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UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: michael papworth on May 17, 2008, 06:52:17 pm

Title: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: michael papworth on May 17, 2008, 06:52:17 pm
Hi guys,

Here's my first shot at a web site:

www.wally-the-window-washer.co.uk

What do you think?

P.S I know that the video links on the "Technology" page don't work yet.
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: Dale Smith on May 17, 2008, 06:59:21 pm
Wally ...... I like it.... what I really like is the pics of properties so potential customers can get a idea of price..
I also like the way you have priced the conservatories... you have given me ideas now.. ;)
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: supernova77 on May 17, 2008, 07:03:43 pm
Very informative site for your potential customers.

I would shy away from putting prices online though, even if they are approximate... It will give you much more le-way when quoting.

Andy
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: jaykie on May 17, 2008, 07:08:10 pm
Wally it looks good, is that you in pic using the freedom trolley as seen them pics before, can i use some bits on my site like the before and after shots and love the conservatories bit

Chris
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: pjulk on May 17, 2008, 07:13:30 pm
I would get rid of the muppet
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: michael papworth on May 17, 2008, 07:17:33 pm
Wally it looks good, is that you in pic using the freedom trolley as seen them pics before, can i use some bits on my site like the before and after shots and love the conservatories bit

Chris

Those pictures are from the pure freedom web site and are used without their permission.

In fact ALL the pictures are from other people's web sites and used without their permission. Errr ... maybe I shouldn't have admitted that ...

The pictures of houses were all taken from estate agents' web sites. The pictures of conservatories were all taken from a conservatory manufacturer's web site.
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: peter holley on May 17, 2008, 07:18:14 pm
reallly good ....very informative ;)
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: jaykie on May 17, 2008, 07:22:13 pm
ill just nick them off you then, so if i get in trouble ill blame you lol, Im sure if you rang Andrew McCann and asked he would be fine with you using his pics
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: windowwashers on May 17, 2008, 07:23:47 pm
Wally it looks good, is that you in pic using the freedom trolley as seen them pics before, can i use some bits on my site like the before and after shots and love the conservatories bit

Chris

Those pictures are from the pure freedom web site and are used without their permission.

In fact ALL the pictures are from other people's web sites and used without their permission. Errr ... maybe I shouldn't have admitted that ...

The pictures of houses were all taken from estate agents' web sites. The pictures of conservatories were all taken from a conservatory manufacturer's web site.
What a Wally  ;)

Good idea though, site is full of info, and if that was your first go, good on you.
Nice to meet you at Windex by the way ;)

Ian
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: nat on May 17, 2008, 07:28:14 pm
its homemade and it looks like it. but if it works and brings in business then its fine, only time will tell ;)
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: michael papworth on May 17, 2008, 07:30:59 pm
ill just nick them off you then, so if i get in trouble ill blame you lol, Im sure if you rang Andrew McCann and asked he would be fine with you using his pics

I've put them all in a zip file - it's a little under 600 KB. I can email them to you if you like. It takes ages to nick them one by one. It's taken me DAYS!

Anyone else wants them email me on wallywasheswindows@googlemail.com and I'll send the file ASAP.
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: jaykie on May 17, 2008, 07:36:01 pm
you have mail
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: russ_clark on May 17, 2008, 07:37:04 pm
some really nice before and after conservatory roof pics
Especially as they are MINE  :o :o :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: michael papworth on May 17, 2008, 07:39:06 pm
some really nice before and after conservatory roof pics
Especially as they are MINE  :o :o :o :o :o :o

Errr ... not sure what to say ... so better say nowt and keep my head down.
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: russ_clark on May 17, 2008, 07:42:20 pm
I will not post my response on an open forum
suffice to say perhaps you should get some of your own pics and remove
my ones.
Is that fair  ::)
 
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: jaykie on May 17, 2008, 07:51:30 pm
Wally put a new post on requesting peoples before and after pics and im sure plenty will help, also if you search before after on the forum youll find some

Chris
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: jaykie on May 17, 2008, 07:53:36 pm
russ_clark did you take them pics yourself
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: Feen on May 17, 2008, 07:57:39 pm
Looked quite good, but the price per panel on conservatories made me laugh/gasp/be jealous etc etc.
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: jaykie on May 17, 2008, 08:02:13 pm
h ttp://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=38432.0
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: Captain Scarlet on May 17, 2008, 08:06:03 pm
Here you go:

www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=38432.0 (http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=38432.0)

Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: michael papworth on May 17, 2008, 08:06:45 pm
Looked quite good, but the price per panel on conservatories made me laugh/gasp/be jealous etc etc.

