New web design

[Ricesnaps]

Right then,

Been playing with the nice new logo's I have and it ended up with a new look to my web site.

Wondered if I could get some thoughts before I go any further. the link is to what will be the standard format - this will be my home page. However, I have gone no further and therefore the buttons and links are not activated!

Just keen to get some thoughts, ideas, constructive comments and so on.

Also, not sure what to do with the section under the page navigation (where the PLI and PAT logo's are). Have just put the logo's and bits there to use the space, but not sure I want them there!

http://www.revelationroadshow.co.uk/Trial.html

just click above!

[ian8limelight]

Looks like a clear and concise Home page.

There seems to be, however, a slight diference in the sizing of the font between the PLI & PAT 'banners'.

[Shaun]

Your logo on the website looks blurred. Probably due to the fact it's been increased in size. I'll send you a re-sized and non blurred web header image, along with your magnetic van sign designs. They should be with you in the next few days (apologies for the delay).

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I really like the look of it Rice.

It's clear, holds your interest and is quite funky whilst still looking pro.

[DMX Will]

Matt,

Like it, like it alot. I've got 3 points for you though:

- I don't like the background colour, they grey seems a little sad, I'm sure the colour on the banner can be changed so that you can have the background colour of your choice (mine would be FFFFFF ;) )

- I'm not keen on the buttons either, Although I don't like buttons full stop, so nothing personal to you site!!

- The JPEG quality and edit of the images (like the MDD/MU one) etc look a little low, and thus let down what is truly a very nice site.

Also, the MU don't actually allow you to use their logo on your website. I'm sure they wouldn't do anything about it, (ours has it too! - GUILTY AS CHARGED) But when I emailed them to get a hi-res copy, they emailed back saying it wasn't permitted.

[rob1963]

Your logo on the website looks blurred. Probably due to the fact it's been increased in size.

Hiya Ricesnaps,

I agree with Shaun, but that's my only negative comment.

The new home page is much better than the existing one...because it's less "busy" & less cluttered.

It looks far more professional than your existing page, and will make a big improvement to your site.

:)

[Ricesnaps]

Your logo on the website looks blurred. Probably due to the fact it's been increased in size. I'll send you a re-sized and non blurred web header image, along with your magnetic van sign designs. They should be with you in the next few days (apologies for the delay).
Hi Shaun. I just used the re-size tool on paint shop pro. It does look slightly less sharp, but maybe a lot worse to an expert! Thanks againa for the help.

The JPEG quality and edit of the images (like the MDD/MU one) etc look a little low, and thus let down what is truly a very nice site.
These were just put there to fill the space. On my current site, I fill this space with photo's, but doing the same with this new one didn't quite look right. I did try to use the "brush" effect I have on the other photo's to pop them below the buttons, but couldn't get the right "gray" background. Would apreciate any suggestions for what to actually put there?

Otherwise, thanks for all the great comments. It's amazing how you learn and get better at things. This is my third design for the site over the years and hopefully the best yet!

[CRAZY K]

:D :D
Right then,

Been playing with the nice new logo's I have and it ended up with a new look to my web site.

Wondered if I could get some thoughts before I go any further. the link is to what will be the standard format - this will be my home page. However, I have gone no further and therefore the buttons and links are not activated!

Just keen to get some thoughts, ideas, constructive comments and so on.

Also, not sure what to do with the section under the page navigation (where the PLI and PAT logo's are). Have just put the logo's and bits there to use the space, but not sure I want them there!

http://www.revelationroadshow.co.uk/Trial.html

just click above!

Hi Matt, just to say im hugely upset theres no mention of me on your index page:D :D :D :D:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Only joking-looks good ---my comments ---

Projecting the site as professional image might be better having a landline phone number firstly with the mobile as a back up---just my personal view on how professional it appears i.e. firms working off mobile phones:(

I dont suppose a Bride or Groom book the Hotel, Flowers, Cars or anything else like that in your "price league" on a mobile ?????

Think you need to sort out the I and we bit.

Its mixed--I think you might project the "we are a pro mobile business" thing with introduction to "our DJ Matt etc. so Contact US.

Gives the feeling of a larger, organised business rather than a one man band
=nothing wrong with that but if you are striving to get into better paid work I think that might be useful in raising your "profile"

Just my view, I was playing in Beccles Sunday:D

regards

CRAZY K

[Ricesnaps]

:D :D

Hi Matt, just to say im hugely upset theres no mention of me on your index page:D :D :D :D:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Only joking-looks good ---my comments ---

Projecting the site as professional image might be better having a landline phone number firstly with the mobile as a back up---just my personal view on how professional it appears i.e. firms working off mobile phones:(

I dont suppose a Bride or Groom book the Hotel, Flowers, Cars or anything else like that in your "price league" on a mobile ?????

