Hi all,

Well, here's my site:

www.forwardvisiongroup.net

I'd be grateful for your constructive critique on it - what improvement, etc.

I've tried to go for a different look from the norm, but I'm just concerned whether or not It's lost the feel of professionalism in the process.

Also, I'd be interested to know whether or not the pages each fit on one screen, without the need to scroll. That's what I was aiming for (I think it makes the site a little more user friendly - IMO) and whilst it works on my screen I'd like to know how it looks elsewhere.

Thanks loads,

Jason

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Jae Alexander Linsey - 2SupportU.biz
Administrative Support | Marketing Support | Networking Events

* Ok, on your web design page [at least with my program] your graphics cut off words.

* Tell me WHY I should use your sevices. Tell me WHY .pdf makes files easier to transfer electronically.

* How does the distribution of the personal care products fit on this site? Maybe move that to your "links" page. I did have to scroll to see the links fully, but the pages fit within my browser window.

I struggle with this also. My true recommendation is to purchase and study [not just read] a couple top selling marketing books. You need your page [and all your marketing materials] to tell your potential customer why they will benefit working with you. It's all about THEM, what THEY want, what THEY need.

I like that your site is clean, neat, and streamlined. Don't lose that aspect.

Reconsider things like "Spreadsheets" followed by a long description. What you are doing is converting paperbased information to electronic databases or transferring archaic paperbased storage systems into electronic files suitable for off-site storage. Then say something like "Our paperbased storage tranfer process will save you 'thousands' [or hundreds depending on your particular region] on storage fees."

Just my few cents worth. Hopefully it will get some ideas rolling for you.

Good luck!!

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Robin A. Holstein
Robin's Desktop Virtual Administrative Services
My Blog

Hi Jason,
I love working with fixed height sites - we're creating one for a client now that looks like a little business card - they're quite charming when done right.
I really like the graphics you've offset on the side there - it adds a nice touch - I do feel like you could use more content - tell me more about what you do, how you do it, etc. and how as a potential client I will benefit from all of those great services!

Also, I'm not clear on why you have a splash/loading page - the site is small in scale so shouldn't need any time at all to load to the home page...is that something you can do away with?

I'm on IE7, Firefox, and Opera - in IE7 it's fine, in Firefox it looks fine too as well as in Opera.

Nice concept overall

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Jason,
I like the concept of the site, it is clean and sleek.
I think you could use more content though and the words seem to be falling off the pages.

Kim

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Kim Beckers
Online Business Manager

Hi Jason-

You have achieved your goal of not going with the norm re your website. It looks very well put together. I'm viewing on IE and Firefox.

I agree with Tess about adding more content and Robin about removing the content about the Neway products from your About page.

These are the things I noticed: Your content is cutoff on the right in your Web Design page and your Pound signs are displayed as a question marks. Your top banner link on your Link page is no longer active. You should also remove the scroll bar at the bottom of the Link page.

Hope this helps.

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Creative & Strategic Web Design Services
www.aivirtualsolutions.com

Hi all,

Big thank you for your advice.

Here's the modifications I've made, thus far:

• The text no longer cuts off on the Web Design page
• I've changed the text character pound sign for a small graphic. A bit drastic, I know. But at least it'll show now regardless of what character set is being used.
• I've got rid of the reference to Neways products.

I'm working on a new links page, as the links there have nothing to do with VA, web design or printing services. I'd originally put them on there just to populate the page. They're all affiliate links.

Originally Posted by Tess

Also, I'm not clear on why you have a splash/loading page - the site is small in scale so shouldn't need any time at all to load to the home page...is that something you can do away with?

Tess, the reason for the splash loading page is because all the graphics are one big background file (the blue background, white box, FVG logo & graphics to the right). I did it like that because I got fed up with trying to format tables so that they displayed correctly in all the browsers. But it was a very valid point that you made. Thanks.

I agree with what you say about the lack of content. The problem I have is that because I've opted for a fixed height web site design, I've also ended up with limited text space in the process. It's something I've battled with since I came up with this design.

Anyway, thanks loads for the advice. And please keep it coming, it's really appreciated.

Kindest Regards,

Jason

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Jae Alexander Linsey - 2SupportU.biz
Administrative Support | Marketing Support | Networking Events

Jason,

First of all, hello from a fellow Virtual Assistant in the UK *waves*

I have had a look at your site; and I agree with what everyone else has said; however I noticed that on your links page you have links to Tesco and other UK brands. I feel that those sort of links are too large; and I personally wouldn't feel comfortable in posting links to those sort of sites (unless they are your clients). However, instead of those links you should have links to whatever Networking Associations you are associated with (i.e. your local chamber of commerce, etc) as well as Virtual Assistant networks (you can also get a lovely link to this very site by clicking here - http://www.virtualassistantforums.co...ile.php?do=dst . If you also have external networking links (i.e. Facebook, LinkedIn, FreeIndex); they also go in here.

I hope that helps. If you have any queries then please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Julia Neal ...because we ♥ admin!
http://julianeal.wordpress.com

Hi Lia,

Thanks for your advice. I've put into play your suggestions regarding the links page. I've included 1 ad, which is an affiliate link and appropriate to the content of the site. I think the new links page looks more professional now.

Thanks,

Jason

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Jae Alexander Linsey - 2SupportU.biz
Administrative Support | Marketing Support | Networking Events

Okay, I have to be honest here - you list website design in your title and honestly, no savvy web designer today would use frames, a loading screen or one giant image on their site. You should look into more CSS skills so you can get a handle on fluid layouts. With the right Divs and positioning, you could do wonders. Try http://www.csszengarden.com/ to get started. Images can be optimized for easy loading as jpgs or pngs and 86% of pc users now have resolution of at least 1024x786. A good designer can create CSS files specifically for browser resolutions. Also, your use of dynamic pages will not help your SEO. Google hasn't indexed your site yet.

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Cheryl Allin - VirtuAllin Administrative Services
Twitter - @VirtuAllin

Hi Cheryl,

Thanks for the critique. I must admit, I have tried to cut corners to get the site up quickly. I am working on another version, as I when I get time between other clients' work. although the layout is going to stay the same as I like it. Thanks anyway.

Jason

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Jae Alexander Linsey - 2SupportU.biz
Administrative Support | Marketing Support | Networking Events