The first site I worked on...

Discussion in 'Websites' started by NewComputer, Jun 11, 2005.

  1. #1
    This site has been around for awhile...

    It was the first one I did as a design, seo etc... It generates fairly good traffic. Just wondering if anyone could offer some feedback on how to make it better.

    I would like to add to the apply online the following forms type:

    [nourl]http://web.archive.org/web/20040826151638/www.mortgage-information.ca/apply-online.html[/nourl]

    but I have never been any good at the php side of making it work.

    Anyways, the site is here: Canadian Mortgage Information
     
    NewComputer, Jun 11, 2005 IP
  2. Smyrl

    Smyrl Tomato Republic Staff

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    #2
    I really like your graphic. I would put way more text on page as is it looks good but like a made for Adsense pape.

    Shannon
     
    Smyrl, Jun 11, 2005 IP
  3. Izo

    Izo Peon

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    #3
    To be honest: Your Adsense placement would turn me off.....
     
    Izo, Jun 11, 2005 IP
  4. Audrey the Editor

    Audrey the Editor Peon

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    #4
    Hello,

    Nice to meet another Canadian.

    Here are my first impressions, which I think might also strike a new visitor to your site.

    1. At the top, two photos have black borders. Two do not. That looks to me like someone just forgot to finish a job. Not a good impression for a site about finance.

    2. You are losing a lot of prime real estate at the top of the page. On my browser IE 5.2, there are about 3" with no text.

    3. Your first paragraph could use some work to focus on the benefits to your visitors. Here's a suggested rewrite. (I've taken your keywords into consideration, but since I'm not intimate with your business, I may not have hit exactly what you wanted to hit. Please take this just as one option.):

    "Are you looking for the best current mortgage rates?

    Do you have the best lending information, including which is the best lending institution in your area?

    Mortgage lenders compete for your business just like real estate agents do. Let us help you get the best mortgage rate available.

    We value your trust and do not divulge your personal information without your permission."

    Personally, I would not include the bit about personal information on the home page. At this point, the visitor hasn't even imagined that she will have to give you any information.

    I agree with the comment about the google ads. I'd go for the skyscraper so your text can wrap around the ads.

    I hope this has been helpful.

    Audrey Owen
    Any editor can fix your work.
    I can help you become a better writer.

    www.writershelper.com
     
    Audrey the Editor, Jun 11, 2005 IP
  5. NewComputer

    NewComputer Well-Known Member

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    #5
    Good start, thanks...

    Basically, this site has been dormant for a long time. The odd blog update and that is it. It does a decent amount of traffic, none of which turns into anything. We would like to have it turn into business (other than adsense). If that means I have to change the ads, so be it...
     
    NewComputer, Jun 11, 2005 IP