Help me convince my fiance

iaeo · 14th Sep 2012, 11:34 PM

Alright guys, so I've put together what I feel is a pretty nice mobile site, and I'd like to get some feedback. I've been programming for a few years now but only recently got into mobile: and while I like to think I do pretty awesome work, I'd love to get some outside opinions.

Anywho, here's the code:

Working on getting a .com domain, as soon as I can get some expert opinions to justify the purchase to my pregnant fiance

My plan is to use this site to help me sell mobile website offline- just need to know if, as an example, it would help justify a $600 pricetag

So, what do the Warriors think?

WillR · 15th Sep 2012, 01:04 AM

Well if you provide a regular text link, some more of us might be able to help you.

MagicAce · 15th Sep 2012, 02:28 AM

duncan.net84.net

iaeo · 15th Sep 2012, 09:58 AM

Yeah, I haven't finished building the desktop version yet. I'm a mobile developer so I tend to build mobile first- I also am planning to use this site to sell mobile websites to clients with existing websites.

John Ayling · 16th Sep 2012, 05:52 PM

My feedback is that rather than putting a collapsible content block on the first page - better to have some navigation so the user can more easily find their way around.
I would also put some paddding around the text so that it doesn't butt right up to the sides.
This is more of a mobile page rather than a full-blown mobile site.

I suggest you check out what current more commercial mobile sites are looking like and get closer to showing off what you can do by emulating or doing better than those.

Will has started a great thread in this forum on mobile examples, so have a look there first.

If you're thinking of selling mobile sites for $600+ then I really wouldn't worry about spending less than $10 on a .com domain name.

WillR · 16th Sep 2012, 07:17 PM

I'm not overly fond of the design of this site myself. I think you need something a little more professional looking if this is to be your flagship site to draw in other customers.

Just being honest.

SJJPFTW · 16th Sep 2012, 08:44 PM

Ok bro I am going to be honest so don't take the negatives too badly just take it as constructive criticism.

1) I don't like the colour scheme. To me a site that you are designing to show off your skills should be slick, and to me slick = shiny and dark. That's just me though so if you are in love with the current scheme ignore me.

2) Pad the text. There is nothing I hate seeing more than text that runs right up to the edge of the screen.

3) If you really must have a picture of yourself get someone to take a professional looking profile shot. Personally I would lose the picture as NONE of my clients really care what I look like.

4) In your title tag, get rid of the Esq. at the end. Your a web developer, not an american lawyer as far as I know, nor are you a member of the English gentry. Esq. just comes across as arrogant and in business you only get to make one impression and you don't want that to be "The little bugger thinks he's better than me." Of course if you are a member of the gentry or a lawyer I apologise.

5) Edits; Under the QR code menu I would just have one QR code and a description of what they are and what they can do for the clients. The most interesting coder in the world bit just comes off as being amateurish. Same with declaring "you are pretty bomb". Under mobile web design put links to some examples. If you don't have any just make up some dummy ones for Jimbos Burger Barn or something.

Thats about it. I agree with John that this is more page than site, so maybe spread the content out a little more.

I'm sorry if any of the above sounded harsh, but I am genuinely trying to give you honest useful advice.

I would encourage you to look around at some other sites out there that are pro looking and take a step back and compare them with yours and see what you can change.

Oh and just drop the $10 on a domain, Im sure your fiance won't mind THAT much. If you are REALLY hard up and cant afford one get a free one here Dot TK - Free Domains for All

It makes you look much more polished to potential clients.

EDIT: Didn't address your pricing question.

Honestly I would not pay for your site. At all. However I also know ALOT more about design etc than the average Joe you would be pitching to. Your services are worth what you can get for them. If you can get people to pay $600 more power to you, however I would probably aim lower like $297-$397 and sign up for a reseller hosting account somewhere like here Web Hosting Services, Reseller Hosting, VPS Hosting, and Dedicated Servers by HostGator and make a nice residual income tacking on $20-$30 a month hosting charge.

You sell 50 sites thats a cozy $1500 in the back pocket every month even if you don't sell a single site.

Good luck with it

iaeo · 16th Sep 2012, 09:26 PM

First, I'd like to say thanks for all the feedback guys. I really appreciate constructive criticism- if I wanted someone to pussyfoot around and tell me it looks cool, I'd just ask my ego

Originally Posted by John Ayling

My feedback is that rather than putting a collapsible content block on the first page - better to have some navigation so the user can more easily find their way around.
I would also put some paddding around the text so that it doesn't butt right up to the sides.
This is more of a mobile page rather than a full-blown mobile site.

