up for my e-newsletter.

My questions are:

1. Is it totally tacky to have an ad on the site? Its free if I let the ads run, and so far, all of them seem fine to me.

2. What do you think of the photo?

Again, the site is at http://www.ontargetlisa.webs.com

Thank you!

Lisa Kenny

1. pretty good here, there are some good link

2. on the links page, i see that this is your first link, but, nowhere in the title or description does it mention Michigan. You're going after local clients, so, i wouldn't be afraid to localize it more

3. i can't see where you ask this at all

4. upcoming events looks almost as if it's part of the ads. If this is your main goal, getting people to attend, link to the events page in the main body of the home page.

The calendar is fun, but i think a page with a list of all events would be welcome too

5. on your services page link to a form to get more info about setting up a seminar for local chambers, companies, ect

6. the newsletter sign-up looks like an ad, the background color doesn't match(same as the ads), i wouldn't put my email in there personally

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1. Yes! you're telling people "I can't afford $10 a month for hosting, so I need a free website", Oh, and I'm in business promotion... no bueno!

2. photo's fine in the header, the one on the about page should be cropped to the size you want and re-uploaded so it doesn't look squished

Thank you for your comments and critique!  You are right on all points, and I really appreciate it. So much of your input is the very thing I tell my clients on a regular basis....just hearing it from you made it clear as a bell to me.

Your site is really sharp, by the way! 

Lisa