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Looking to improve conversion rate

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All Forums >> Web Design >> Site Critiques >> Looking to improve conversion rate

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Pyromaniax Posts: 4 Joined: 3/30/2004 Status: offline	Looking to improve conversion rate - 3/30/2004 21:07:34 We have an online store for selling handcrafted glass and silver jewelry. We are looking to improve our conversion rate. If anyone has the time, we would really appreciate some brutal critiques of our site Pyromaniax.com. Thanks, Megan and Steve


Giomanach Posts: 6115 Joined: 11/19/2003 From: England Status: offline	RE: Looking to improve conversion rate - 3/31/2004 7:22:16 First things first, Welcome To Outfront I'm not too keen on the top logo for the page, lightening and hand crafted glass and silvery?? To me they don't go together, you will want something more toned down, and, ummm, difficult to say, shiny??? The overall colour scheme for the site does not suit the content/purpose. I would use a light grey (#EEEEEE) or white (#FFFFFF) for the background, with black text, rather than the white, blue and orange on black. Don't use bold Comic Sans MS for headers, looks awful There is no need to have Pryomaniax in bold everytime, we know it's your site, we don't need reminding Personally I would put the New products (further down the page) on a separate page within the site. Bottom graphic - turn it into a banner, not just plonk any old graphic in there, make it fit the scheme of the page. I've had a look at the coding, and you ain't half done the links the hard way. If it's relative to the site, all you need to do is either: <a href="page.htm">Link</a> -or- <a href="../page.htm">Link</a> First one is for links within the same directory, and you can go into sub directories by adding the directory beforehand, e.g. <a href="images/pages.htm">Link</a>. The second will go up one link and if you choose to, back into the directory structure. Saves time, and web space by making the total web page size smaller And finally, the graphics for the Shopping cart, my account etc, and the wrapping one, they are pixelated and have "rough" edges, you need to remove the extra white from around the edge of the images, and get a bigger image for the wrapping. Dan Edit: Typos < Message edited by Giomanach -- 3/31/2004 12:24:52 > _____________________________ (in reply to Pyromaniax)


d a v e Posts: 4147 Joined: 7/24/2002 From: England (but live in Finland now) Status: offline	RE: Looking to improve conversion rate - 3/31/2004 7:59:14 the 'account' 'cart' and 'checkout' logos are terrible - i didn'y even know what they were, find something clearer and label it with some text as well. you'll lose a lot of customers if they can't see where the 'buy' buttons are i agree with dan on colours and logo. "Your one stop shop for handcrafted dichroic glass jewelry and home decor." put this at the top as part of/next to your lgoo border your product images (this is so easy to do with css and makes it easy to try different borders without having them hardwired into the image) e.g. .picborder {border: 1px solid gray;} for example (if you're using an external stylesheet) have a look at the css help in the outffront pages or at the W3c schools http://www.w3schools.com/ and your doctype is incomplete (maybe that's what you want?!) should be <!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd"> ( http://www.w3schools.com/tags/tag_doctype.asp ) _____________________________ David Prescott Gekko web design (in reply to Giomanach)


Giomanach Posts: 6115 Joined: 11/19/2003 From: England Status: offline	RE: Looking to improve conversion rate - 4/1/2004 2:42:35 This is more what I would expect to see for Glassware and Silvery. I've used a semi-total CSS layout. I used tables to achieve the layout, but used CSS for all the formatting etc. Please excuse the lack of links etc, I put it together in 10 minutes flat, and haven't had the time to go through and put all the images and links in yet. There's no PHP on the page, I'm just using it for layout purposes etc. I've also managed to knock the HTML document size down from 26.7kb to 5.49kb You should notice a considerable faster loading speed on the content. Even now, I still don't have the desired header. I wanted glassware and silvery, between the two header pieces, but I didn't have any decent pics of them to work with. I'll see what I can do later. Whaddaya think? Dan Edit: Someone teach me how to type with typos PUHWEEEEEEEEEZZZZEEEE < Message edited by Giomanach -- 4/1/2004 7:44:24 > _____________________________ (in reply to d a v e)

Eli

Posts: 2658
From: ... er ...
Status: offline

RE: Looking to improve conversion rate - 4/1/2004 3:07:48

quote:

ORIGINAL: Giomanach

There is no need to have Pryomaniax in bold everytime, we know it's your site, we don't need reminding

on the contary - this is good marketing, well done.

quote:

This is more what I would expect to see for Glassware and Silvery.

really. i preferred the original ;)

seriously -the logo needs working on.

you're really asking ... how can i turn users into customers?

I think if you made the first page more like this page yo'd be onto a winner:

http://pyromaniax.com/retailcat/default.php?cPath=21

it has more products. when people go shopping, they like to see products - and you like to sell them. A perfect match!

