by aucora
50 replies
  • WEB DESIGN
  • |
Hello everybody,

this is my first thread, so let me introduce myself. I'm very newbie of this world. In fact, I'm a musician who wants to try the web ways.

I've made and published my 1st site (see the signature) and I'm searching for reviews and suggestions to improve it. I made it very simply because I like simply, immediate and fast web pages (as the result page of google).

Thanks in advance for your comments.
#1st #review #site
  • Profile picture of the author Azarna
    I hope you don't mind my saying, but blue text on a bright red background is really hard to read.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4801507].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author iqbal
    This site may halp you choose a better color scheme here is link Color Theory for Designers, Part 1: The Meaning of Color - Smashing Magazine

    you definitely need to change the link text color.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4802167].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author aucora
      You are right. I've changed the link colors, I hope now is better.

      Constructive criticism is welcome.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4804624].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Daverz
    That red is way too bright. Tone it down a bit.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4805524].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author andrejvasso
    Colors are horrible. And why do you give #container a height of 1300px? Do you have a specific reason to do so? And you should not wrap you whole content in a font tag to define the font size. Simply go into your css and add "font-size" to the body.

    There are a lot of other things that need to be changed. Since you are new to this stuff, I recommend that you use the w3validator and than you go through each error and correct it. This way you are going to learn how to do things the right way.

    [Invalid] Markup Validation of http://freexmasmp3.com/ - W3C Markup Validator
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4805884].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Tom Albas
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4805923].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author aucora
      Thanks for your suggestions.

      I changed colors, for html and css problems I need a bit more time.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4806503].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author lovenot
    I suggest you play with themes to start off. They will help you pick up decent css skills.

    1. Top Banner is 90s.
    2. Background really needs to go. Try white background with green and red icons instead.
    3. Comic Sans is outdated use Arial or something much more professional looking even though it may be a Christmas theme.
    4. Remove the linea6.png border. It is too striking. It breaks the page apart instead of each single piece of music. Use something lighter. For example if you have a white background you can use 1px solid #DDD;
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4806964].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author darrensreviews
    Originally Posted by aucora View Post

    Hello everybody,

    this is my first thread, so let me introduce myself. I'm very newbie of this world. In fact, I'm a musician who wants to try the web ways.

    I've made and published my 1st site (see the signature) and I'm searching for reviews and suggestions to improve it. I made it very simply because I like simply, immediate and fast web pages (as the result page of google).

    Thanks in advance for your comments.
    Checked out you site. You should really go with a lighter color background. People with poor eyesight will have a hard time with readerability. You can use a white background, with a red header if you want to keep with the christmas theme. Use green hyper links. These colors are familiar around christmas time. Hope this helps.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4810570].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bestchoice4life
    I can relate to you, I am also lead Guitarist you can see the proof by looking
    at my pic lol I am holding a Gibson Les Paul, I don't normally post links.. but If you want you can check out our band you can message me hope you enjoy keep it up , never never give up dream big you can always get a hold of me if you want
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4811677].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bestchoice4life
    Here is my advise

    maybe you can install a word press theme you would have a lot more control
    with your site also when you blog you get ranked higher in search engines don't forget to find some low competition keywords for your SEO msg me for more help I would also recommend that you use a white back ground and get a nice banner made google fivr you can out source very cheap if you need help with designing
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4811690].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author creativerobert
    Dude..Just change the background color to white.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4812166].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author murrad
    I understand why you use red on the background but at the same time would be great if you have a Santa on the banner of either side of the webpage. I think other than that..your page needs to be filled with content..then the red background will be suppressed.
    Signature

    Environment friendly Paper cup machine

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4813063].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Fraser SellHealth
    Its a good start , keep on trucking
    Signature

    Fraser Mackie
    Affiliate Manager
    Sellhealth.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4815694].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author markob83
    Excellent start for your first site. Keep on building.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4824280].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sud825
    The background color is not the same on contact.html vs index and we are unable to send a message using the form because the “submit button” is invisible in firefox and IE.

