New website - needs review please - Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008

Before I submit this to search engines, I could use some proofreading, editing, and suggestions. I did this website myself but I'm not a web designer by any means. Thanks!!

www.pacificbusinessolutions.net

Brian G.

April · #2 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008

I love that picture! Makes me wish I could go on vacation!

I have a few suggestions:

On your philosophy page, you've got an error up at the top...<meta name" is showing up. And I would suggest changing the alignment on that page as well. With the top two paragraphs being centered, what about centering the rest of it? Or left-align those first two lines and put them in bold or colored font instead to highlight them.

On the Services page, I'd suggest moving the margin in a little bit so you're not left with so much white space.

Have you set up your email accounts through your webhost, like Brian@pacificbusinesssolutions or info@pacificbusinesssolutions?

Also, after typing that part out, I just realized, your URL is missing an S. If a client goes to type in "Pacific Business Solutions dot net", they won't find you.

Modern Marketing Support · #3 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008

I love that picture too!

I have 2 comments. The first concerns the title tags. They should not be the same on every page. They should be unique to the page they are on. Check out the SEO section of the forum for some great threads on title tags etc.

I'm also wondering why each link opens up into a new window. I think from a usability standpoint, it's best they not open into new windows.

I also don't see any meta descriptions in the coding. You should put them in and make them unique to each page as well. (just my opinion)

Hope that helps

Good luck with launching your new site Brian. I hope you get tons of new clients!

Shauna · #4 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008

May I make a few suggestions:

On your services and rates page, your sentence that starts with "As our client..." may I suggest you change "weekly progress reports for longer term projects" be changed to either:

"weekly progress reports for long term projects" or
"weekly progress reports for longer projects"

I agree with the above posts that you may want to consider having each page open in the same browser. Also, you may want to consider professional web hosting with a domain name that you can use for your email. Such as info at pacific business solutions dot com.

On your About Us page, try condensing your first couple of sentences for a more even flow:
Pacific Business Solutions is located in the Tacoma area of Washington State. It is run by founder Brian Galloway, who has over 13 years of experience in land use planning for city, county, and tribal governments.

And may I just say, WOW to your heritage. Very impressive.

JKVirtualOffice · #5 (**permalink**) 07-04-2008

Good job on the website. I like the nice, clean layout. I agree with the others about not having each of the links open into a new page. However, I did notice the ONABEN logo at the bottom of the page is the one link that actually opens in the same browser. This is the one link that should open into a new window as you don't want to intentionally move the user away from your site.

On your services page, I would consider fleshing out some of your services like what is included in your Internet Research (i.e. product research, business contacts, competitors) or Legal Research (i.e. looking up cases, legal memos, etc.)

As a side note, send me a PM for some other Native Business sites if you're interested.

#6 (**permalink**) 07-04-2008

Wow, thank you all for the comments! I really appreciate it. I knew the website needed some work but I wasn't sure what to do next. This is great!

Regarding the photo, it's meant to symbolize the freedom I'm offering small business owners, and the birds are the owners coming to me for relief and rest from the 'hot sun' of their mundane tasks. I'm glad it made an impression!

Lia-VSS · #7 (**permalink**) 07-04-2008

I agree with the photo and everyone else's suggestions!

I also suggest that you make the font into Arial or Verdana - it's much easier to read than TNR.

With regards to the page opening on a new page, the HTML coding is wrong (obviously!) - i recommend getting rid of the "target" bit as target_blank opens in a new window - if you get rid of that then it stays in the same page!

Services/Rates are out of alignment - this should be amended.

Contact Us page - no link to "Contact Us"?

You still have a bit of work to do, but keep in mind that your company website is always an ongoing project, so if you have any questions then please do not hesitate to contact us!

Agnes · #8 (**permalink**) 07-05-2008

Hi Brian-

Congrats on your new website! Working on your website is a great way to develop your design skills

.

Below are my comments:

About: I would have preferred that you had your photo in your About page and not as a link on a new page. You didn't mention which disciplines you have your degrees in and you could elaborate more on your experience and tie them in more with the services your offer.

Testimonials: Its difficult having testimonials when you are just starting out, could you get references/testimonials from people that you've worked with or previous companies? It helps in building a connection with potential clients.

Contact: Have you considered having a contact form? I feel it helps with quickly getting concise information from potential clients about their needs.

Hope these suggestions help as well.

kathyh · #9 (**permalink**) 07-05-2008

I'm sorry to disagree, but I find the site a bit boring. The picture is very nice, however, the site could use maybe a nice background, or something to make it jump out, from a design standpoint. Just a white site with little or no images really make me fall asleep!

Honeybizzle · #10 (**permalink**) 07-08-2008

sorry posted in wrong thread.
Teresa