New Site Design! What do you think?

11 years ago

It looks like you have selected the stock images at random. None of them seem to be even slightly relevant to what you are selling. I don't wish to be mean, but it has a very "home made" feel to the site which is the radioactive polar opposite of what you need to successful sell hosting. You've worked a minor miracle by transporting a 90's style site into a responsive template.

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TomVa

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Jellypie Software

It looks like you have selected the stock images at random. None of them seem to be even slightly relevant to what you are selling. I don't wish to be mean, but it has a very "home made" feel to the site which is the radioactive polar opposite of what you need to successful sell hosting. You've worked a minor miracle by transporting a 90's style site into a responsive template.

Thanks for the input and I do agree with you, I do need to get better images I do NOT like my slider myself been thinking bout doing something better! *shrugs* Keep it coming.. I am 100% open to all good or bad

~

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TomVa

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Jellypie Software

It looks like you have selected the stock images at random. None of them seem to be even slightly relevant to what you are selling. I don't wish to be mean, but it has a very "home made" feel to the site which is the radioactive polar opposite of what you need to successful sell hosting. You've worked a minor miracle by transporting a 90's style site into a responsive template.

Oh yea btw you were NOT being mean, this is what I am asking for, be blunt and to the point. Thanks for not beating around the bush.

Tom

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Scorpion2

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Jellypie Software

It looks like you have selected the stock images at random. None of them seem to be even slightly relevant to what you are selling. I don't wish to be mean, but it has a very "home made" feel to the site which is the radioactive polar opposite of what you need to successful sell hosting. You've worked a minor miracle by transporting a 90's style site into a responsive template.

Lol this is exactly what i felt like... I was really surprised that the site was responsive.

OP why not just get a template and customize it to your liking?

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GrowthMastery

11 years ago

You need to start over. That site does not inspire confidence to use your webhosting. The images detract, the color scheme does not work. I get dizzy with the sliders. With web hosting you want to communicate stability and reliability. Please redo your logo and favicon

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TomVa

11 years ago

Originally Posted by GrowthMastery

You need to start over. That site does not inspire confidence to use your webhosting. The images detract, the color scheme does not work. I get dizzy with the sliders. With web hosting you want to communicate stability and reliability. Please redo your logo and favicon

Totally agree with the slider, just took off the slider until I redo something else. Thanks guys keep it coming.

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tedobee

11 years ago

Just my opinion. The header area is so cluttered and has my eyes bugging out a bit.
~Image on left is to jammed up, cant make out what it is, logo? Whats the light text on an angle(host) is that part of the logo? If so I would work on the logo a little.
~Image on right, swap out the font, its clashing with the rest of the site.
~Big area under menu. The pic of the servers is a repeat of the header almost.

I think if the top wasnt so busy and easier on the eyes the initial impact of the site would be a lot better when landing on this page.

~Area around Select Your Plan has a gray Corner and then Curved yellow outline. Either curved or corner, not both.

Just my opinion. Not that bad, its a start with some work you will have it nice.

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TonySharma1

11 years ago

This defo needs a more professional feel to it. Your getting there though.

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GforceSage

11 years ago

The site looks really good. The colors are strong. I like the varied shades of blue on the purchase page. You might want to consider some better images. It's always tough to find something that you like and goes with your project sometimes. Overall, I think you did a solid job. I don't get some of the comments above, I think the site looks fine to generate an interest in your hosting.

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Slade556

11 years ago

I agree with the better images! You should look for other images, these are not very great looking.
Your color scheme is not really that great though, try using more brighter colors, light blue might work better than hat purple.. Also, white text on black backround is not ok! You should definitely change that.

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TomVa

11 years ago

WOW got a lot of great info over here, at first I was scared to ask, I was like a little kid waiting for the monster under his bed to get him. Now I am glad. I got responsive site building down to a art. This is the first stage of my new design. After I am done with a few orders today I will get back on it and show you all again to see if it is getting better. Thanks a million everyone.