    Find the #imCel8_01_Cont in your .css file and change the height value

    Hope this help
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4848138].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author PPCampaigns
      Lots of this has been said I've seen as a was glancing at the comments, but here goes. The first thing I noticed was the site looks dull. Considering it is a Christmas themed site, it shouldn't be too hard to find/come up with a few graphics. Fiverr may be something to looking into for that. I enjoyed the 1 click download. I'm on Chrome, not sure if it's the same on other browsers. Also, there is a lot of space left below your content. Also, look into Wordpress if you have compatible hosting. It really makes things simple. There are great themes out there that you can find or even have made that make your site look really professional.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4848192].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ken Durham
    I agree with PPC.., you need some "hohoho" on there.
    Christmas tree, presents, candy-cane, Santa, snow, bells, holly, manger, etc...
    Use a graphics program and create some joy. There is also a lot of free public domain clipart related to this theme
    Signature

    yes, I am....

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4848243].message }}
  • Line 3 typo :" Website concontinuously updated with new...

    also at disclaimer needs a small correction: Music in this site is based on public-domain Christmas carols released by Coral Records under Common Creative License.
    If you found here music (music here) that is not public-domain, let us know and will remove it immediately.
    All Song(s) posted are also available in professional studio quality 24 bit 44.1 Khz uncompressed format.

    People are saying to take out the red...but it's a Christmas site - throw in a few tree balls and wrapping paper ribbon banner - people are going for festive - it's a holiday, and a gift of free songs...

    Christmas look but simple look is kind of a counter-intuitive feeling...

    You're off to a nice start aucora - keep it up
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4848261].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author webbusyweaver
    honeslty!.. .the red background just hurt my eyes.. .anyways, i can see the effort and idea is there.. .if i may suggest you subtle colors.. .i know you are trying to convey the xmas theme.. .good luck.. .
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4848786].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mikedex
    You like simple design. It's a good thought but if you want to attract visitors then you should make it attractive in terms of good images, fonts and so on. There is totally a huge blank on bottom part and red is very deep color. Please make it lighter. Good effort.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4850031].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Tiptopcat
    Hi,
    If this is a first atempt then congratulations.

    People have already pointed out the spelling mistake in the third line. The colours are still too bright. Not easy to read.

    Hope you take the feedback and work it into your design. This should help to improve the visitor's experience.

    Good luck
    Tiptopcat
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4850045].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author slowdriver
      Better than my first site, lol keep on trucking.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4855184].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author autumnmiller
    you have chosen the right color for your theme or website itself but I think you will need to have color variations to avoid dullness in your site. Try to improve by looking for sample templates online for your theme. Look at their designs from banner to frame to animation, pictures and texts. For sure, you can improve it well. Look for an inspiration
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4862830].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bleepli
    but this still needs more improvement
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4863014].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author aucora
      Many, many thanks to all of you.

      I was busy with music productions, may be next time I'll try Wordpress.
      As many suggested, I changed the background color to dark green for the main pages. Hope now is ok for many.
      Thank in particular to M.M.M. and sud825 for having found big mistakes.

      I hope that rather than look you would appreciate contents and the way to access to them.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4870553].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
    I hope that rather than look you would appreciate contents
    That only happens when you do NOT use a "look" (design, layout, colour scheme) that is more of a distraction than helping the content.

    Designing a site is not just going wild with colours and using 'fancy' fonts for headings (what you have now). The design should help conveying the general message of the site.

    However, if you want people to focus on your content and not the look... use a neutral (e.g. white) background, simple fonts, no images - and let them concentrate on the content.
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4870745].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author autumnsmith
    Hi aucora

    I would strongly suggest to please look for inspiration when it comes to design and layout. If you want to make it look more professional, consider adding navigational menu on your website and add more information about your site. It would not only help your site's appearance. Take time in redesigning it
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4875843].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Silke
    Looks good for your 1st dite but it seems to be a christmas page so why not get a layout that gets the customer in the Christmas mood.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4876212].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author CSS Architect
    The pure white (#fff) text color is really killing my eyes.

    If you're going to use a dark color background, you should make your default text a off white/grayish color. Something like what you are using for "Traditional free Christmas mp3.. ." located on the header.

