|
|
trickychaz Special user West Virginia 549 Posts |
Hello Café Members,
I am in the middle of branding myself as West Virginia's leading corporate entertainer, and I have paid a webdesigner to redesign my site. She gave me 4 Options to choose from. I am looking for your opinion on which website appeals to you and why? http://universalwebstudio.com/demos/magic/v1/ http://universalwebstudio.com/demos/magic/v2/ http://universalwebstudio.com/demos/magic/v4/ Option 4 is just out of the question. Thanks Charles |
Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
The colors of number 1 seem to fit more like a corporate entertainer to me. But the color beneath the text is light gray and the text is white. If the color beneath the text was darker, it would be easier to read for someone with weak eyesight. A different way to solve the problem is to use bolder fonts.
Number 4 is out for me. One reason is because it has a "splash" page. I learned a "splash page" is bad for SEO. I like how all the colors match your shirt. But I think you should be wearing a tie on your website to be targeted as a corporate entertainer. The outfit you are wearing on your avatar seems to fit well as a corporate entertainer. I guess a photo page will not be necessary because you already have different images showing. But a video page to me would be important for a corporate. Because they want to be convinced before they contract with someone for a lot of money. If you do trade shows, it would be to list that under one of the tabs. If the present text are just for testing, I can understand. But if you plan to keep the same text it does not seem right repeating the same lines. |
Jim Snack Inner circle 1338 Posts |
I agree with Dynamike. I like the look of the first one, but would go with black text on a lighter background. I also feel that you need to be wearing a jacket and/or a tie if your target market is corporate work. The open collar is too casual. And video, of course.
Jim |
MikeClay Special user Atlanta GA 761 Posts |
V1 or V2... both have a great image for online..
and yeah a Tie.. I added a tie and became a balloon charecture artist for corporate events and was able to add 0's to my paycheck.. a few things to make sure the designer must do build in CSS (especialy the menu) and if you can get it put into a wordpress template.. and don't trust these people with as they call it "Basic SEO" because they don't even do the basics for their website, and out of the 8 sites I viewed in the portfolio.. none of them have the "Basics" done either which is why I suggest getting it put into wordpress because that will give you the ability to control the seo yourself but I like Blue and like V2 the best..
its ok.. balloon dogs don't bite
|
Scott Burton Inner circle 1131 Posts |
V1 and get a tie.
Sorry, nothing new to add |
Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-09-12 08:50, Scott Burton wrote: Ditto |
ScottRSullivan Special user 874 Posts |
I agree with the opinion that version 1 is the strongest.
That said, change the text to a darker color font and the background behind the text to a white. The reason being is that the white will draw the eye as it adds a lot of weight. It has been proven that sites with dark backgrounds behind text tend to confuse the viewer while white blocks behind the text pull the eye to the copy. And speaking of fonts, I have a personal dislike of any serif font on a web page. Serifs are great for print, but I like sans-serif fonts for web design. Also, don't be afraid of adding white space to help frame the content and direct the eye. I've taken the liberty of uploading a sample of what I'm talking about and changing the copy a bit to be more benefit and emotional: And here is the 'Golden Spiral' superimposed over the design to show the strength in directing the eye. This is the natural direction the eye travels, starting with the 'heaviest' part (the picture of you) then the headline, then down and around to the copy. |
MikeClay Special user Atlanta GA 761 Posts |
Scott WELL DONE!!!
its ok.. balloon dogs don't bite
|
jackturk Elite user 463 Posts |
I too like Scott's visual suggestions a lot.
My own copy preference would be to provide the prospect with a more benefit oriented headline. Some disagree with the "direct response marketing" approach. So that goes. Nevertheless, as a suggestion, consider a main headline such as: "Attention Corporate Event Planners.... Discover the Amazingly Affordable Secret to Making Your Next Event Easy, Fun, and Incredibly Successful!" I would also consider a subhead that promotes another benefit, perhaps a limited time offer, maybe a seasonal special (it's always one kind of season or another), or possibly even a great testimonial -- using testimonials as headlines, particularly when their content supports the accompanying text. It is a very powerful technique to use. And I totally agree with dark text / light background and sans serif fonts -- make this really easy to view and use. --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 |
trickychaz Special user West Virginia 549 Posts |
Thanks for your compliments guys! at the moment I do not have a photo of me with a tie...I have no images from past shows...they were destroyed when I broke my thumb drive. Scott thanks for going into such great detail, and the way you write the text sounds very good! We can talk if you would like...One thing I have to work on this week for the designer is the webcontent.