That price is for the GOLD service which is cleaning the roof, ridge cappings and finials, clearing and cleaning the gutters and supports. That's why the rate is lower for a smaller lean-to - because there are no cappings and less guttering to clean.

I don't know, though. Maybe the prices are wrong, but that method of calculation seems to give reasonable (to me) prices and is transparent to the customer.

Anyone got a better method of pricing, I'm VERY willing to listen and learn.[
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: steve.ternent on May 17, 2008, 08:50:28 pm
 :) It's good for a first attempt!
I haven't had the guts to even start mine yet  ???

However I have learned quite a bit about it!

Firstly its all about getting on the first page of a search engine  :)

You need the words on your sight title ... that people type in!

If I was looking for a window cleaner in Evesham I would type in...

Window Cleaner in Evesham

... other words you could add ...Commercial, Domestic!

Picture help/add a lot  ("A picture paints a thousand words")
But they must be your own (or have permission to use)

I'm not an expert and I'm sure there are many here who could help you more than me!  ;D  ;)
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: jonah on May 17, 2008, 08:53:05 pm
Are you a muppet ?
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: michael papworth on May 17, 2008, 09:00:46 pm
Are you a muppet ?

No. Why? Are you a wooden character called Brains?

Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: jonah on May 17, 2008, 09:03:05 pm
Are you a muppet ?

No. Why? Are you a wooden character called Brains?


some say I am wooden  :-\
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: michael papworth on May 17, 2008, 09:14:32 pm
My wife and kids think I'm a muppet ... but I know better.
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: Art on May 17, 2008, 09:18:22 pm
Looks good except for the picture of the muppet

There's some wording that i'd change: Occasionally, when soiling is very deep, we need to use chemical cleaning agents. The agents we use are chosen to be environmentally benign, bio-degradable and non-toxic as well as highly effective at cleaning.

I'd replace chemical with other, then you'll sound more appealing to customers who like the eco approach. I'd also replace benign with friendly

Arthur
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: russ_clark on May 17, 2008, 10:16:25 pm
FAO Jaykie

Yes the photos on my site were all done by my company.
The posting you are refering to is a year old
when I respectfully requested the assistance
of some cons roof pics to use on my site.
Some people were kind enough to reply.

There is nothing like asking first is there??
Russ
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: jaykie on May 17, 2008, 10:36:27 pm
I was asking out of curiosity thats why i did it as 2 seperate answers as the link was for wally to find pics others had posted of there jobs
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: michael papworth on May 18, 2008, 04:12:01 pm
Thanks for the help and advice.

I've got rid of the Muppet and replaced the offending before/after photos with some taken (legally, I hope) from the link provided by Rupert.

The video links are now working and there are a few more photos.

It CAN be time-consuming to build a web site. I wonder if the time I've spent on this site today wouldn't have been better spent in leafletting. Still, at least I have a web site for the leaflets to send a customer to.
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: Art on May 18, 2008, 04:30:29 pm
Put a links page on it aswell and exchange links with other peoples sites. It'll help with google rankings  ;)

Arthur
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: steve.ternent on May 18, 2008, 09:56:55 pm
 ;D Wally I loved the video's I watched them all, great!  ;D  ;D  ;D

I know I am new to this forum, but I have to tell you...

I typed in Window Cleaners in Evesham
I typed in Window washers in Evesham
I typed in Wally the window washer in Evesham

I could not find you...I don't know the solution, only the problem!
Only the people who know your web address will find you!

Please don't shoot the messenger! :'(
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: poleman on May 18, 2008, 11:32:41 pm
This is said with the upper most respect!

