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gsidhe Inner circle Michigan 1725 Posts |
Ok...My turn to throw my site to the wolves.
It is still under construction, but the framework is in place. It still needs a few more photos (The page after the title page will have a photo center and be telling folks to click the links above). The news page and links are completely unformatted. The videos on the media page will be changing as soon as my new promo vid is finished. Basically- What do y'all think of the general layout, ease of use and text? http://www.knottybitssideshow.com Thanks in advance! Gwyd |
gsidhe Inner circle Michigan 1725 Posts |
Oh...and please do read the FAQ's.
I had a lot of fun there. G |
Scott O. Inner circle Midwest 1143 Posts |
I took a quick look at it. For the type of show you have, the feel of the site seemed very appropriate. As you mentioned, more pictures will improve the feel (assuming the right pics, of course).
Overall, it has a good flow. I was able to find information quickly. The navigation is consistent. Though most sites use a text navigation as well (in case the graphics don't show up). Also, you might look into optimizing the site for search engines. Your title page needs work in that area. In fact, I would eliminate the initial landing page and jump right into the meat of the site. But that's me. My favorite part was the FAQ. I laughed a lot while reading that. Very clever and funny stuff. Nicely done.
Do not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time you will reap a harvest, if you do not give up. Galatians 6:9
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Father Photius Grammar Host El Paso, TX (Formerly Amarillo) 17161 Posts |
FAQs are out of this world! Still laughing. Site easy to navigate, visual, the picts will improve it. Gives the info in clear form. Looks good to me.
"Now here's the man with the 25 cent hands, that two bit magician..."
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Christopher Starr Inner circle Heart of America 1850 Posts |
I suggest using Google instead of YouTube to embed your videos, because at this point in time, Google Video does not redirect your viewer to other "related" videos at the end of the video. Therefore, your visitor is not surfing other acts from your website.
Otherwise, a good, clean look. Will be better once photos are added. Nice job! My 2¢ Chris |
Destiny Inner circle 1429 Posts |
Excellent!
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magicofCurtis Inner circle Los Angeles 2545 Posts |
I would reconsider the font ....
Curtis Lovell II
http://www.CurtisLovell.com http://www.MagicofCurtis.com www.facebook.com/curtislovellii Los Angeles, California - U.S.A. |
Kevin Viner Loyal user San Diego, CA 203 Posts |
Okay . . ..you ready? Lose the landing page. Not a "maybe." As Nike says, "Just do it." But seriously, there is a reason. Most of the Google pagerank just happens to go to our index page, and a doorway page is just pointless and bad marketing. They clicked on your site to enter. They shouldn't have to enter again.
Now your home page, which is one of the most important pieces of real estate on the site: Add more pictures and text. Have the text link to different parts of your site, as well the navigation bar at the top. See http://www.kevinvinermagic.com for an idea of an effective home page. Also, make the links at the top text, not pictures. The Googlebot cannot follow pictures. If you go to my site (mentioned above), you'll notice my navbar looks like rollover images. But check it out. You can still select the text. It was all done using CSS to preserve search engine functionality. Finally, put up a Site Map as well as a form on the contact page. People will contact you more readily if you give them an easy way to send off their contact information.
Warmest regards,
Kevin Viner Corporate Magician in Los Angeles, CA | Magician in San Diego | Magician in Orange County, CA | |
gsidhe Inner circle Michigan 1725 Posts |
The link and header font, or the general text?
And thanks to those who have responded so far!! Looking forward to more! Gwyd |
nucinud Inner circle New York, New York 1298 Posts |
The fonts are fine.
Have a picture on each page to compliment the text.
"We are what we pretend to be" Kurt Vonnegut, jr.
Now U C It Now U Don't Harry Mandel www.mandelmagic.com |
jackturk Elite user 463 Posts |
Given how totally inexpensive websites can be to host, I lean towards creating a separate site for each market I'm targeting. Now I do have a general purpose site that I'm playing with... but all my marketing materials target customers to a specific site that speaks to their specific needs/interests.