Tom

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GrowthMastery

11 years ago

Its coming along. Better without the slider

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TomVa 11 years ago

Originally Posted by GrowthMastery

Its coming along. Better without the slider

Hey thanks, was thinking about changing the color scheme

What is everyones fav color for web design?
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GrowthMastery

11 years ago

little lighter blue with more white

http://www.hostgater.com
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chaotic squid

11 years ago

Yea...I'd recommend starting over, sorry!

Just a few things I've noticed.

- Your menu bar is too big, takes up about 1/4 of the screen for me. (maybe have it shrink when people scroll down)
- The cursive text in the menu bar? Totally out of place.
- The images are very generic. Are you selling the machines themselves? Or the dream of having your own website on the web? Get professional images that grab peoples attention.
- Do you really need your Facebook link in the menu? And your whopping 11 likes isn't convincing.
- Colors seems off
- The site's readability on mobile is a bit difficult
- I don't see any testimonials
- Your logo could use some improvement
- I couldn't find an about page to learn more about you or your company

Again, just some things I noticed right away, good luck!

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TomVa

11 years ago

Originally Posted by chaotic squid

Yea...I'd recommend starting over, sorry!

Just a few things I've noticed.

- Your menu bar is too big, takes up about 1/4 of the screen for me. (maybe have it shrink when people scroll down)
- The cursive text in the menu bar? Totally out of place.
- The images are very generic. Are you selling the machines themselves? Or the dream of having your own website on the web? Get professional images that grab peoples attention.
- Do you really need your Facebook link in the menu? And your whopping 11 likes isn't convincing.
- Colors seems off
- The site's readability on mobile is a bit difficult
- I don't see any testimonials
- Your logo could use some improvement
- I couldn't find an about page to learn more about you or your company

Again, just some things I noticed right away, good luck!

ATTENTION:: I was not suggesting chaotic squid was telling me to cheat, I was going by past experience knowing that other people used these tactics. Thank you SQUID for your suggestions..

wow I Couldn't agree more, but with the 11 likes yea I know how else is one to start out without lying, testimonials again how is one to get any without making them up which again is lying to the customer which I WILL NEVER ever ever ever do. I offer a great service and would like that service to speak for it's self without faking things!

I don't know I wouldn't be able to sleep at night or look my kids in their face knowing I was lying to customers and ripping them off by lying on things like testimonials or facebook likes etc.

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chaotic squid

11 years ago

Originally Posted by TomVa

wow I Couldn't agree more, but with the 11 likes yea I know how else is one to start out without lying, testimonials again how is one to get any without making them up which again is lying to the customer which I WILL NEVER ever ever ever do. I offer a great service and would like that service to speak for it's self without faking things!

I don't know I wouldn't be able to sleep at night or look my kids in their face knowing I was lying to customers and ripping them off by lying on things like testimonials or facebook likes etc.

I NEVER said to fake anything pal!

do it legit with fb advertising and offer your services for free or highly discounted to friends and family in return for a review.

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TomVa

11 years ago

Originally Posted by chaotic squid

I NEVER said to fake anything pal!

do it legit with fb advertising and offer your services for free or highly discounted to friends and family in return for a review.

OMFG I am so so so sorry I NEVER in a million years meant anything like that. I KNOW you were not suggesting this.. I SO did not mean that. I was just saying I wouldn't do that to get them, like I know of others that have done this.. O h man I feel bad. I am very sorry for the way I worded it.
Tom

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chaotic squid

11 years ago

No problem, it's all good.

Being authentic and honest with your work and business will help you achieve more long-term success and satisfaction. Many people will see right through fake reviews and FB likes anyways, so while it may seem like a good idea for a quick short-term gain, it usually hurts people in the long run.

Focus on getting a few people first, give them amazing services, and they'll become brand advocates and help you grow a sustainable business.

Good luck with your site

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TomVa

11 years ago

Originally Posted by chaotic squid

No problem, it's all good.