You name!

Wally The Window Washer, sounds like something from CBeebies  ;D
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: groundhog on May 19, 2008, 12:22:09 am
I agree with wc! Not a bad site though for a first attempt. I don't think you will attract a lot of commercial customers though, especially with that name!!!  ;)
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: michael papworth on May 19, 2008, 12:52:40 am
The site only went live on Saturday, and it can take several days before a site is found by crawlers. I wouldn't expect to find it on a search engine for many weeks yet.

As you know, there's a much better chance of being well ranked when you've got plenty of links. I'll start collecting links via the forum in a day or two. This is something that would benefit ALL of us. If every one of us who has a web site links to everyone else, we'll ALL get the rankings benefit.

(The maths behind this is fascinating - and is known as the handshake problem. I'll bore you with it if we meet up sometime.)

The main point of the site is as somewhere for people to go if they are thinking about getting me to clean their windows or conservatory. I put the web site address on all the leaflets and I'll get it on my business cards and van etc. Three customers pays for a year's hosting, so that's OK. If it gets customers who are searching a bit later, that's good as well.

Yes, I know what you mean about the name. It's a bit childish, but people like it and, importantly, remember it. Michael's Window Cleaning Services might sound more professional, but is instantly forgettable. I've had lots of people tell me that the name made them laugh, and that's a very positive emotion.

If I want to enter the commercial market, I can always operate under another name for that side. It's not a major consideration at this moment. The few shops I do don't care about the name. The main reason I do them is because they keep some of my leaflets on their counters.

Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: Art on May 19, 2008, 01:33:07 am
What's the handshake problem?
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: michael papworth on May 19, 2008, 02:08:26 am
What's the handshake problem?

When two (A and B) people meet, they shake hands with each other 

A_B - and that's one handshake ... and it's important to realise that A shaking hands with B is the same as B shaking hands with A.

When 3 people (A, B and C) meet, they all shake hands

A_B
A_C
B_C

Each shakes hands with two people, and there are three handshakes.

When 4 people meet (A, B, C and D) they all shake hands

A_B
A_C
A_D
B_C
B_D
C_D

there are 6 handshakes

The way I've written it provides the clue to the solution.

When 5 people meet there are 10 handshakes

Can you see the pattern?

Well, it's the same with linking to other people's web sites. If, say, 20 of us all linked to each other's web sites, there would be 190 links -  which would do everyone a bit of good.
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: Art on May 19, 2008, 02:19:51 am
That's very good. It reminds me of algebra. Why not just simplify things and add a links page. Have you been reading up on SEO?
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: david wood on May 19, 2008, 07:31:22 am
the photo of the green brush and yellow pole an inside shot was taken by me ;Dbut you are very welcome to use it or any other photos i have.
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: Jimmy1 on May 19, 2008, 04:34:03 pm
Wally - love the website, also love the name its different and your right it wouldnt be forgotten easily. When you start to put links on let me know as I'll be very happy to exchange links - Jimmy
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: rah on May 19, 2008, 06:46:47 pm
Quote

Those pictures are from the pure freedom web site and are used without their permission.

In fact ALL the pictures are from other people's web sites and used without their permission. Errr ... maybe I shouldn't have admitted that ...

The pictures of houses were all taken from estate agents' web sites. The pictures of conservatories were all taken from a conservatory manufacturer's web site.
Quote

Hi Wally,

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but i wouldn't admit to using other peoples pictures. It's copyright theft and you could be sued for it, May be worth asking Pure Freedom if you can use the pictures and if possible the photographer who took them. I do a bit of photography as a hobby and know that if the sticky stuff hit the fan, Your banged to rights mate.

Rob.
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: steve a on May 19, 2008, 07:47:58 pm
Super site Wally, very informative. and easy to navigate.
Title: Re: Wally the Window Washer's Web Site
Post by: steve.ternent on May 19, 2008, 10:14:48 pm
 :) Your quite right wally, love the maths too.
I think you know more than you let on!  ::)

But I must concur with last message 'Copyright theft" be careful!

...some people have the American style idea... sue first ask question later  :-\