I suggest you check out what current more commercial mobile sites are looking like and get closer to showing off what you can do by emulating or doing better than those.

Will has started a great thread in this forum on mobile examples, so have a look there first.

Yeah, I was debating whether or not to do navigation or an accordion. The accordion seemed like it made things easier to find, since it was all in one place, but I'll experiment with regular navigation and come back when I think I've hit it.

Originally Posted by John Ayling

If you're thinking of selling mobile sites for $600+ then I really wouldn't worry about spending less than $10 on a .com domain name.

My thoughts exactly

Originally Posted by WillR

I'm not overly fond of the design of this site myself. I think you need something a little more professional looking if this is to be your flagship site to draw in other customers.

Just being honest.

Aside from the somewhat informal copy, what specifically about the site looks unprofessional? I do like the font but I'm fine with changing it to something else if it doesn't look professional.

Originally Posted by SJJPFTW

Ok bro I am going to be honest so don't take the negatives too badly just take it as constructive criticism.

1) I don't like the colour scheme. To me a site that you are designing to show off your skills should be slick, and to me slick = shiny and dark. That's just me though so if you are in love with the current scheme ignore me.

2) Pad the text. There is nothing I hate seeing more than text that runs right up to the edge of the screen.

3) If you really must have a picture of yourself get someone to take a professional looking profile shot. Personally I would lose the picture as NONE of my clients really care what I look like.

4) In your title tag, get rid of the Esq. at the end. Your a web developer, not an american lawyer as far as I know, nor are you a member of the English gentry. Esq. just comes across as arrogant and in business you only get to make one impression and you don't want that to be "The little bugger thinks he's better than me." Of course if you are a member of the gentry or a lawyer I apologise.

5) Edits; Under the QR code menu I would just have one QR code and a description of what they are and what they can do for the clients. The most interesting coder in the world bit just comes off as being amateurish. Same with declaring "you are pretty bomb". Under mobile web design put links to some examples. If you don't have any just make up some dummy ones for Jimbos Burger Barn or something.

Thats about it. I agree with John that this is more page than site, so maybe spread the content out a little more.

I'm sorry if any of the above sounded harsh, but I am genuinely trying to give you honest useful advice.

I would encourage you to look around at some other sites out there that are pro looking and take a step back and compare them with yours and see what you can change.

Oh and just drop the $10 on a domain, Im sure your fiance won't mind THAT much. If you are REALLY hard up and cant afford one get a free one here Dot TK - Free Domains for All

It makes you look much more polished to potential clients.

EDIT: Didn't address your pricing question.

Honestly I would not pay for your site. At all. However I also know ALOT more about design etc than the average Joe you would be pitching to. Your services are worth what you can get for them. If you can get people to pay $600 more power to you, however I would probably aim lower like $297-$397 and sign up for a reseller hosting account somewhere like here Web Hosting Services, Reseller Hosting, VPS Hosting, and Dedicated Servers by HostGator and make a nice residual income tacking on $20-$30 a month hosting charge.

You sell 50 sites thats a cozy $1500 in the back pocket every month even if you don't sell a single site.

Good luck with it

First man, thanks for taking the time to write up such a detailed post.

Right into the points, one at a time:
1) I'm not particularly attached to the color scheme. I do like it, but by no means am I opposed to switching it up. I think I'll try a few different combinations for the next round.
2) Sure thing, I'll keep that in mind
3) I included a picture to add a little legitimacy, but looking at it again I agree: either do it all the way or not at all
4) Duly noted and fixed
5) Sounds fine to me. I wanted to show a little more range as far as what's possible with QR codes, but a short value pitch would probably work better. As far as "The Most Interesting Coder In The World", just added it for a bit of panache. Definitely can be reworked or removed altogether. Thoughts?
For Mobile Web Design, I am working on some dummy sites to include.

On pricing: I live in Alabama, so most people are pretty clueless when it comes to web design. 99% of the local business websites in my area look like they were built circa 1990. Hostgator resale is a nice touch, I'm definitely looking into it. Good idea!

Alright guys, once again thanks for all the constructive feedback. I'm gonna go back to the drawing board and see if I can get a bit more polish in the next few designs, and I should have a few dummy sites to show off in the portfolio in the next few days, as well as multiple variations on navs/color schemes.

WillR · 16th Sep 2012, 11:34 PM

Please don't let any of the feedback discourage you though -- that's not out intention.

I love to see people taking action and for that I admire you. You're doing better than most people out there.

If you really want to make this business work for you, it will.

wagsgraphx · 17th Sep 2012, 01:15 AM

Originally Posted by WillR

Well if you provide a regular text link, some more of us might be able to help you.

