Please review my new site - brutal honesty appreciated

22 replies
  • WEB DESIGN
  • |
Hi,

www.budgetbright.com

If you could take a couple of minutes to share your opinion on my new site, it would be really appreciated.

Many thanks,

Paul
#appreciated #brutal #budgetbright #honesty #review #site
  • Profile picture of the author january14n
    Hi Paul,

    The design look goods for me. I think what you should add next is some Social Media links.
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  • Profile picture of the author terrabethbytes
    You know what, this site isn't too bad. Usually people who come in asking for a "please review my site" have such horrible sites you just don't bother. But yours isn't too bad.

    I would change the color in the background of "We knew there was a better way to handle money" I have read in many places that a white background is better for retention and is easy on the eyes.

    Under the logos (experts part) why is it blank?

    Under features, come on I am sure you can do a better job. Expand on each feature. Put bullet points.

    Use a footer to include a navigation of latest posts and contact info.

    Where is your social media? Have readers connect with you.

    Are you capturing emails? Big mistake if you don't so make sure you capture every single lead as much as possible.

    Hope this helps you. All the best!
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  • Profile picture of the author UMS
    In the list of features, it lists "responsive".

    Your website isn't responsive, so there's a disconnect there.
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    • Profile picture of the author NeilSmith
      [DELETED]
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      • Profile picture of the author pphillips001
        Thanks to everyone taking a few minutes to help out - it's really appreciated.

        @january14n - Thanks - good idea about the social media - I'll get right on with that.

        @terrabethbytes - I'm glad it caught your eye - You make some excellent points.

        Under the Experts section - it should be a static full screen image of the main site on a mobile device. I take it you don't see this? May I ask what you are viewing it on? Mac/PC/Which browser?

        Yeah - the 'Features' and 'Contacts' definitely need work/adding - I'll get on with that as well.

        I spent most of the time on the main site, and knocked this landing page out in an afternoon. Which should be the other way around, thinking about it!! What's the point having the best product if nobody will check it out!

        I'm not sure what you mean by capturing emails for leads? You need to enter an email address to use the main site - if that's what you mean.

        @UMS - The main site is responsive - it resizes to fit the form factor of whatever you are viewing it on. Perhaps I need to explain that better on the site.

        @NeilSmith - Good point about using iconography for navigation. terrabethbytes mentioned colours as well - so need to have a rethink on that as well.
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  • Profile picture of the author BOB Designs
    Another option is that maybe you should increase the height of your header and get yourself a brand identity (talking about the logo here).

    Maybe some design work is needed in the slider image as well.. Hope that helps..
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  • Profile picture of the author HA-Dave
    I would maybe change the font, and maybe make the title of each section stand out a bit more.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ekushey
    Looks good, but you should seriously consider reducing the the text content on frontpage as nobody has so much time to read.
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    • Profile picture of the author pphillips001
      Many thanks for the feedback.

      @BOB Designs - The logo does feel a little lost. I'll have a think on that one.

      @HA-Dave - I've increased the weight of the font. You were right - it does work better. Thanks

      @Ekushey - I do intend on replacing the text with something a little more visual. As you say, who has the time to trawl through text.
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  • Profile picture of the author Happybidr
    Hey,
    I was interested in your site because I've been looking for something like this as I feel that Quicken doesn't do the job very well, especially with regard to budgeting. They offer lots of features I'll never need.
    Okay, on your site:
    (1) how about some screen shots of what the site looks like?
    (2) needs more details on exactly what it will do.
    (3) very cool features so far...I do like it! But the text is too apologetic. Just tell me what it does (bullet points, please), how I might use it, why I need it, etc. Really flesh that out. Tell me what steps I need to take to sign up (even though it's a bit obvious how to do it), and add in what happens when I do sign up. WHat's behind the wall, so to speak?
    (4) What about the competition, and what makes you better.
    (5) You mentioned that you and your wife developed this system when you were in debt. Go into that a bit more, tying it back into how it can help me if I'm in the same boat. List other kinds of people who would find this tool helpful.

    I think you've got the beginnings of a really good product/site here. Keep setting your sites high, and don't settle for the typical hard sell talk. Just give 'em more solid info, that will help a lot.

    Best of luck to you. I'll be interested in seeing how it progresses.

    Karen
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  • Profile picture of the author Ron Killian
    This is probably in the planning, but there is not really anything to do on the site, no where else to go. Maybe your first draft and just getting started. No where to sign up or take any action, unless I missed it.

    Also, why no navigation? Visitors need to scroll to "discover" your content. Just a thought.

    What about the log in bar? No idea what it is, why it's there and what people do with it.

    I personally am not a big fan of the scrolling Parallax theme's, but they seem to be popular and guess it works in this instance.
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  • Profile picture of the author Charli
    I like your copy but I would add a period at the end of ... finances.

    I would capitalize 'Money" and add a period - but that's just me. I would want that word to stand out.

    The rest of the copy - It's soooooooooooo long, tell me why I should read it. Less is more. I'm not gonna read all of that stuff you have on there. I'm on the net and have a small attention span. Think of it that way and only put the most pertinent information that MUST BE READ on the landing page.

    Rest, web surfers just skim right over it. I read the top copy and the second copy. Both caught my attention. The rest was filler.

    Charli
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    • Profile picture of the author pphillips001
      Wow - some more excellent feedback. Thanks guys.

      @Charli - make it less verbose and to the point. Will do.

      Originally Posted by Ron Killian View Post

      This is probably in the planning, but there is not really anything to do on the site, no where else to go. Maybe your first draft and just getting started. No where to sign up or take any action, unless I missed it.
      There is a 'Sign Up' button on the mobile header/footer - it was a bit small, so I've made it more prominent. The main site is up and running, so please feel free to check it out.

