I haven't posted here for awhile but I know this is the place to come to get constructive feedback.
I've just completed an e-course and have the details posted on my website. Except for writing the copy, I didn't give my webmaster any other guidelines in terms of how to post it . I'm no marketing expert but I feel it needs to stand out a lot more to attract the kind of attention I'm looking for.
If you could have a look at it and tell me what you think, I'd really appreciate it. My site is: http://www.theparentingcoach.com. The course is described on the homepage under *NEW*.
Well structured, excellent content and a worthwhile mission. Looks to me like you will guide the parents of our future leaders to stop and make the time to get it right. I believe it is never too late to encourage mental and physical wellness, awarness and practice.
Good job; keep on keepin' on! Sea
Sea Perkins Solutions Analysis, Inc. www.TBlastTODAY.com (877) 239-8365
I think bullet points have a place in the world, but not as a substitute for well-crafted copy. Bullet points belong in copy, but they can't adequately get a message across by themselves. It's akin to creating an outline for a great classic novel - you get the gist, but it doesn't really make it memorable by any stretch.
Contrary to what most people think, visitors will read well written copy. Granted, yours could use some digital liposuction, but your copy should do the following: Identify with your target customer's problem or issue and convince the customer that your solution meets his or her needs. Basic marketing at its best. I recommend that you get into your customer's head and right to their needs. Bullet point within that framework (and these are good bullet points) but the bullet points aren't enough to convince anyone to buy.
Robb, The use of bullet points in web copy is well documented. Try reading Jacob Nielsen's web usability series for more info on the subject. http://www.useit.com/alertbox/20030825.html
Isn't "Guide your children to grow up to become confident happy adults." getting into the customer's head and addressing their "need"? It immediately addresses "What's in this for me?" The next line, "Help your child develop a positive self-esteem." tells them the benefits. Then the "Children that do:" and the bulletted list gets into more specifics and ends with a call to action.
Thanks again for the feedback everyone. It's been very helpful. My webmaster and I worked together tonight and came up with something a little more eye catching. I'm sure it can be impoved upon still, but I'm satisfied.
Looking good, but I would not bold everything as doing that tends to "devalue" search engine rankings. Perhaps only bold the "Children with a positive self-esteem:"
You could use a call to action in the Children with a positive self-esteem: line, which is why I used "Help your child"
I've never been a fan of Nielsen's essays. I think solid writing is vital to a web site as any other form of communicating. You don't see newspaper or magazine articles reduced to bullet points. It is the easy way out. If all a writer had to do was write bullet points to communicate to audiences, then everyone would be a writer. My own site contains pages and pages of content. And I have had countless visitors to my site tell me that they've read it front to back (if such a thing is possible). Why? Because it's well written, engaging, entertaining and informative.
Some people like the shortcuts - I don't. I use bullet points as they are supposed to be used: as supplemental pieces of information to a larger story. Guess I'm a victim of old school communication.
>>>>I've never been a fan of Nielsen's essays. I think solid writing is vital to a web site as any other form of communicating. You don't see newspaper or magazine articles reduced to bullet points. It is the easy way out. If all a writer had to do was write bullet points to communicate to audiences, then everyone would be a writer. My own site contains pages and pages of content. And I have had countless visitors to my site tell me that they've read it front to back (if such a thing is possible). Why? Because it's well written, engaging, entertaining and informative.
Then tell me why if you feel this way Robb, the first thing I see on your website (http://www.communicreations.com/) is bullet points.
Without digressing, I noted that I use them within to further clarify points, not as the points. That's the purpose of bullet points. They are not a substitute for copy.
It's not a big deal, just a personal preference. My background is in writing, not technology. So I am big on good, solid, informative copy. I don't think a page of bullet points can accomplish that.
Hi Barb and welcome back to Ryze! I have a friend that has a non-profit site that deals with similar issues. You can find his site at http://www.parentswhocare.us. He may be willing to help you gain some exposure for your business. I think you are offering an extremely valuable product and for less than one would pay for a psychiatrist. If you need any SEO help, check out my company at http://www.diamondseo.com. I have some simple recommendations for search engine purposes: Put a small sitemap of text links at the bottom of every page. Use some of your important keywords in the text links as well. Have your webmaster change the titles to better reflect what is on the individual page. Titles are extremely important from a search engine standpoint and your customers will be clicking on those titles when they find your site on the search engines. I also recommend getting an xml sitemap up. search engines will be able to access that page and find your entire site by going there. If you'd like, I can do one and email it to you for free.
Thanks for the tips Ross! I'm going to check out the sites you mentioned. Thank you as well for the kind words regarding the work I do. I appreciate it a lot.
Hi Barb! I think your website looks great! I'm not a website expert, but as a parent, I found it very easy to navigate and I love the colors. I even subscribed to your newsletter (thanks!)
Good luck!
Amy Metherell realAdvantage VA Real Assistance. Real Savings. Real Advantage. http://realadvantageva.com amy@realadvantageva.com