Think you need to sort out the I and we bit.

Its mixed--I think you might project the "we are a pro mobile business" thing with introduction to "our DJ Matt etc. so Contact US.

Gives the feeling of a larger, organised business rather than a one man band
=nothing wrong with that but if you are striving to get into better paid work I think that might be useful in raising your "profile"

Just my view, I was playing in Beccles Sunday:D

regards

CRAZY K
Exactly what I was hoping for - thanks Alan. See what you mean about the numbers - maybe I'll have the 0845 and change the other to the email address? might look better. Was also not sure about the i and we thing. Want to make sure people know that they are not booking a faceless DJ and that I care about everything I do, but "we" does sound more professional!

And if you were in Beccles on Sunday, give yourself a big slap for not giving me a shout and catching up for a pint! (although I was in Essex for a gig, so might have been difficult!)

[rob1963]

Think you need to sort out the I and we bit.

Its mixed--I think you might project the "we are a pro mobile business" thing with introduction to "our DJ Matt etc. so Contact US.

Gives the feeling of a larger, organised business rather than a one man band
=nothing wrong with that but if you are striving to get into better paid work I think that might be useful in raising your "profile"
CRAZY K

Ricesnaps,

I completely agree with the above comments.

Sites which give advice on booking entertainment often suggest that you book through an agency, rather than a one man band. The reason being that there will be better back up with others to cover in the event that the DJ is ill etc.

For that reason, I made my site look more like an agency than a sole trader, although in actual fact it's just me really. Having said that, I do have a couple of other DJs I occasionally call on if required.

If I was you, I'd use "we" in all the main text to give the impression of a larger & more professional business, and then introduce yourself as the ""MAIN DJ", after which you can describe what YOU can do for them.

Hope this helps.

:)

[Marc J]

A nice simple, tidy site Rice. Not as "cluttered" as your existing one but can you promise it'll stay like that? :D

Just a few points: -

1. Agree with others, your logo hasn't resized well but that's not your fault if you only had the smaller version. When you get a higher res version from Shaun resize it and save at about 60% JPG compression (should be OK for a header). I always slice large images up into smaller sections as well, but that's no so important.

2. You've used drop-shadow effects on the buttons and other bits but your main (white) area seems a little ragged around the (corner) edges. It needs smoothed off and maybe even a drop-shadow of its own to match the rest. In my opinion the radius is a little large on the corners as well.

3. I'm not a fan of the "Aqua Pill" buttons either. I personally think you'd be better using the square version (like the "We fit in so YOU stand out) for the navigation as well. The "Choose Your Music" menu item seems a different colour than the others? I'd make the text on these black turning white on rollover, maybe with a glow?

4. The drop-shadow on the two "aqua" blocks in the white area has a hard edge, looks like they were made to go against the grey instead of white.

5. I know they're temporary, but if you decide to keep then then wherever you put them make the PAT / PLI and MDD logos against the correct background (and as Ian said the PAT and PLI seem to be different sizes).

[Ricesnaps]

A nice simple, tidy site Rice. Not as "cluttered" as your existing one but can you promise it'll stay like that? :D

2. You've used drop-shadow effects on the buttons and other bits but your main (white) area seems a little ragged around the (corner) edges. It needs smoothed off and maybe even a drop-shadow of its own to match the rest. In my opinion the radius is a little large on the corners as well.

The "white" area is simply a jpg created in psp as I am no expert and have no idea how else to achieve the same effect. Maybe I can have another play in psp?


3. I'm not a fan of the "Aqua Pill" buttons either. I personally think you'd be better using the square version (like the "We fit in so YOU stand out) for the navigation as well. The "Choose Your Music" menu item seems a different colour than the others? I'd make the text on these black turning white on rollover, maybe with a glow?

I quite liked the pill buttons, but can certainly have a play with the other style to see how it looks. As for the turning white on rollover, have absolutely no idea how to do that! The colour is actually very likely to be "slightly different" as i closed the button making program with that one left to do and then found I couldn't see the "custom colour" I had used any more!


4. The drop-shadow on the two "aqua" blocks in the white area has a hard edge, looks like they were made to go against the grey instead of white.
They were - think I was just being a little lazy - it's on my "to do" list now!


5. I know they're temporary, but if you decide to keep then then wherever you put them make the PAT / PLI and MDD logos against the correct background (and as Ian said the PAT and PLI seem to be different sizes).
Really not planning to keep them there, but still no idea what to use instead!

Oh and I will try to keep it uncluttered. Only thing is, how do you maintain the right amount of keywords for Google without loads of text?