Who didn't see that one coming!

shoopt · 17th Sep 2012, 01:34 AM

Hey iaeo
I scanned your QR code with my Google Goggles app and it opened up on my device. Truly speaking you need to work on it if you want some clients through your website. Particularly I am not very fond of designs but your clients will ask you for great designs for their websites, and how can they be convinced if your own website is not nicely designed. Give your website a nice design and professional feel, you will get clients for mobile web development as there are good number of small business holders wanting their presence over mobile web.

SJJPFTW · 17th Sep 2012, 06:18 AM

Originally Posted by WillR

Please don't let any of the feedback discourage you though -- that's not out intention.

I love to see people taking action and for that I admire you. You're doing better than most people out there.

If you really want to make this business work for you, it will.

+1 to that. Your giving it a go and that is more than 99% of people ever will. You work at it and you will get the rewards.

iaeo · 17th Sep 2012, 03:37 PM

Originally Posted by SarahJoy

Hi, iaeo. I think the introduction is unnecessary.

"Hi
My name is Duncan Smith
I'm a mobile developer"
^ may come off a bit amateur sounding. I think all you simply need is:

Duncan M. Smith, Mobile Developer

- or something along those lines. Maybe you want to consider adding a border around the entire page to make the text look less bulky/crowded? You may also want to add a short blurb about yourself and the services you offer on the main landing page. Although you have navigation tabs for the different apps and designs you can provide, some people may not even get as far as clicking on those to read more. Sell yourself!

Yeah, I'm definitely working on adding some more copy to the front page, and padding the text a little more. Thanks for the feedback!

Originally Posted by WillR

Please don't let any of the feedback discourage you though -- that's not out intention.

I love to see people taking action and for that I admire you. You're doing better than most people out there.

If you really want to make this business work for you, it will.

If anything, I'm more motivated than before. I love getting constructive criticism (and really appreciate all the advice you guys are offering), because I know that when I effectively execute the good advice I get, I'm gonna wind up with a more impressive product than I had before- and that's exciting.

14th Sep 2012, 11:34 PM	#1
iaeo Mobile Developer Join Date: 2012 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 48 Thanks: 9 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Help me convince my fiance Share on: Alright guys, so I've put together what I feel is a pretty nice mobile site, and I'd like to get some feedback. I've been programming for a few years now but only recently got into mobile: and while I like to think I do pretty awesome work, I'd love to get some outside opinions. Anywho, here's the code: Working on getting a .com domain, as soon as I can get some expert opinions to justify the purchase to my pregnant fiance My plan is to use this site to help me sell mobile website offline- just need to know if, as an example, it would help justify a $600 pricetag So, what do the Warriors think?
	Javascript/jQuery \| Java (Android) \| PHP \| HTML5 \| CSS3 \| Ruby on Rails Want a website, native Android app, or web app? Talk to me. http://lastingwebdesign.com

15th Sep 2012, 01:04 AM	#2
WillR Digital Marketer War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Location: Australia Posts: 12,475 Thanks: 1,984 Thanked 8,187 Times in 4,079 Posts	Re: Help me convince my fiance Share on: Well if you provide a regular text link, some more of us might be able to help you.
	. ➨ Here's How to Make Your First $177 Online This Week Using the Piggyback Method... .

15th Sep 2012, 02:28 AM	#3
MagicAce webstylecreator.com War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Location: Torino, Italy Posts: 686 Thanks: 56 Thanked 68 Times in 46 Posts	Re: Help me convince my fiance Share on: duncan.net84.net
	5 STAR SERVICE - Sexy Mobile Websites Straight Out Of Italy! HIGH QUALITY DESIGN - Headers, Banners, Twitter Backgrounds, eCovers and more...

15th Sep 2012, 09:58 AM	#4
iaeo Mobile Developer Join Date: 2012 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 48 Thanks: 9 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Help me convince my fiance Share on: Yeah, I haven't finished building the desktop version yet. I'm a mobile developer so I tend to build mobile first- I also am planning to use this site to sell mobile websites to clients with existing websites.
	Javascript/jQuery \| Java (Android) \| PHP \| HTML5 \| CSS3 \| Ruby on Rails Want a website, native Android app, or web app? Talk to me. http://lastingwebdesign.com

