Grade my Site

[DetailSD]

Hey guys

I recently put up a new site and i'm looking for some feedback on it. What do you think? I wasn't sure exactly what to include on it and it's not quite finished but if you have a minute, take a look and tell me what you think of it. I'd really appreciate it!.

www DetailSD .com

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Grade my Site

Hey Chris,

Welcome to MOL.

I changed your post so that it fits within our rules. We have a site-wide rule that asks new users to reach 30 substantial posts before posting hyperlinks.

Thanks in advance for your understanding!

Mark

[speed3blackmica]

Re: Grade my Site

that is a really awesome site !

[MattASU1]

Re: Grade my Site

I think it looks good, it has a nice professional look.

Since you asked for input, I have a couple suggestions. If you have any good 50/50 shots of detailing, include them. I think its really amazing to see some of the 50/50 shots that show up on this site and it might persuade some customers if they can see the changes. While pics of detailed cars look good, the results of a 50/50 might just persuade some new customers to contact you.

Also, you might want to explain what the claying process is. As noted in a post from within the last couple days, not all customers know what claying is, what it does, or the benefits.

Lastly, some of the stock pictures seem a little odd, such as the pages "About", "Further Reading", "Services", etc. I am guessing they are generic photos used for website construction, but some more personal ones could be cooler. I really like your logo on the first page (but I am originally from SD so I like seeing the "SD" logo everywhere).

Hopefully you will takes these comments just as my opinion. I know it is hard setting up your own business and market so I wish you the best of luck. Overall, I think you are off to a great start.

[DetailSD]

Re: Grade my Site

Hey Mark - Thanks for editing that! I apologize, I should have read the rules before posting.

And Matt, thanks for the input! When you say 50/50, do you mean before and after shots? And I agree, I definitely need more content explaining some of the processes and how they benefit the clients. Also, I definitely need to get rid of the stock photos! They don't fit, I just haven't had time to replace them.

Thanks for all the responses! Seems like a great community on here, I really appreciate the help.

-Chris

[TimG]

Re: Grade my Site

Very nice indeed. Looks great.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Grade my Site

No problem Chris, my pleasure.

By the way, nice looking site. Did you make it yourself? What did you use?

[ColonelCash]

Re: Grade my Site

I like the site, but since you asked for a critique...

1. Long load time. I'm on a DSL modem and it took over a minute to load the website. Someone who has dial up will be frustrated in a 3-4 minute load time. Subsequent load was shorter, but you are the first impression happens on the initial load, not the second.

2. In your photos, it would be wise to block out the license plate numbers on the cars.

3. I see some black fonts that are overlaying some white / grey text. You might want to investigate what these are. Some on the home page where it says "DetailSD is back" Something also in the "A Brief History" section, the first line.

4. On your photo page, the page commands (forward, page #, and back) are floating in the middle of the second row of photos. You have to be UBER PRECISE to move to another page; if there was one.

5. When creating roll over buttons, make sure that when the item is highlighted, the font turns dark so the user can still see the label.

6. On your About Me page. post a photo of YOU (and your car or something). Personalize this page, it is essentially your introduction to a new client.

7. On the home page, where you have the quote about the clay...it would be nice to have 3 or 4 quotes and have them rotate every few seconds.

8. On the home page, the second pink arrow is an action button that is clickable, but no action happens. Might want to remove the link from this and have it as a graphic only.

9. On the birdseed (bottom of page) it has "All Rights Reserved", phone # and then your email address. Make that email address a clickable link so it opens up an email client. That little bit of work helps people send an e-mail and they have less reservations about it being an incorrect address.

10. On your contact form, enable tab order so you can type your name, hit tab to move to next field.

I'm no expert by any means, but I do work in IT and see things most others would overlook.

Good luck with the site!

[Daniel Kinder]

Re: Grade my Site

Nice site, very professional

[roushstage2]

Re: Grade my Site

I like the site! It has great potential, especially with some of the above suggestions. Mine suggestion is rewording some of the sentences to make them "flow" better, therefore making it a bit easier to read. Yes, I am Mr. Grammar, lol. Good site though!

[MDetail]

Re: Grade my Site

I like the site, but 90% of the main pictures on different pages have nothing to do with detailing, so I guess it kind of throws the mood off. Other than that, I think it's good.

[MattASU1]

Re: Grade my Site

And Matt, thanks for the input! When you say 50/50, do you mean before and after shots? And I agree, I definitely need more content explaining some of the processes and how they benefit the clients. Also, I definitely need to get rid of the stock photos! They don't fit, I just haven't had time to replace them.

By 50/50 I meant a picture that shows a correct section right next to an uncorrected section (lots of people use masking tape to separate the sections). Scroll down to some of the pics in this recent post...

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39974

They 50/50 really helps show what a nice paint correction can do for swirls, scratches, etc. Lots of people who post on here show 50/50s so you can easily see the fruits of your labor. Best of luck.