Hello everyone, A very good friend of mine has launched an interesting URL shortening - subdomain service. She relied on me for some technical suggestions throughout it's development. As a web developer and an experienced webmaster, I can find millions of flaws on every single website. So, my feedback on it's completion might not really be encouraging to her. So, lets hear it from the general member base. What do you think of her service website? Does it attract you? Do you find any of the features listed on the home page interesting? Why would or won't you use such a service? Some of the highlights of the website are most likely:- Website: http://www.subdomaindirect.com Those should cover some of the main features, please do let her know what you think of it.
You need to create a good headline and subhead to explain the purpose of the site. It took me too long to figure out the product/service being offered.
gmeidhof, good suggestion but I would figure people are quite smart to figure out the meaning of "Register a new subdomain name." and YourName.QUATZ.NET followed by urigate.com, uriway.com, urlway.com, snapify.net, urliz.net, wobe.biz, snipify.net in a large font. Secondly the 2nd line i.e. Is also a dead give away I'd say. I'm surprised it took you too long. Do let us know the heading that would have made it easier for you?
Yes, understood. However, do let us know what presentation may have gained attention from you? A feedback without at least a try at a suggestion is not very productive. Please do suggest some ideas.
Pure soul. It would be obvious IF "Register a New Sub-Domain" stood out. The color of the texts makes it fade into the background. Put it in the blue splotch, not below it. When you get a visitor, you have 5 seconds to convince them there is something to see on your site. And if the reason isn't obvious, adios! You also don't answer the question "why do I need to register a new sub-domain"? Why shouldn't I just go to tinyurl.com. You have listed all these features, but not one benefit. 1. No forced ads 2. Automation 3. URL Masking 4. URL Rotation 5. Path forwarding 6. Email addresses and storage 7. Traffic Analysis Don't count on the prospect figuring out the benefits of your product or service.
Give a different background's color. Actually I don't like grey. Maybe WHITE (#ffffff) will good for this site!
Good suggestions, I have passed it on to her. Keep them comming. I wish she posted here herself though
From my 1st look at this, I really had no idea what it was really about. Why do the service description in an image? - - Not good for for SEO -- Too light nobody sees this. And if you ask me, the design is like sub-2004 style.
I can't seem find any service descriptions in images. Only the domain names are presented for emphasis (why I don't know). If you mean the heading texts, yes I do agree they are not SEO friendly at all. Anyway, she did start this project around three years ago when Web 2.0-ish and other vibrant styles were slowly surfacing. I'm not too sure myself on why she decided to stick with the design. However, she's been taking in all your suggestions rather well. Good suggestion but even if it is not my own site, I wouldn't recommend it. There is simply no productive use for that. Good job everyone. Hopefully all your suggestions can help her improve her site.
It seems Balise has made some changes taking all your suggestions into account. Let her know your opinions.
you need to define the purpose of your web site . and you have to tell clearly the public which type of services you are offering...
Balise had made a lot of changes since the suggestions poured in. Personally as a web developer I have a lot more changes in mind, but it is not my website and I think its already quite an information overload. I believe she needs to cut down the 'heavy' texts here and there. Next time please look at the website and don't respond based on some of the initial responses. No offense intended, just disappointed in such a response. Thanks again for your input nonetheless. Thank you. Glad you like the service.