16th Sep 2012, 05:52 PM	#5
John Ayling HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 225 Thanks: 41 Thanked 47 Times in 36 Posts	Re: Help me convince my fiance Share on: My feedback is that rather than putting a collapsible content block on the first page - better to have some navigation so the user can more easily find their way around. I would also put some paddding around the text so that it doesn't butt right up to the sides. This is more of a mobile page rather than a full-blown mobile site. I suggest you check out what current more commercial mobile sites are looking like and get closer to showing off what you can do by emulating or doing better than those. Will has started a great thread in this forum on mobile examples, so have a look there first. If you're thinking of selling mobile sites for $600+ then I really wouldn't worry about spending less than $10 on a .com domain name.
	Software Marketing & Licensing System for WordPress Plugins, Themes & .NET Software >> 72 Hour Special <<

16th Sep 2012, 07:17 PM	#6
WillR Digital Marketer War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Location: Australia Posts: 12,475 Thanks: 1,984 Thanked 8,187 Times in 4,079 Posts	Re: Help me convince my fiance Share on: I'm not overly fond of the design of this site myself. I think you need something a little more professional looking if this is to be your flagship site to draw in other customers. Just being honest.
	. ➨ Here's How to Make Your First $177 Online This Week Using the Piggyback Method... .

16th Sep 2012, 08:44 PM	#7
SJJPFTW HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2012 Location: Australia Posts: 191 Thanks: 26 Thanked 71 Times in 38 Posts	Re: Help me convince my fiance Share on: Ok bro I am going to be honest so don't take the negatives too badly just take it as constructive criticism. 1) I don't like the colour scheme. To me a site that you are designing to show off your skills should be slick, and to me slick = shiny and dark. That's just me though so if you are in love with the current scheme ignore me. 2) Pad the text. There is nothing I hate seeing more than text that runs right up to the edge of the screen. 3) If you really must have a picture of yourself get someone to take a professional looking profile shot. Personally I would lose the picture as NONE of my clients really care what I look like. 4) In your title tag, get rid of the Esq. at the end. Your a web developer, not an american lawyer as far as I know, nor are you a member of the English gentry. Esq. just comes across as arrogant and in business you only get to make one impression and you don't want that to be "The little bugger thinks he's better than me." Of course if you are a member of the gentry or a lawyer I apologise. 5) Edits; Under the QR code menu I would just have one QR code and a description of what they are and what they can do for the clients. The most interesting coder in the world bit just comes off as being amateurish. Same with declaring "you are pretty bomb". Under mobile web design put links to some examples. If you don't have any just make up some dummy ones for Jimbos Burger Barn or something. Thats about it. I agree with John that this is more page than site, so maybe spread the content out a little more. I'm sorry if any of the above sounded harsh, but I am genuinely trying to give you honest useful advice. I would encourage you to look around at some other sites out there that are pro looking and take a step back and compare them with yours and see what you can change. Oh and just drop the $10 on a domain, Im sure your fiance won't mind THAT much. If you are REALLY hard up and cant afford one get a free one here Dot TK - Free Domains for All It makes you look much more polished to potential clients. EDIT: Didn't address your pricing question. Honestly I would not pay for your site. At all. However I also know ALOT more about design etc than the average Joe you would be pitching to. Your services are worth what you can get for them. If you can get people to pay $600 more power to you, however I would probably aim lower like $297-$397 and sign up for a reseller hosting account somewhere like here Web Hosting Services, Reseller Hosting, VPS Hosting, and Dedicated Servers by HostGator and make a nice residual income tacking on $20-$30 a month hosting charge. You sell 50 sites thats a cozy $1500 in the back pocket every month even if you don't sell a single site. Good luck with it
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16th Sep 2012, 11:34 PM	#9
WillR Digital Marketer War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Location: Australia Posts: 12,475 Thanks: 1,984 Thanked 8,187 Times in 4,079 Posts	Re: Help me convince my fiance Share on: Please don't let any of the feedback discourage you though -- that's not out intention. I love to see people taking action and for that I admire you. You're doing better than most people out there. If you really want to make this business work for you, it will.
	. ➨ Here's How to Make Your First $177 Online This Week Using the Piggyback Method... .

17th Sep 2012, 01:34 AM	#11
shoopt HyperActive Warrior Join Date: 2012 Location: USA Posts: 174 Thanks: 7 Thanked 21 Times in 19 Posts	Re: Help me convince my fiance Share on: Hey iaeo I scanned your QR code with my Google Goggles app and it opened up on my device. Truly speaking you need to work on it if you want some clients through your website. Particularly I am not very fond of designs but your clients will ask you for great designs for their websites, and how can they be convinced if your own website is not nicely designed. Give your website a nice design and professional feel, you will get clients for mobile web development as there are good number of small business holders wanting their presence over mobile web.
	I am Daniel Jones, working in a Mobile Application Development Company as a Mobile App Developer. I enjoys exploring apps on iOS, blackberry, android and other mobile platforms.