Being authentic and honest with your work and business will help you achieve more long-term success and satisfaction. Many people will see right through fake reviews and FB likes anyways, so while it may seem like a good idea for a quick short-term gain, it usually hurts people in the long run.

Focus on getting a few people first, give them amazing services, and they'll become brand advocates and help you grow a sustainable business.

Good luck with your site

Hey thanks for forgiven me, I promise I did not mean any harm by that post... WOW Was thinking how easy it is to say the wrong thing and mess up someone else business. It's scary.

Thanks

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Chrisrocs

11 years ago

This may seem silly, but it honestly looks "too big." Mainly the Plans area of the page and all of that, I would think it would be more stylish if it were smaller overall. In other words, instead of using the entire page for the design, maybe centralizing the majority of the design to a limited amount of the page. Chaotic Squid summed up my other concerns pretty well, haha. It's not a bad start in my opinion, but some changes could make it look a lot more professional and attractive to visitors.

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savidge4

11 years ago

Tom,

Honestly somehow I expected more from you. The royal blue and shaded purple are for sure not working. as in WAY not working. You need to look at the big boys in the industry. Its not about copying.. its about meeting expectations. If I am looking for a host provider at this point in the history of the internet, there simply are things I expect to see. and your site is far from it.

You are competing with hostgator, bluehost, dreamhost. Go look at those sites.. they are ALL pretty much the same in design and layout. HERO IMAGES. The meat and potatoes details are NOT on the homepage. They ALL have an "About Us" page.

Pay attention to the call to action "get started" button on each one. you will notice it is above the fold. it is the lower left.

your buy a domain section... weak at best. and then tying that in with your "benefits" section - uh what? am I getting hosting or a domain?

You need to clarify what you are offering. you need to define what you are offering. You need to display what you are offering, and then link to more details.

The images... Show rack systems.. I don't want to see the same type of boxes I use in my office for print servers. Not oozing buyer confidence.

your logo... you seriously are better off with text "HPT HOSTING" in bold over the logo you have.

Facebook? needs to be in your footer

"Get In touch"? You are supposed to be professional, its "Contact Us"

One of the only "mainstream" sites I have seen pull off the rounded corners has been hotels.com - your isn't pulling it off. Go look at what they have done. when you go rounded.. everything has to be there.

Your first month for a .01. This would be if anything what I would consider your Unique Selling Prospective ( USP ) and you buried it. This is MORE important than your benefits. Its an instant "hey maybe I should read more" statement.

I suggest you start reading up on Conversion Rate Optimization. You will see the term "Best Practices" and you have about broke all of them.

The overall idea of your home page is to develop trust. Homepages don't sell.. home pages develop the trust to click deeper and buy. Think "one page one purpose"

Hope that Helps, and seriously best of luck!

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TomVa

11 years ago

Originally Posted by savidge4

Tom,

Honestly somehow I expected more from you. The royal blue and shaded purple are for sure not working. as in WAY not working. You need to look at the big boys in the industry. Its not about copying.. its about meeting expectations. If I am looking for a host provider at this point in the history of the internet, there simply are things I expect to see. and your site is far from it.

You are competing with hostgator, bluehost, dreamhost. Go look at those sites.. they are ALL pretty much the same in design and layout. HERO IMAGES. The meat and potatoes details are NOT on the homepage. They ALL have an "About Us" page.

Pay attention to the call to action "get started" button on each one. you will notice it is above the fold. it is the lower left.

your buy a domain section... weak at best. and then tying that in with your "benefits" section - uh what? am I getting hosting or a domain?

You need to clarify what you are offering. you need to define what you are offering. You need to display what you are offering, and then link to more details.

The images... Show rack systems.. I don't want to see the same type of boxes I use in my office for print servers. Not oozing buyer confidence.

your logo... you seriously are better off with text "HPT HOSTING" in bold over the logo you have.

Facebook? needs to be in your footer

"Get In touch"? You are supposed to be professional, its "Contact Us"

One of the only "mainstream" sites I have seen pull off the rounded corners has been hotels.com - your isn't pulling it off. Go look at what they have done. when you go rounded.. everything has to be there.