      I've added in some navigation as per your great suggestion - don't know why I didn't think of it before!

      Originally Posted by Happybidr View Post

      Hey,
      I think you've got the beginnings of a really good product/site here. Keep setting your sites high, and don't settle for the typical hard sell talk. Just give 'em more solid info, that will help a lot.
      Karen
      Thanks Karen. Your kind words are most appreciated, and I'll take all of your points on board.
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  • Profile picture of the author w13
    I think the website design looks cool but so many text in front of page. Since people have limited time to read all yours in your front page. And on feature section, i think it's a bit shady.. try to simplify the way feature looks with img or bullet point..

    But where is the contact us section? Am i missed it? How do your customer contact you??
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  • Profile picture of the author Ron Killian
    As for your sign up bar, I was saying, there is no explanation for it. You visitors are not going to have a clue what it's for, unless they are already a member. New visitors probably won't know what it's for.

    At the last maybe add something like "Sign Now For Your Free Budgeting Account". You need to TELL your visitors what to do and why to do it. It's says "Sign Up". Sign up for what? Why should I? Other wise your probably going to have a low number of sign ups.

    I would also think having sign up text (sales copy) and link to sign up down the page as well. Like an entire section just to get them signed up.

    I am guessing your main goal is to get people to sign up for an account, correct? Well, right now, your not doing any "selling" in that aspect. Your telling them about the service, but your not telling them to sign up NOW.

    You can't leave it up to visitors to figure it out, you need to guide them in that direction every chance you can.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      First and for most. Aside from the appearance of your page, the text, or the images. Your site is about personal finances. So there is a trust barrier that needs to be reached in using a service such as yours. #1 your site needs a SSL cert. as in https:// #2 you should have a site security badge displayed fairly prominently. #3 and yes this is asthetics, but nothing says trust like the color blue!

      Beyond that everything looks good. I am going to agree that your are a bit wordy, and bullet points might work well.

      Your headline "We knew there was a better way to handle money" This site is not about YOU. Its is about your users!

      "Want a Better Way to Handle Your Money?"
      Introducing Budget Bright, a Personal Finance Tool.

      You have my attention, and I know what the product / service is. Right then drive it home. give me the quik shot, and THEN you can lay into the text below that.
      • Simple design easy to use
      • Accurate predictive capabilities
      • Unlimited potential
      • Cutting edge design
      • At home or on the go, Budget Bright is with you.
      ( just dropped in the bullet points not overly a direct suggestion of the text to use )
      "it was suggested that it would make a great website for anyone to use" - "This website is all about decreasing stress levels and removing surprises from your future finances" You keep referring to this product / service as a "Website". "TOOL" might be a better term to use.
      Hope that Helps!
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  • Profile picture of the author mithun786
    Wed Design is sweet and Good looking. There are a few things that I want you to think on.
    1. There is no "Contact Us" option, try creating one.
    If you don't consider this option then no one will be able to contact you before signup. An average guy always contacts the support before signing up for anything.
    2. There are no Social media icons.
    Again, how will your customers know how you are doing on social profiles? An ideal website always asks its visitors to subscribe on a social profile. This way you can notify them of any change to your website or even new product launch.
    3. No E-mail newsletter options.
    No e-mail newsletter option ? Seriously ? E-mail marketing is considered as the first step towards success in any online business. Having an email newsletter widget that has something crazy written on it will always help you to get new clients. People get attracted towards beautiful things.
    4. There is no blog section.
    I know this may not sound that important to you but let me just remind of the fact that 90% of all website that depend on internet for their business has a blog section where they share some valuable content to their customers. This makes your customer think that you are legit and professional.

    These were the must have things that you are avoiding right now.
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  • Profile picture of the author nickrap13
    Cool and modern!
    I like the trick with the background and the rolling page!
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    • Profile picture of the author pphillips001
      @w13, Ron Killian, savidge4, mithun786, nickrap13

      Thanks for the feedback. I've already implemented some of your great ideas and intend to add more. I'm currently looking into SSL encryption for the site.

      I really appreciate your time and energy for checking out my site and giving me great advice. I'm humbled at the depth of knowledge on this forum.

      Cheers muchily,


      Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author WebOutGateway
    Originally Posted by pphillips001 View Post

    Hi,

    www.budgetbright.com

    If you could take a couple of minutes to share your opinion on my new site, it would be really appreciated.

    Many thanks,

    Paul

    I view that website as a user. Anyway, i have some insights for you Philips.
    1. The color combination might be too dull. Green, violet, with touches of yellow, etc. is somewhat not harmonizing each other (that's my opinion).
    2. You lack some Social Media buttons. Aside form Facebook, twitter? what else?
    3. Try to use some typography. It looks like you texts is 'monotonous' or boring.
    4. try to make your copy a little bit punchy! Start with a short text then explain it later. people don't like too long copy, they might not read that all.
    5. maybe you can add reviews with your product.

    Hope this help.
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  • Profile picture of the author Web Choice UK
    Pretty good site with minimal distraction. Everything looks professional except for the text you have included in the image. May be you can change the font. Also,the social media icons can be placed side by side instead on one below the other. This actually makes it look crowded.
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  • Profile picture of the author Masondavis
    Looks good, merely you should earnestly consider the reducingthee text content on frontage as nobody has so much time to read.
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  • Profile picture of the author MeAlaister
    Not bad . I like that rolling effect of text. Apply More CSS to site become responsive
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