In your case, I would definitely create a totally different site for kids shows. IMO, the sideshow offerings and bio might scare off a few Moms ... although perhaps I'm missing out on a potential market segment of parents that go for bullwhip games and razor-blade treats at their 5 year old's birthday... So may want to consider splitting off each of the different shows into their own websites. Nonetheless, if you're doing an all-purpose site like this, I would agree with the earlier comment regarding the landing page. If I've made the effort to find you, I want to see what you're about rather than have to click again. Indeed, when I go back to the Homepage using Firefox all I see is the Menu Bar at the top. I want more... -- Why not a picture of happy clients!? -- How about some testimonials!? -- How about at least a data entry form to collect an email? I would also suggest integrating / embedding media that corresponds with the show package description. Pictures of you amazing your customers as you do bizarre magic would make a great impact... as would some testimonials from your customers from these shows. Ditto for the Sideshow Act, Walkaround, Kids-Family, and Tailor-Made Shows. So rather than have a separate "media" tab, I would personally put it right next to my sales copy describing how my unique and amazing act will generate the response they want... and here's proof! Just click to run the video! I suggest you add in some discussion of the benefits you provide your customers. Your act is certainly a lot edgier than mine... and you don't shy away from that, which is great. Since it seems that you're looking to appeal to folks who are looking for an act that's not the traditional, stereotype magician, why not add some text along the lines of this... "Looking for something different? Tired of seeing rabbits, top hats, and playing cards? Want to create an event that will cause jaws to drop, eyeballs to pop, and brand a memory of amazement, wonder, and awe into the minds of everyone lucky enough to be invited? Then you've come to the right place..." As you cover the features of your act, toss in how they'll impact your customer in a positive and unique way. Finally, I suggest adjusting the line length for your text. It goes all the way across the page, and if I minimize the window, it doesn't adjust and I need to scroll horizontally... which is really not good usability wise. Hopefully you found some of this useful. All my best! --Jack
"59 Ways To Recession Proof Your Entertainment Business -- FREE!"
http://www.GetLeadsLikeCrazy.com "How To Make $25,000 a Year Doing Birthday Parties Part-Time" http://www.magicmarketingcenter.com/birthdayPT |
MJ Marrs Inner circle Los Angeles 1124 Posts |
I love the FAQ!!
I would also go with a separate site for the kiddos. But then again, world famous and hugely successful Silly Billy has his "Doctor Blood" on the same site as his regular shows. I guess the only rule is that there are no rules...When in doubt DWFWD (Do what Frankenstein would do). Best. MJ |
joshlondon17 Special user San Diego, CA 685 Posts |
Where's you free Special Report on How Meeting Planners Can Choose a Good Performer?
Kidding. I am not a huge fan of the scrolling features in the site. Meaning where you click on "Show Info" and are taken to another page with 5 different show options and you have to scroll inside the page. Does that make sense? Here's what I mean: http://www.knottybitssideshow.com/ See how you have the whole page scroll, meanwhile the show descriptions are in a scrolling thing. Also, why do you do so many different shows? I'm saying this is a serious manner and not down talking, but whenever I see magicians offer so many different programs I automatically think, "What are they good at?" Also, I agree with Curtis, lose the font. It looked weird compared with the other font of the site. And why do I ahve to keep clicking to get to what I want? I clicked on "Bios" thinking I'll see some bios, but then all I got was a page with 3 options. With that kind of freedom I lose interest in learning more. Make it simpler and you'll have a better site. And remember websites don't book shows, it's the whole package (website, phone conversations, press kits, videos, etc.) that books the show. jl |
leapinglizards Inner circle 1263 Posts |
Overall, I really rather like it!
Agree 100% about the landing page. You WILL make it harder for search engines to find you if you use a landing page. In some cases, they may not find you at all. Also, agree, your home page needs to be done a certain way to be set up for the search engines. Rule of thumb for your home page and each subsequent page... Decide on 5 or 6 key words that you want people to find YOU if they were to type them in a search engine. Next, write 5- 15 paragraphs of text for your home page. In each paragraph there should be at least one unique sentance that includes one of those key words. So, if you have 10 paragraphs, and 5 key words.... Each paragraph will have at least 5 sentances, and there will be a total of 50 key word appearances on that page page. Lookin' good!
Leaping Lizards!!! Who knew it was possible.
<BR> <BR>www.LeapingLizardsMagic.com |
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