Your first month for a .01. This would be if anything what I would consider your Unique Selling Prospective ( USP ) and you buried it. This is MORE important than your benefits. Its an instant "hey maybe I should read more" statement.

I suggest you start reading up on Conversion Rate Optimization. You will see the term "Best Practices" and you have about broke all of them.

The overall idea of your home page is to develop trust. Homepages don't sell.. home pages develop the trust to click deeper and buy. Think "one page one purpose"

Hope that Helps, and seriously best of luck!

LOVE IT thanks, I wont disappoint with this new layout I have im in the testing phase of it and should have it for view tonight or tomorrow.. I am going to go back and input what you were pointing out.

Remember this is new to me I've come from adult side making 1000's of dollars to doing this, it's a total new beast. Yes I let you down but I let myself down a whole lot more. I really hate this design was trying something newish out of the box and farked it up way beyond what should of been. *shrugs* Thanks everyone for the input and thoughts you will be so proud and surprised at the new look and feel. I am great at network,hosting etc I can run the crap out of a server. Now it's time to do the look and feel justice.

Thanks

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BarbaraP

11 years ago

Hey Tom, congrats on your new business and your courage to ask for WF reviews on your site design. Others have pointed out essentials. I'd suggest:
1. A lighter background color...ditch the dark gray for white and have light text on dark background --- it's harder to read. And dark sites are not as visually appealing and perceptually "accessible" as sites with a white or light gray "silver" background. (It's like the dentist who wants people to trust that they'll have a "whiter, brighter smile" when the prospect's looking at a black or bronze background on a "dark shadows" site.)
2. Look for an alternative font to the old school script for your tagline in the right upper header.
3. Consider a more beneficial tagline. ANY hosting is ideal for any kind of website. So, maybe use that space for your "FIrst Month's Hosting for a 1 cent!" and make it clickable to your sales page with opt-in pop up if they don't click to call or whatever actionable click to buy or whatever you have. Add an opt-in offer on the homepage and every page to capture leads so your autoresponder can start the conversation with them
4. Give your pages title with keywords
5. Add content that explains the benefits of dedicated servers, what your Wordpress Support" involves, and other specifics from your pricing matrix. This will help you sell more upscale packages and services plus get you better organic rankings especially if you add them as pages that are local oriented (CITY-Wordpress-Hosting-Tips) if you're going after a geo-based hosting market first.
6. Add a page that contrasts benefits of your hosting with the disadvantages of hosting with big companies (unless you are a white label reseller of one of the big bad-boy hosting companies!)
7. Start a blog that showcases your expertise and helps you get more people searching for hosting
Good luck on your venture!

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TomVa

11 years ago

AS of 03-10-15 I have updated to new design. Thank you all so much. I am going to put a new poll up tomorrow.

Tom

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savidge4

11 years ago

Originally Posted by TomVa

AS of 03-10-15 I have updated to new design. Thank you all so much. I am going to put a new poll up tomorrow.

Tom

I don't think you are there yet. again look at the big boys, then look at yours. Its really ok to look like them... Id beyond suggest it actually. but then with USP separate yourself from them

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TomVa

11 years ago

Originally Posted by savidge4

I don't think you are there yet. again look at the big boys, then look at yours. Its really ok to look like them... Id beyond suggest it actually. but then with USP separate yourself from them

Hey thanks, but I really hate the hero or big slider not my taste.

Thanks
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savidge4 11 years ago

Originally Posted by TomVa

Hey thanks, but I really hate the hero or big slider not my taste.

I get what you are saying.. but this is NOT about you, this is about your potential clients is it not?

what are ALL of the big dollar competitors in your market space doing? and when I say ALL I mean ALL... but you don't want success do you?

They are developing UX that converts... and you? you are developing UX that I would bet you wouldn't even buy from... look at some of the sites you have bought from lately.. or that you even think is cool looking? how does your design compare?
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