I agree 100% that my attire could be improved, but at the moment I am trying to work with what I have. I don't have thousands to spend, but a tie deffinately shouldn't be a problem..lol Thanks for your help, Charles Watson |
trickychaz Special user West Virginia 549 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-09-13 14:53, jackturk wrote: Jack, Thank You for chiming in! You think the sales approach would be beneficial? I have studied a little bit of both, but I like a gentle sales approach throughtout..... kinda sneak it in somehow! I don't have much funds to work with, but realize that I am running short of time for the "holiday season" Feel free to offer up suggestions thanks Charles |
Gerry Hennessey Special user 852 Posts |
Charles
I applaud your marketing efforts. However, to echo the comments of many posters, attire matters. I would not invest in website promotions without the appropriate headshots. Many magicians target the corporate market due to the possibility of higher fees, however to earn that income, look like you belong in that market. A casual image sends the wrong message and fee level. As my mentor Jim Rohn would say "in business dress casually and people will treat you casually". Hope this helps and good luck to you. Gerry
"Every discipline effects every other discipline. You can't straighten out the corporation if your closet is a mess" Jim Rohn
|
trickychaz Special user West Virginia 549 Posts |
Gerry,
I couldn't agree with yourself or anyone else on this issue. Thanks for addressing, and I will deffinately put effort into that as well as the marketing. The goal for a better head shot has been put on my list for next week. The action shots are the only ones I own that show good reactions to what I am doing. I probally will not have the extra time to get more action shots before the holiday season. I wore a tie to that event with a vest, and the event planner made me take off the vest, tie and unbutton my shirt. He wanted me to blend in with the crowd. Its really hard to know what any client is looking for when hiring an entertainer. Some may want casual others may want polished...with this in mind do you think the action shots are ok to leave on the site? Also remember that I marketing myself in West Virginia. There isn't' as much competition if any in the market. To sum it up....couldn't agree more with you and the other posters. Thanks for chiming in Charles Watson |
trickychaz Special user West Virginia 549 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-09-12 01:34, Dynamike wrote: I think the sites she gave me were just for the soul purpose of showing me the design concept. With that in mind...I need to work on the content of the webpage and send it to her by monday or tuesday. If you have any advice on the content just let me know Thanks Charles |
trickychaz Special user West Virginia 549 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-09-12 08:50, Scott Burton wrote: lol..ok I am going to get a tie! |
magicalaurie Inner circle Ontario, Canada 2962 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-09-12 01:02, trickychaz wrote: I'm no expert, but on sheer visual appeal, I'd go with the last one. ie. v4. That one JUMPED at me- much stronger than the other two, more leader than follower in my opinion, for what it's worth. Ultimately your call. Good luck. |
trickychaz Special user West Virginia 549 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-09-12 08:12, MikeClay wrote: I too like blue, and that one appeals to me the most as well! |
MikeClay Special user Atlanta GA 761 Posts |
The only real way to know which way your audience is going to react to is to split test the site..
do your copy the way it is.. and then run the test with Jack's ideas (I like Jacks Ideas on this and would love to see the analytics of how it works) As far as a tie goes use the pic that you chopped up for your avatar.. reverse it and plug it in.. it doesn't look at magical but it raises the image.. (also something else to test) ok enough from me LOL so I don't get on a soap box for split testing since I spent half of last week setting up some tests.. by getting them to make it with CSS and as a wordpress template though you have the ability to grow and adapt.. and it will be SEO friendly
its ok.. balloon dogs don't bite
|
trickychaz Special user West Virginia 549 Posts |
Wow...thanks mike. Just one other thing to put on the list...lol As for the tie...I am going to shoot the photos myself...as I did with the one on my avatar...I can get it retouched cheaply..
Here is a good tip if you have never heard of it....photo retouching starting at $1.49-$15.00 The photo that is currently on the site was retouched by them...they did a good job! http://www.fixmyphotos.com |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Tricky business » » Suggestions? (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.04 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |