Grafters,
I've recently had an e-commerce guru visit me and he's written up a 20 page document on what I need to do to get a professional website up and running.
This e-commerce guru's visit was free - it's some sort of Welsh government initiative.
Anyway:
GOOD THINGS I LIKE ABOUT YOUR SITE
It's easy to navigate and follows the 'three click rule', as in you can get anywhere in the site within three clicks.
It's simple; there's no 'bells' or gimmicks that detract from your message.
THINGS I DON'T LIKE.
Your grammar, punctuation, and paragraphs (or lack of them) make it a chore to read.
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Also, on the Window Cleaning page, what new legislation is comming out later this year?
The Health and Safety page looks a little scant. It suggest that you don't really know what you're talking about.
I didn't look at the other pages.
The 'guru' told me that websites should be updated regularly and basic stuff like spelling and grammar should be correct, otherwise it'll reflect badly on your company.
What would an educated Facilities Manager think of your site? What impression would he get? At best, in my opinion, he'd think you were a window cleaner who was a cut-above for having a web-site in the first place. But what would the 'at worst' he could think?
Sorry if I sound a bit harsh Grafters. It's honestly constructive critisizm.
You've done all the hard work, it just needs some polish. That's all.
If you e-mail me the text in Word format, I'll help you out with the grammar and stuff; although mine's far from perfect.
On top of that:
Appendix 2 of my e-commerce review covers Do's and Don'ts of good web design.
There's loads to it.
A quick list of the headings covers:
Factors to Consider
Theme and Identity
Consistent look and feel
Navigation
Maintenance
Useful information on your page
Graphics versus text
Graphics Dos and Don'ts
Links
Gimmicks and gongs
Checklist before going live
Within each of the headings is a lot of things to consider.
I'd suggest you Google for some quality window cleaning web-sites and 'borrow' some ideas with reference to layout and content.
I'm debating whether to push the 'post' button!
I hope I've trodden the fine line between being rude and being helpfull!
