Media Lab Forums

[gumboeater]

I need a few brave souls to give me some feedback on my SG site. I'm looking for feedback (gulp) that would enhance the site visually and enhance my look as designer. Any tips for the layout, portfolio, links, site content (personal or business) etc. would be greatly appreciated.

The idea is to grow my design business and hard honest feedback is needed.

Thanks in advance,

lawrence mckendell

www.mckendelldesign.com

[Don]

In short, you have designed your web site to display your talents as a designer. Unfortunately, you forgot about your customer. Why are people searching the net. They have a problem or to coin the phrase" a pain". They want information, not entertainment or to be wowed by your artistic ability. Your site is difficult to read and your lead page tells little....I'm gone. You have a talent for design, but may I suggest, focus first on the needs of those who visit your site first. You have about 10 seconds to help them solve their problem or they move on. I wish my artistic abilities were as good as yours but from a marketing perspective I think you need to take another look. Sorry if I sound condescending but you asked.

[gumboeater]

thank's for the feedback --blunt comments are encouraged--You mentioned that it was difficult to read-- how so?

So let me ask you...if you were seeking a graphic designer to hire -- what would you want the site to say to you as a potential client?


regards

[Don]

You have a web site and that web site is there to achieve what purpose? To show off your talent... or to send the visitor a message that you are the best company or person to solve the problem that brought them there in the first place. Searches on the net are of curiosity or a need. If they are they because of need, they need to know that you have recognized that need and there to offer a solution. Like I said, you have only a few seconds to get their attention. You have heard the term "KISS" before I'm sure. If you were to surf the net looking to solve a need of a web designer, do you think your site from the home page forward addresses or identifies a need or pain. It's like looking at a beautiful women and then asking can she cook. Your site might be beautiful but I still don't know if you can cook.

Don

[Don]

It's 11 bells and I'm off to bed shortly Sorry for some of the bad spelling and grammar but it' been a long day. You did ask about the visuals. The site graphics are small and my screen is set to 1680x1050 and makes the info hard to see on your site. You need to consider all browsers and settings when building a site. Let me close by saying that in marketing, more specifically web marketing you need to convey your USP. USP stands for unique selling proposition. You are selling a service. What makes you better or different than the others they run across? Address the issues of your customer, become the expert in their eyes and you will succeed. Put the bells and whistles in the closet and give them a reason for them to deal with you!!

Don

[gumboeater]

thanks don--point(s) taken