Does my homepage stink?

Discussion in 'Websites' started by rdv817, Apr 21, 2007.

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  1. #1
    I have been considering re-doing my homepage for a month or so.

    It is very heavy on text...I originally did this for SEO, but now I am thinking of removing most of the text and planting a large directory tree/menu pointing to the interior pages.

    I am worried that removing most, not all, of the text and replacing it with a directory tree/menu will hurt me SEO wise.

    I currently am getting about a 50% bounce rate (based on google analytics)...this means that about half of the people that hit the homepage leave without visiting any of the other pages.

    I have menu options across the top portion of the page and to me it seems pretty obvious that it is there. Do you think most users would navigate that way?

    Another option would be to put a directory tree/javascript menu on the left side navigation and leave the text in place on the home page.

    I am open for advice/constructive criticism/feedback

    Thanks
     
    rdv817, Apr 21, 2007 IP
  2. 8everything

    8everything Peon

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    #2
    The header needs to change, see where your text is? It's really plain.. I would change the font and add some effects to it. If you want to leave it plain, atleast type it out in HTML and place an <h1> tag on it so its good for seo.
     
    8everything, Apr 21, 2007 IP
  3. Bender

    Bender Peon

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    #3
    It stinks a little bit...
     
    Bender, Apr 21, 2007 IP
  4. greenhatkb

    greenhatkb Peon

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    #4
    sorry.. but i lost concentration when i tried to look at it.. it's kinda all over the place
     
    greenhatkb, Apr 21, 2007 IP
  5. DJT123

    DJT123 Peon

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    #5
    I agree with Bender, it does stink. 8Everything mentioned the header first - start there:

    - The header is an opportunity to tell the visitor why they should spend some of their precious time on your site. Why is your site different from similar sites? What is your traffic looking for? What can they find on your site that they can't find anywhere else? Now answer that in a few short words and make a header.

    - The body does not encourage me to read it. Use headings that are easy to read and pull the reader in. Does you main page content add value? It needs to speak to search engines and to real people.

    - Your ads make it look like a spammy adsense site. Place them better so they don't interrupt the flow of the page.

    - I don't know where you want me to go or what I should do on this page. Make the navigation more clear to drive the visitors to the place you want them to go. (eg. a form or your most valuable content).

    Good luck.
     
    DJT123, Apr 21, 2007 IP
  6. xoise

    xoise Active Member

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    #6
    It doesn't really go with the idea of the site...seems like the theme should have more to do with homes.
     
    xoise, Apr 21, 2007 IP
  7. sandsbeck

    sandsbeck Member

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    #7
    The site really lacks visual focus. What you may want to do is use a different color background. Also, maybe throw in some theme related graphics to draw the eyes in. The header/banner needs to be professionally done. I like that you've nestled your adsense in with your text so well.
     
    sandsbeck, Apr 22, 2007 IP