I've had my website up for about a year now, but wasn't quite happy with it (I did it myself). It just seemed too "professional, business-like" for my tastes.

Not being a very creative thinker at times, and wanting something more "fun, fun, fun", I had someone else do a new website for me, and I would like your input on my new one.


Thanks.

Brian

Definately more fun and I would be inclined to book because of that. A lot more pictures too.

I would add testimonials/quotes .

Much improvment over the first one. The new one shows that you are a children's entertainer more. A few sugestions though. I like your click buttons, but since they are quote balloons and don't look like click buttons I would put "click here" or something to that effect over them to draw attention to the fact.
If you have been advertising the old site for a year I would put the new site in that location or have that site jump to this new site and start advertising the new site. No point in wasting a years advertising.

Gentlemen,

Thank you for your suggestions.

I am in the process of gettings an extra page of quotes and pictures added.

As far as redirection, I'd never thought of that, and it's a great idea. In fact, I just went and did exactly that. It was only afterwards that I realized that if I kept it enabled that no one here would be able to see the original site!

So I'll keep it the way it is for a few days, and then enable the redirection.

Any other ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

Brian

I would add a few more pictures as well. Your "tips" section is a nice touch. Well done!.

Regards, Steve

The second site is a grand improvement, Brian. Well done and I hope it brings tons of business your way!

Skip

Hi Brian -

I think the feel of the new site is good. Others have touched on the issues of photos and testimonials.

I have a big suggestion that hasn't been touched on yet, Brian.

Your site needs focus.

You are advertising too many types of shows (list on the home page), and it is not clear from the show descriptions whether you are talking about birthday shows, or other shows.

The show descriptions page does have "Birthday Magic Show" artwork at the top, so I assume the descriptions are for birthday shows? But maybe not?

Your tips seem to relate to birthday shows, so that makes a person think the show descriptions (perhaps) are about birthday shows, too. It also makes them forget that you offer other types of shows. Perhaps they went there looking for event planning tips, not birthday tips.

You could create a dedicated site, or at least an individual webpage, for each type of customer you serve. That might add clarity.

For example, create two pages -- birthday party show descriptions and birthday party show tips. Label them appropriately so people understand.

Or, create a link to a single page for birthdays on the home page (offer other individual pages for festivals, restaurants, daycares, corporate events, family reunions, libraries, picnics). On the birthdays page, have the (appropriate) show descriptions there, but also a link to lower on the same page, offering birthday party tips.

Basically, you've got the right elements, they just aren't organized in the right way. Organizing them in a certain way will help create focus, and make you seem like more of a specialist. (Several Café members talked about "specialists" recently on a thread about getting b'day shows from school shows, and vice versa.)

- Donald

P.S. Here's a link to a thread that might help you understand: Website Layout

Thanks for the suggestions Donald.

Regarding the site as a whole, it is intended to target the birthday party market, with the listing of other shows letting people know that other shows are indeed available.

There is still much work to be done (over time). For example, nothing is mentioned there about strolling magic at festivals, fairs, picnics, etc. (with balloons as well). That will eventually need to be added.

As you know finding a focus is not always easy. Oftentimes, one is labeled under the general term "Children's Magician" or "Children's Entertainer". That covers a lot of bases.

I'm currently just finishing up a two month business course (one week left), where everything is leading up to writing a Business Plan. The whole idea is to focus, focus, focus. But how does one focus on a target market to the exclusion of the rest? I didn't want to be simply known as a restaurant magician, or a daycare magician, or a birthday party magician, etc., although the birthday market would be my primary intended audience (for now).

Thus, the following is currently from my business plan:

3.1. Description of Target Market

While Lehr Entertainment will work with all event planners as they plan magical activities for their events, the primary target audience will be women who are planning birthday parties for their children. These women will be middle to high income earners within a two hour geographic radius of Edmonton, Alberta. The birthday mom wants a great party for her child, she wants great memories for her child, and she wants a party that is as stress-free as possible.

Thus, at every event I perform at, I'm always promoting myself by making brochures and business cards available to the guests. I get a large number of birthday parties, along with other shows, booked as a result of this extra promotion.

Getting back to the website, the tips and hints page is a page used to get people who have not yet visited my site to do so. Taking a great idea of TDL, the back of my new business cards say: Free Report Reveals... "The 7 Secrets to Creating the Perfect Birthday Party!" Go to http://www.brianlehr.ca/freereport.html

I eventually want the site to have separate pages for the different markets that are listed on the main page. But, you are correct, the birthday party market is currently the main focus.

Brian

Night and day difference, Brian. I much prefer the new one. It definitely better portrays the fun you are trying to inspire through using you as a party magician.

I agree with Donald's comments about focus, though. One other simple item I might suggest is to change your "Hints and Tips" button to something clearer like "Birthday Tips" or "Party Planning Tips." Otherwise, it's not entirely clear what the "Hint & Tips" section is for. My first thought was that it would be about hiring a magician, and how to get ready for your show.

Good point. Thank you GW.

What are your thoughts (along with others who are reading this thread) about putting up a calendar showing when and where I'm booked?

Brian

Now there's a man who understands the difference between a calling card and a business card. By jove, he's got it!

- Donald

P.S. If you intend to keep this site specific to birthdays, something you could always do, is state somewhere on the page... "This site offers information about Brian's birthday shows. For full information on Brian's other shows for daycares, libraries, festivals, picnics, family reunions, corporate events, and restaurants, call him at (780) xxx-xxxx."

I like the second site too. As for focus, I think too many magicians try to be all things to all people and have half a dozen sites.

Something I have found that works well is having a quick opening page that sums up my shows, with a link to a page called Our Shows. On that page is a link to each of the types of shows I do.

My main intro page has enough information I am often booked from it alone, but more detailed information is there for the client.

Just my 2 cents

Great idea. I'll pass it onto my web designer.

Brian