[rob1963]

I've just noticed something.

According to the MDD forum, you're 35.

Your new home page states that you've been a DJ for OVER 25 years.

I'm curious to know what kind of gigs you were DJing at when you were 9.

:confused: :confused: :confused:

[Ricesnaps]

I've just noticed something.

According to the MDD forum, you're 35.

Your new home page states that you've been a DJ for OVER 25 years.

I'm curious to know what kind of gigs you were DJing at when you were 9.

:confused: :confused: :confused:

Earlier starter and crap at maths!

Maybe make that 21 years and we'll call it quits?

[Marc J]

The "white" area is simply a jpg created in psp as I am no expert and have no idea how else to achieve the same effect. Maybe I can have another play in psp?

Replaced it with this one if you prefer: -
http://www.loweringprices.com/images/IMAG015.gif
I also changed it to a gif as this was a third of the size. NOTE: Put the image on your server, please don't hotlink it.


Really not planning to keep them there, but still no idea what to use instead!
You don't have to fill every bit of space on the page!


Oh and I will try to keep it uncluttered. Only thing is, how do you maintain the right amount of keywords for Google without loads of text?
That's the million dollar question! If you have a lot to say spread it over more pages, with easy meaningful navigation.

[rob1963]

Earlier starter and crap at maths!
Maybe make that 21 years and we'll call it quits?

Ricesnaps,

Ok, we'll call it quits, but there was a valid reason for me asking that question.

A few years ago, I was going to say on my website that I have 20 years experience.

A couple of colleagues suggested I put 10 years experience, as I might appear too old to some clients otherwise. I took this advice, although I've now removed this & mainly sell myself on being a professional DJ.

If you state you've been a DJ for over 25 years, clients will probably assume you started in your late teens at the very EARLIEST, in which case they will think you are in your mid to late 40's, and some of them might want a younger DJ than that.

Just something to think about.

:)

[Ricesnaps]

Ricesnaps,

Ok, we'll call it quits, but there was a valid reason for me asking that question.

A few years ago, I was going to say on my website that I have 20 years experience.

A couple of colleagues suggested I put 10 years experience, as I might appear too old to some clients otherwise. I took this advice, although I've now removed this & mainly sell myself on being a professional DJ.

If you state you've been a DJ for over 25 years, clients will probably assume you started in your late teens at the very EARLIEST, in which case they will think you are in your mid to late 40's, and some of them might want a younger DJ than that.

Just something to think about.

:)
To be honest this whole thread has been great - lots of really good thoughts. The age vs experiance thing is another really good example. I DID start Djing when i was around 12 / 13 but i guess a lot of my clients would assume I was older.

Not sure I know what the right approach is. On the one hand I do want to make it clear that I am not a fly by night DJ who's only been in the game for a while and that I have many years of well learnt experience. However maybe some clients - possibly the younger ones (18th's / 21st etc...) would discount be BECAUSE of there perception of my age?

Anyone else got thoughts on this one?

I was contemplating having a "funky house DJ" page, maybe that would do it?

[Ricesnaps]

Replaced it with this one if you prefer: -
http://www.loweringprices.com/images/IMAG015.gif
I also changed it to a gif as this was a third of the size. NOTE: Put the image on your server, please don't hotlink it.


You don't have to fill every bit of space on the page!


That's the million dollar question! If you have a lot to say spread it over more pages, with easy meaningful navigation.

WOW!!!

Thanks for that!

[CRAZY K]

The "white" area is simply a jpg created in psp as I am no expert and have no idea how else to achieve the same effect. Maybe I can have another play in psp?



I quite liked the pill buttons, but can certainly have a play with the other style to see how it looks. As for the turning white on rollover, have absolutely no idea how to do that! The colour is actually very likely to be "slightly different" as i closed the button making program with that one left to do and then found I couldn't see the "custom colour" I had used any more!


They were - think I was just being a little lazy - it's on my "to do" list now!


Really not planning to keep them there, but still no idea what to use instead!

Oh and I will try to keep it uncluttered. Only thing is, how do you maintain the right amount of keywords for Google without loads of text?

Matt, I thought you might well be needing a rest and not a busmans Holiday
coming to see me--mind you it was a part Jewish Wedding which was interesting and educational--I cant remember the last time I did one of these with the B and G being lifted up and down on chairs in traditional style :eek:

Re- the keywords for Google, its very noticeable that my sites get picked up and get high rankings on key words shown on my home pages--it also occured to me that my own personal sites home page is VERY cluttered with all sorts of information--BUT it also struck me that maybe it keeps peoples interest and they spot something they are interested in--in my case maybe a mention of Western Theme or Weddings.

