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bridalchic

posts: 33

Aug 08, 2008 5:34 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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I have a website dilema. Take a look at www.thebridesmaidparty.com and www.bridalstockexchange.com

First thing: I need to make some changes on my home page and I am looking for ideas.

Second: Also, I just opened a new boutique which also carries bridal and bridesmaid dresses and accessories. I made another website for the boutique just as an info site. But, now after being open I am thinking of merging the two websites together. Adding the two brands on the home page and being able to open up into a bridesmaid section and bridal section on the website.

I have been told two conflicting messages:

1. To keep 2 sites and keep them seperate since they are two seperate businesses.

2. Others have said to brand them together. Most of the information is the same. It will also bring more traffic to the website.

Any opinions? Also, if there is something you don`t like or is difficult to use I am all ears.

Thanks for all your help and suggestions.

bridalchic

googleguy

posts: 65

Aug 08, 2008 6:42 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi Bridalchic,

I would like to comment on having two seperate sites or combing the two into one. Here is my opinion.....you should have the two sepreate. Here is why.

Let`s say I am shopping for something...let`s say a new plasma tv. I find a site that offers plasma televisions, but also offers toasters, stereos and dvd`s. I will look at the site and selection and keep the site in mind. Now, lets say I find a site dedicated to plasma screen tv`s only. I will llok at this second site as more of an authority and more directly able to satisfy my need.

In your business, while the two sites are related, they are still different. One deals with brides maids and one deals with consignment. The content for both are distinct and should be. I also think that the two target markets are completely different. Someone looking to save money by purchasing a previously worn wedding dress is unlikely to be interested in $300.00 bridesmaid dresses. I may completely wrong, but based on the short time I analyzed the sites, that is what I believe.

Focus your sites on being the "authority" in each category and I think you will do better in the long run. Hope you found this helpful.

Best of luck and.....GO GET IT!!!!!!

www.searchmarketingsystems.net

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www.searchmarketingsystems.net

HostRail

posts: 58

Aug 08, 2008 11:03 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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The bridalstock web page is too wordy. I like the rest of it, but the long essay is not necessary, nor is it inviting to read.

The pary page is more user friendly. I recommend making the font one size larger or choosing another color, as the white text on green background (and pink on green) is difficult to read. Also, it is not apparent when visiting this site what the purpose of the site is... The viewer is bombarded with the message of "empowering women", although I believe the purpose of your site it to sell bridal shower gifts? Having two menu bars is also confusing for the viewer. I like the top navigation bar. Perhaps the navigation (gift) bar on the left side could be a drop down menu from the "shopping" menu button on the top nav bar. Then when the user visited the shopping site, this side nav bar would be appropriate to throw in. Just a thought....

Good luck!

CraigL

posts: 9051

Aug 09, 2008 3:20 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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I`d thought that the two businesses could remain separate, going along with GoogleGuy`s argument that searching for specific things would split the query. Having two dedicated sites would help, in that case.

However, when I went to the two sites, it looks to me as if you`re likely going to first find customers through "weddings," "bridal showers," "bridesmaids," and similar searches---all related to wedding and bride. So here`s my thinking:

I`d build a bridal site, with your main introduction being that bride. She`s the one in charge of the overall event, and the bridesmaids descend from there. I really wonder how many women start looking at bridesmaids` products, THEN look at wedding dresses and events, right?

On the BrideMaid Party site, the tagline needs to go: "Women have the power to change the world." It has nothing to do with the company, your product, and what you offer. You certainly can hold a political or social viewpoint, but if you want to strengthen your business position, the tagline should associate with the business and product.

The two sites have a look and feel that`s very different. The organization of the bridesmaid`s party is good, but the layout is odd. On the other site, for brides, there`s no navigation, but the layout of the content is more elegant. So to combine them wouldn`t be a problem. Use the content layout of the one, and the navigation (and maybe colors) of the other.

What it comes down to is your own mind: What *exactly* do you want to be in business to provide? What problem are you trying to solve for a target market? Who will that target market be, after you`ve decided on the problem you intend to solve?

vwebworld

posts: 1237

Aug 09, 2008 9:59 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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I agree two sites... can benefit your search results.

One thing that struck me is on the bridalmadeparty site, when I click on a category (from the left new) a new web browser opens. Usually this is ok when you`re sending someone to another web site AND you want your site to remain open. But in this case I`m just going to a shopping feature of your site.

So, I`d suggest not having a new browser window open.

~Roland

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

bridalchic

posts: 33

Aug 09, 2008 8:29 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Thanks to all that have responded. I am swayed to your viewpoints and know there has to be some changes within the sites. The bridal site was not done professionally and I wanted something up quickly to at least tell people where we are located. So, moving forward I would build a larger bridal site that ties in more about what we offer.

The Bridesmaid site needs some changes as well. So all of your recommendations are very good. I agee with alot of what you all said. I really don`t like the shopping cart and thinking of changing to another cart. That is one feature that is a problem when it keeps opening up into a new browser.

stonesledge

posts: 1093

Aug 10, 2008 12:53 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Heidi.. I am not going to repeat what everyone else has said.. except, I agree w/ two. You Rock.. so whatever you do.. it will work! How are ya?? I am so happy about all of your success!! The bridesmaid party site looks gorgeous... you did a great job with that! The other one is very simple and clean and the photos are gorgeous!!

Erin

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Our Goal Is Your Success!
Founder Girls with Goals

bridalchic

posts: 33

Aug 10, 2008 5:29 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Erin.

You are too cool! Thanks for your strength. I guess I should listen to my fiancee; marketing guru. He was the one that told me to keep it seperate, but, I thought different. I will keep tweaking until I get it right.

Thanks a bunch.

infilta

posts: 126

Aug 12, 2008 1:19 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hello Bridalchick,

I would argue for having 1 site.

a) Easier to manage.
b) Easier to market.

I disagree with the following points about "benefits" of 2 sites:
a) cumulative search results won`t necessarily be higher. At the other hand you can get all the different queries bring your one site high in SE`s, if the right person sets it up and does SEO. The fact is that with a given amount of search queries per a certain period of time the only difference in how many visits you will have is how high your site is in SE, so it`s not really about number of web sites (domains) but pages that rank high, and it doesn`t matter if they are on two or one site.

If I were you I would make your 2nd site as a distinct section of the 1st site.

pepperlegal

posts: 153

Aug 12, 2008 9:58 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Heidi,

I like your sites, and it looks like a great idea!

In reviewing your sites, you should also consider adding appropriate and comprehensive terms and conditions. These act as a "contract" between you and your users, which sets out how users should and should not be using your site, what your obligations are, and how your liability is limited. You may also want to consider a privacy policy, which lets your users know how their private information is used and disclosed.

- Dan

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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

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