I hope this finds all of you well and for those that had a holiday this week - I hope you had a great time!

I'd like to request a review. I am FINALLY about to launch and would welcome your very honest and brutal feedback.

My site is at www.iaaa-va.com.

Thank you!
Pam Blackman
It's All About Assistance, LLC

Hi Pam,

I think the forum is quiet due to the holidays. You will hopefully have some feedback after the New Year and the Holidays are over.

I am not a website expert by no means; but, here are some things I noticed. Your site seemed very busy to me, you might like that..but I wasnt sure which way to go. Your font seems rather small. One other thing - your site says it's on Mountain Time but displays the same time as me, which is Central??

Ok, like I said I'm not an expert and didnt continue through your site because of the font being so small, it was really hard for me to read. I'm not sure if it was a mix of colors or what. I always said after reading the reply's to website review request's I would never post one here lol. But, soon realized it was with very good intentions to help others have the best website possible!

The forum will be busy again soon, and other members will provide you with great feedback

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Kena~
Everyone smiles in the same language

Hi Pam,

I agree with Kena, the font is small and the home page seems very busy. I do like the colors and your About me page.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

I'm not an expert either but here is my feedback:

I like the free 2 hour offer - good call to action on the first page.

Colours are good.

I'd change

Quote:

In Fact a VA May Be a Deductible Expense

to read "A VA IS a deductible expense" - it is a valid business expense.

I'm really not sure that a definition of a VA is necessary on a web site: do lawyers, accountants or plumbers put a definition of their profession on their sites? If someone has come to your web site through a search engine, they probably know what a VA is.

Biblical quotes and picture of bible - unless your niche is to serve pastors, priests, etc., that could be a turn-off for some - clients don't need to know what your religious beliefs are. I'm not a religious person and for me it would be a turn off.

Your link to the September 11 site goes to the Red Cross site. The Katrina relief link goes to a Homestead site that says that they've reached their fund raising goal and that their effort is concluded. These links are redundant and both events are history.

Some of the photos used are "typical", I used at least one of them myself in early days. I'd recommend purchasing some royalty free stock photos (bigstockphoto.com and sxc.hu come to mind). Purchase photos that have had relatively few downloads and you won't be as likely to see them on another VA site.

Text is pretty small and lots on the page - especially on services - I'd break that down to have a page per service offering.

There is a problem with the time zone calculator on your site. It says it is currently 9:22 Mountain Time. As I write this, it is 9:22 Eastern time, so I think it is off by two hours. You should look into that.

As I said, I'm not an expert, but these are some things I noticed that I would not do on a site.

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Julia

Hi there,

Congrats on the launch of your business and website!!! I have a few suggestions.

1. You shouldn't have different colour fonts. Only clickable links should be a differnet colour and titles can be a different colour. By keeping all the font black that may take away from some fo the "busy" look.

2. I also noticed the time states mountain tim and it is showing as the same time that I am in which is eastern time. I think there is a bug in the plug in that you used.

3. I wouldn't have a portfolio page if you do not have anything to display in it. You should add that page when you have content for it.

4. Your rate should be displayed as starting at $25/hr as it is much more appealing.

I only did a brief overview of the site and that is what popped out at me. Once you make your font larger and consistent and keep it one colour that will make a big difference. Do a search in google on "website tips" and you will find some great info and suggestions.

Best of luck

Hello,

First let me say, you have a great first start. I do agree that your index page has way too many things going on! I believe you can still have all of the same information on the first page, but done in a way that doesn't seem overwhelming.

The font does need to be larger on all of the pages. It is very difficult to read.

I am curious as to why you have the Volunteer Match, Katrina Relief & September 11th logos on your home page. I assume you are a supporter of each, which is a great thing! Perhaps creating a separate page explaining your business's dedication to volunteer efforts may be a good idea?

You have a link to your portfolio page, when you go to the page it says "Currently under construction". I have always gone by the philosophy that if you have a page that isn't ready yet -- don't post the link. You may want to consider doing that as well.

You are on your way, but there is still some work to be done. Good Luck!

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Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
The Voice & Vision Behind Your Business

Pam,

Website looks great. However, I do agree with the comments made by the others.

Sonya

Thank you so much to everyone so far. Others - please feel free to continue providing feedback, if you have other stuff to add. This is all fabulous feedback and I am taking much of it to heart.

Obviously the volunteer links have changed, without me being notified since I put them on there - so great QA!! Thanks! Gotta make sure everything actually works.

Also, thanks for the notice on the clock. I think that I was thinking it was displaying the time where I am and didn't realize it is translating to wherever others are. Actually, that was kinda a dumb thought. Of course it would show the time where others are. Thanks again for pointing that one out!

Regarding faith based content. You know...it's not for everyone and that's ok - and I did have to make a decision there, but as VA's I think we have to have that "personal" side into things - and that is not just a part of my life, but it is everything in my life, and we also get to select who we work with. So I'm actually ok if someone doesn't want to work with me based on that. But...please don't think I'm offended or be offended. We just see that differently and I hope that's ok.

Thanks again all!
Pam

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Pam Blackman - The Process Coach
Get more done in less time by streamlining!

Quote:

Regarding faith based content. You know...it's not for everyone and that's ok - and I did have to make a decision there, but as VA's I think we have to have that "personal" side into things - and that is not just a part of my life, but it is everything in my life, and we also get to select who we work with. So I'm actually ok if someone doesn't want to work with me based on that. But...please don't think I'm offended or be offended. We just see that differently and I hope that's ok. Thanks again all! Pam

Pam, I agree with you! If your faith is what makes you, who you are and what principles you choose to follow with your business and personal life - and you want to display that, then so be it! You're very Right, as in WE(the business owner) chooses whom we want to work with. I did notice the bible verse and picture of the bible and just assumed you based your life on Christian principles. I think there will be many people that will disagree with the fact that I will be putting a family picture on my "about me" page. And, like you, that will be ok with me - My family is what my business is all about.

I'm not as religious as I should be, but come from a very,very religious family and up-bringing. For Instance- if my parents was looking for a VA - they would look for a VA with christian principles that wasnt ashamed of their beliefs. Like Julia stated, it will offend some people, but I dont think those are your target market.

that's just my outlook on it..I'm sure others view it differently

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Kena~
Everyone smiles in the same language

Thanks Kena - That's what makes having your own business great! We end up working with people we really want to partner with, vs. working for or with people we had no choice in.

Let me know when you have your site up, cuz I'd love to see the family! (I'm assuming you don't quite have it yet since it says "coming soon" next to your company name?)?

__________________
Pam Blackman - The Process Coach
Get more done in less time by streamlining!