I have just put online my new site; I'm still re-arranging the content and uploading my portfolio examples so it's not 100% complete. http://www.matthewrochow.com If you can simply answer one or more of these questions it would be appreciated What do you think of the design and usability? What would you look for when finding a coder? What content should I include/not include? Cheers
Try to make a good logo, good header img... change the background color... try to make it more "professional"
According to you, You are web developer with 6 years of experience, but ur site isn't look like professional, specially background its kinda cartoon type!! Its showing all about ur self. If you did by ur own self then you have to wright down there that My Profile!! otherwise anyone will guess "Self-praise is no recommendation" Plz don't mind that!! thats only my opinion!!
I agree with the above comments. Your site might work with the current background/ header if you add more 'cartoony' things to it. Or at the very least gave your name and tagline some spicing up. Plain old Arial looks pretty dull. Also, if you are a web site designer show some websites that you have made. All of your links are broken and they are not even real links, just sub-links on your domain. maybe add some screen shots of the designs instead of a list. The 'random facts' takes up too much space, if you are selling your services you should hi-light that, not the fact that you prefer pepsi and hardly swear.
If you are looking to seriously promote yourself as a coder, I agree you need to make the site look more professional. The random facts makes it look more like a MYSpace profile than a website for a professional. As stated above, none of your links work but I assume you are planning on fixing that when you are all finished. Add more about what services you are offering and less about your life story. To be all honest, most people who are wanting to hire a coder could care less how you became a coder (My Story). If you wish to include more info about yourself, write it almost like a resume. Also state some idea of what your prices are. Per hour, per job, etc.. It is a good start and a good step in the right direction. Good Luck and hope you do well!
Yes, none of the portfolio examples have been uploaded. The reason I can't point to the domain is that people change stuff, which can make it invalid and not work across all browsers etc, so when people visit it they think "this sucks, it must have been the coder who did this" rather than "it was perfect at the time just a few things got deleted when the person added in content and changed some things around" It is going to be aimed at businesses who I want to hire me (not DP etc) so the whole thing with the My Story was letting them know more about me. Maybe I should write it more like a resume. The random facts was just that - a random idea I decided to see how it went. One thing to note, is I can't just state my skills, put a portfolio and let it sell itself, because it doesn't work. I am one of the best coders on DP, and I consistently lose out to coders who suck and sometimes charge even more than I do. Why? Because how are clients meant to know what a good coder is/what a bad coder is. They simply pick who they think will do a better job, not who actually will. Think of it like buying a sports car. I would pick what I think is best, which there is a very good chance won't be the best, because I am not a mechanic or car junkie and have little clue (hmm bigger engine, must go faster ) that kind of thing
Try to add some navigation buttons to your website, something like: My protfolio Services About me Testimonials Contact .. you figure out what's best. This way people will go and check out only the information that they want, and they wont have to read the whole page in order to search for what they want to know. The best way to build a really great website is by checking out your competition, and try to get from them what is good, this way you will be able to create the ultimate website that is the best.
I agree, you can't. People are looking for quick, easy and cheap and will pick who they think might be best. However, word of mouth can be huge in building your business. For example, in the summer we are off from our teaching jobs so my wife and I did some forum posting and free lance writing. After a couple of jobs, I started receiving more offers than I could handle without advertising because of word of mouth. Your work and happy customers will be your best tool to get more work. Always deliver more than expected and you will become sought after. I am sure once you get rolling, you will get tons of work!
of course i restate everything everyone else says, try putting examples of your work, just reading your story and reading two testimonials doesn't sound convincing enough for me to give you my money
I know - I said previously I haven't uploaded my previous work. I have a list of about 10 that I've done recently which will be linked before it goes "live" Damn. It's back up now
Well the site does look like self prophecy. don't mind but that's how it looks to me. the color combination could have been better. All the best
In a good way or bad way? I am selling my services so I need to say "I will do a good job, pick me"... and I'm not sales writer so it's not quite working yet
I don't dislike the cartoony look, it just needs a better logo and something to tie it all together. I would put nav buttons on the site as well to take you to each of the categories.
I like the design but I would add some thumbnail images under:"Latest Work" not just links but Images will help as well GL