    I understand the centered text may seem the best way to go, but what you may want to do is shorten the width a bit so your visitors do not have to move their eyes from left to right too much. Think about how they have layout news paper or magazines. They keep it width sort because it's easier on the eyes. See if you can come up with some ideas to add something on the right side to even it out.

    Here is just a quickie to give you the general idea what you could do to improve the layout.

    i54.tinypic.com/2n850di.jpg
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4876702].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author h0mayun
    its good for your first time try a little bit more spending time on design
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4880365].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rasel786
    I think it is not best but at the first time try it is good. I hope you will correct your color combination.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4880491].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author IceT
    Looks good enough since it's the first website you have created.

    Did you design it on PS and then coded it? Or didn't you design it just coded it? Did you used any software?

    You could add some kind of fovicon for the website. Also you could change the color for the google ads it looks a bit odd doesn't it?

    Keep up the good work!
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4880545].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Karen Barr
    You seem to have toned down the colours, but it definitely needs some Xmas themed decorations on there somewhere.

    Think about your audience - from the top of my head I would say your main visitors are going to be seniors, stay at home mothers who like embedding songs into their emails and torturing their relatives with them, and teenage girls who want ringtones. Neither of these groups are what I would consider particularly sensitive to modern design, so you're probably best off keeping the style kind of homemade and not too slick.

    To rephrase that slightly - your whole layout is very late 90s, but given your audience I actually think that's a good fit.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4881312].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author aucora
      Hi guys, I didn't forget you. Your critiques are very useful for me.
      I worked on the website design, now the header and the background are completly different.

      Hope you agree with new design.

      p.s. I used windows notepad for codes and photoshop for graphics (previous graphics were made with openoffice (please don't kill me )).

      p.p.s. I've tried wordpress, but for a newbie like me it's very difficult to personalize, also Christmas free-themes I found around the web don't satisy me.

      Thanks to all!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4944312].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Osava
    To be the first place is okay, but should improve on the design.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4946513].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author SGAJohnSheppard
    It looks pretty decent but in time you will learn to do much better, work work work.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4946589].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author hanakuza
    Its need a whole lot of images. Plus the right side the ad there doesnt fit in the column, column width is too big.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4948713].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author aucora
    Dear Friends,

    is there any way to personalize the google +1 icon to fit the Christmas theme of the website like all others sharing icons?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4955159].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author IMBotz
      That's a nicely done site. Are you using a CMS?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4955523].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author aucora
        No. Site is coded with windows notepad.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4955754].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Tim Brownlaw
          Gosh is it nearly that time of the year again????

          The colors are still a little garish for us old folk with diminishing eyesight but as a First site knocked up ( lovingly created ) in wordpad - you've done a nice job.

          It takes time to get things "right" but you are on the right track.

          Always remember... while the site might look absolutely brilliant for you, take a back seat as a visitor and try and look at it from their perspective... not always simple to do when its "your baby" and something that takes a little time.

          In most cases - less is more.

          Have a bit of a play with the text colors and fonts and see if you can make the text a little clearer. There's a challange for you!

          And if I don't get the chance to get back here before then, Merry Christmas... hmm time to start getting those presents for the family....

          Cheers
          Tim
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4955969].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author alan9187
    header looks good, but from that point down not so good, you need to look at a better color scheme. I would read back over the sugestions and coments all ready made and make more changes. Take Note of Istvans comments.

    I personly would stick with header as thats ok, but change the rest.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4955908].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author aucora
    By kindly request, font changed to verdana.

    I repeat a my previous question to all, do you know a way for personalize the Google +1 icon?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4956895].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author alan9187
    for the Google Icon you need to create your own graphic for it.

    Take another look at what Tim said, Take into account the viewer/visitor. the red b/g and snow flakes in the content are do not work for me. Might for others but just not for me.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4957214].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author alan9187
    The More & More i look at the site i feel some musical notes graphic in the header would be good which will relate to the subject
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4957236].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sumonrahman
    Good job mate
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4957431].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author KayMaxim
    I like the colors. I immediately got a good feeling when I went to your site. Looks clean.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4958245].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author johnny125
    From my point of view looks clean and nice.
    I think you have made a really good job.


    BTW - Christmas are coming very fast
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4961341].message }}

Trending Topics