Hello everyone,

I am trying to build my website (using the free wordpress blog for the time being). I am very familiar with using wordpress and will soon have a hosted site so to get away from the wordpress.com free domain, but was trying to save as much cost as possible until I get a handle on the site.

It is very plain, and I like plain, but is it too plain? Please be honest. And, yes, a number of the pages are blank as they are still in the works.

www.rosebudvirtualservices.wordpress.com

Thank you,
Dina

Very nice. Reminds me of the old west....
Good Job

I think it's too plain. It has a nice, neat appearance & I don't dislike the color. But I think it needs some spiffying up.

I'm not a designer, but if you like the old west concept mentioned above, you could create a graphic that has a 'branded' appearance - maybe a rosebud? It would add some pizazz, but not necessarily color. However, if you want to avoid a graphic, then you need to punch it up with some color & maybe a different font.

I like the calendar on the front page.

Good luck!

Lezly

I like the old west feel as the town I live in "Rosebud" has an old town feel. Actually it is an old railroad town. So I want to keep that. I, too think it may be too plain, but do not want to add much color. I love the brand idea. I will definitely have to look into that.

Thanks,
Dina

In the movie Citizen Kane there were constant references to Rosebud...at the end of the movie you learned it was a beloved sled! Maybe that would work as a logo...and fit your color scheme. Just a sled with the word Rosebud.

Keep us posted!

Carol
CJ's Virtual Business Solutions
www.cjvbs.com

I love the look that you have going on, Dina! I'm a big fan of old-looking, vintage, distressed, or grungy sites, so I love yours! I don't think it is too plain at all and it is very easy to navigate, too.

The only things I can think of is a navigation bar up top instead of on the right, but don't know if you can do that with your template. Or somehow make your navigation area on the right stand out a bit more? And maybe pillow emboss (so it "sinks into" the background a bit - like it was carved in, I guess is what I'm trying to say ) your business name in the header area?

I like it as-is, too, though.

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Jules, SunRise Virtual Solutions - WordPress Customization & XHTML/CSS Web Sites

It may look plain but you can try to change the header a little to spice it up a bit. Maybe make the title a different font and add an image of something or something decorative in the header area.

I'm in the same place as you are. At least you have some text on your pages. I have people asking me for my website but I am not ready to show it to them yet.

It sounds like most people on this forum are always working on their website - experienced and newbies.

Keep it up!

Mimi

Hi Dina,

I think the site is lovely but just a little bit plain. I could see a picture of a rosebud working really well in the left hand corner - in black, not colour. I'm no designer but that's what I would do!

Sharon

I like the idea of adding a rosebud, too. Understated, but elegant.

The other suggestion I would make is, if you refer to a page on your site, link it right there instead of making someone look for the link.

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Jodith Allen
Administrative Arts

I agree with the comments made by other members, for the most part.

I think the colors are very pretty. but if you want to stay within that theme, then I would suggest you used the Rosebud or some other graphic to enhance it.

Most of my suggestions come in the way of content, however.


Why should I use Rosebud Virtual Services?

My response to this question would be: "I don't know. Why should YOU?"

Perhaps you might get the response you are looking for if you turned it around a bit? Suggestion: Rosebud Virtual Services - Why us?


Rosebud Virtual Services is capable of saving your business tons of money by working from a remote location, while performing most of the tasks that an office assistant does.


I would suggest that you stay clear of coloquialisms such as 'tons of money', but rather suggest you say something along the lines of 'incredible savings to your bottom line' .

Most of the tasks? I would just not include 'most'. Just state that RVS performs "as YOUR as your personal office assistant", perhaps


How does that save my business money?

Wish to save money? - Let us show you how!

Virtual Assistants do not need to be provided with:

Instead of saying what you do not need, state what you do have.
Same list, just more positive - It is not usually a good idea to emphasize what is NOT required and feels much better to say what the benefits are.


Office Space
Updated Computers
Upgraded Software
Vacation Pay
Sick Leave
401K
Health Benefits
Retirement Plan
Life Insurance

Can you see the savings???

How about "Experience the savings yourself?"

"Seeing" is good, however 'feeling and knowing' might be a bit more punchy?

Need more proof? Visit our cost analysis page.


I hope you don't mind my comments. I'm new to this forum and am still unsure as to how to participate. If I have overstepped myself, please do not be offended but know that this is a sincere effort to help you create a positive experience for yourself and your potential clients.

Good luck!

I like the colors!

I would make a couple changes:

1. See if you can find a template (or add it into the code, if it's avaiilable through wordpress.org) where you can add the pages underneath the header, horizontally. Easier to find & navigate.

2. In that space opened up on right by above, add in a newsletter opt-in, so you can keep in touch with website visitors if they so choose. Be sure to add in a free report or something to entice signups.

~Erin

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~Erin Banister
TheMarketingVA | TrinityJacobs

Thank you to everyone! I am so excited that you took the time to help me out. What a great bunch you are!

Dina

I feel that you have had some good advsie from others. To me, it does seem a bit plain but on the other hand I like it. I couldn't find any contact details anywhere.

I personally am not keen on subdomains as they seem too long to type, if I were you I would register rosebudvirtualservices.com (this will also prevent somone buying it and trying to sell it to you).

I already have the domain, so it is just a matter of paying for the hosting.

I have added my contact page and my cost analysis page. I will have more options for editing as well, when I get the site hosted.

Dina

OK, I have added a rosebud. I think it looks kind of like an old west "brand". What do you think?

Thank you in advance for your feedback.

Dina