I wonder if they might browse on to another site if they hadnt noticed something of value to them----should you consider for example expanding the info on yourself to include more information about your show to get them more interested.

Everyones done 25 yrs :D so you need to differentiate yourself.

I suggest expanding the opening statement to give more information like--

Allow us to introduce Matt Dawkins our in house DJ, 25 years experience specialising in Weddings and Parties dedicated to making your special event go with a bang with his lively Dj Skills, Large music collection, High Quality Sound System and Intelligent Lighting bull bull bull etc.

Food for thought?

regards

CRAZY K

[Discodaz]

Great looking site, if you follow up on all that other contributors to this thread have, er, contributed.

One thing seems to have been missed - the page doesn't quite fit on a standard 1024 x 768 screen. Might just be my browser (IE6).

Other than that, great job!

David.

[rob1963]

One thing seems to have been missed - the page doesn't quite fit on a standard 1024 x 768 screen. Might just be my browser (IE6).


Oh yeah, I've just noticed the same thing.

The page is about 1cm wider than my screen, and I'm using IE7.

:confused:

[Marc J]

As for the turning white on rollover, have absolutely no idea how to do that!

There are loads of ways to do that, I'd tend to go with a CSS method rather than the "usual" simple javascript rollover because it's better for many reasons, not least of all simplicity too add to your menu. You'd lose the slight drop-shadow on your text but the advantage is that your buttons are "readable" to search engines rather than just graphics.

Take a look at http://www.webcredible.co.uk/user-friendly-resources/css/rollover-buttons.shtml for a tutorial, there are examples there too.

[Ricesnaps]

OK guys, I listened, I changed and I pinched the exact wording Crazy typed. Anything else that I need to do (as the header and buttons will form my template)

http://www.revelationroadshow.co.uk/Trial.html

[Shaun]

Hi Ricey,

I'm about to resize the web banner I sent you. What size is your current website header?. Also, do you require any changes to the web banner?.

[CRAZY K]

To be honest this whole thread has been great - lots of really good thoughts. The age vs experiance thing is another really good example. I DID start Djing when i was around 12 / 13 but i guess a lot of my clients would assume I was older.

Not sure I know what the right approach is. On the one hand I do want to make it clear that I am not a fly by night DJ who's only been in the game for a while and that I have many years of well learnt experience. However maybe some clients - possibly the younger ones (18th's / 21st etc...) would discount be BECAUSE of there perception of my age?

Anyone else got thoughts on this one?

I was contemplating having a "funky house DJ" page, maybe that would do it?

Yes--concentrate on the Corporate Work, Weddings and the 40th, 50th 60th Birthdays--they are the people who have the kind of money to pay your prices--:D :D:D

And they dont mind "older" people

They just want a quality entertainer:D

Im doing that and its working ok,

CRAZY K

[Ricesnaps]

Hi Ricey,

I'm about to resize the web banner I sent you. What size is your current website header?. Also, do you require any changes to the web banner?.

1011 x 151 (if that means anything!

No changes needed!

Thanks

[Shaun]

1011 x 151 (if that means anything!

No changes needed!

Thanks

Yes, that's fine. The resized web banner should be in your inbox now. :approve:

[rob1963]

Ricesnaps,

Just one comment on the new buttons you've put on the trial page...

...it's not very easy to read the text on the buttons, because I think the blue on the buttons themselves is too dark.

Also, near the top of the page the word "music" has a letter missing.

:)

[Ricesnaps]

Yes, that's fine. The resized web banner should be in your inbox now. :approve:

Thanks - all changed now!

[Marc J]

Whatever happened to this Ricey?

Come to think of it - what's wrong with your site? Down again?

[Ricesnaps]

Whatever happened to this Ricey?

Come to think of it - what's wrong with your site? Down again?
Still working away at it. Day job, busy wedding season and two manic kittens are just making it harder to get round to. Also had some client feedback that suggested the buttons are a little too big, so may have some more work to do.

The web site is slightly more worrying - will have to have words with Richie as it's all hosted by his company

[pagan_flame]

There are loads of ways to do that, I'd tend to go with a CSS method rather than the "usual" simple javascript rollover because it's better for many reasons, not least of all simplicity too add to your menu.

To make text links do it, try this in yer <HEAD>...

__________________________


<style type="text/css">
<!--
A:link {color:#000000; text-decoration: none}
A:active {color:#00FFFF; text-decoration: none}
A:visited {color:#FF0000; text-decoration: none}
A:hover {color:#FFFFCC; background: blue; text-decoration: underline}
-->

</STYLE>

__________________________

This should give black text, which when you put your mouse on it gives a white underlined link with a blue background, and then reverts the link to red text for a visited link.