< Message edited by Eli -- 4/1/2004 8:08:07 >

_____________________________

Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning

(in reply to Giomanach)


Giomanach Posts: 6115 Joined: 11/19/2003 From: England Status: offline	RE: Looking to improve conversion rate - 4/1/2004 3:23:51 Didn't realise the colours had changed, looks much better now < Message edited by Giomanach -- 4/1/2004 8:25:02 > _____________________________ (in reply to Eli)


jaybee Posts: 14176 Joined: 10/7/2003 From: Berkshire, UK Status: offline	RE: Looking to improve conversion rate - 4/1/2004 4:00:50 Eli is barking up the right tree. It's a shop so the first thing you need to see is products. You need to draw people in and if they only see text you're not going to do that. If it was my site I think I'd have a home page with a largish picture of one particularly stunning piece, some blurb on the business and wares and a link to the shop. It's vital that your graphics and photos are sharp. [edit] if it says "click to enlarge" it would be helpful if it actually gave you a larger picture. I just clicked on Bubblegum and it popped up exactly the same size. [/edit] < Message edited by jaybee -- 4/1/2004 9:03:36 > _____________________________ If it ain't broke..... fix it until it is. GAWDS Now where did I put that Doctype? (in reply to Giomanach)

Pyromaniax

Posts: 4
Joined: 3/30/2004
Status: offline

RE: Looking to improve conversion rate - 4/1/2004 9:07:09

First of all, I just wanted to thank you all for your comments. We really like your ideas, and it is good to have feedback. I have been working on the site, with your recommendations in mind. Here is the latest version.Pyromanix

With regards to

quote:

I think if you made the first page more like this page yo'd be onto a winner:

http://pyromaniax.com/retailcat/default.php?cPath=21

it has more products. when people go shopping, they like to see products - and you like to sell them. A perfect match!

we actually direct most of our traffic to this page. We use Google adwords, and this is the landing page for searches related to jewelry.

We were thinking of adding a testimonial page as well.

Regarding shortening the links to be relative, I'll have to look into this more. The code is all PHP (osCommerce) and I'll have to dig through it to find most of the links.

Also, with regards to

quote:

[edit] if it says "click to enlarge" it would be helpful if it actually gave you a larger picture. I just clicked on Bubblegum and it popped up exactly the same size. [/edit]

we have just installed a new feature to allow two different size images. Previously, all the images had to be large in order for the popup image to be large. (It would just shrink the images upon displaying them in the product listing) In other words , despite the ability to popup an enlarged image, the site only allowed us to have one size images. Initially we used larger images so they could popup bigger, but this really slowed down the overall loading of the site. Now, with the new feature installed we can have 2 different sized images. Still have to go back and create all these images though.

But have already started.

Once again, we really appreciate all the help!

< Message edited by Pyromaniax -- 4/1/2004 9:13:18 >

(in reply to jaybee)


jaybee Posts: 14176 Joined: 10/7/2003 From: Berkshire, UK Status: offline	RE: Looking to improve conversion rate - 4/1/2004 10:17:31 One other thing. Shouldn't that be jewellery rather than jewelry? Or is it another one of those weird American spellings? _____________________________ If it ain't broke..... fix it until it is. GAWDS Now where did I put that Doctype? (in reply to Pyromaniax)


Pyromaniax Posts: 4 Joined: 3/30/2004 Status: offline	RE: Looking to improve conversion rate - 4/1/2004 10:59:56 quote: ORIGINAL: jaybee One other thing. Shouldn't that be jewellery rather than jewelry? Or is it another one of those weird American spellings? Weird american spelling....Although we bought keywords with every spelling variation in google. (in reply to jaybee)


Eli Posts: 2658 From: ... er ... Status: offline	RE: Looking to improve conversion rate - 4/1/2004 11:55:47 quote: ORIGINAL: Pyromaniax We use Google adwords, and this is the landing page for searches related to jewelry. good. but make sure it is working. I checked and you weren't listed. Maybe your daily allowance has been exceeded - in this case either change your keywors to be more specific or up your daily budget _____________________________ Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning (in reply to Pyromaniax)


Pyromaniax Posts: 4 Joined: 3/30/2004 Status: offline	RE: Looking to improve conversion rate - 4/10/2004 23:32:47 OK, well we've made all the recommended changes. Still working on enlarging all the blow-up pics ( a slow process at best). Anyone have any other recommendations? Were thinking of adding a "testimonial" page too. Also, does the site seem easy to navigate? BTW I'm currently working on getting listed in the search engines. We currently have a pagerank of 0 which doesn't help much. Any tips on getting started? Thank you all for all the help you have given us! Thanks, Steve www.pyromaniax.com/retailcat < Message edited by Pyromaniax -- 4/10/2004 23:42:42 > (in reply to Eli)


ellipisces Posts: 849 Joined: 12/14/2003 Status: offline	RE: Looking to improve conversion rate - 4/11/2004 2:45:39 Just wanted to comment on some of the other comments. I think what some of them might not realize is that it is an OScommerce site. OScommerce strength is in the fact that it is a full blown e-commerce package first and a graphically strong package later. It is therefore not really that easy to change a picture or the location of a box. I think you've done a great job with the site and offer the following: colors: the dark blue tabs look almost purple and purple and blue . Go with something more complimentary to jewelry like a silvery grey, and real purple. or you could try this: spend $75 for a grahics artist to come up with a new logo (to me that one looks like it was done on the cheap). Then take the colors from the new logo and apply them in the site. Again though, lose the blue and purple. I know that OScommerce has a "log-in" box that you can pop into the frontpage. Add the log-in box, get rid of the first line "Welcome Guest..." and then put something really strong in there that says in one sentence why your site is the place to be for jewelry. This one could be a good start "Pyromaniax offers a great selection of high quality, one-of-a-kind jewelry featuring unique glass opals, and glass pieces." After that one sentence then put the "New Products" box and then a blurb about the glassmaker. The tabs are unrefined, pay the graphics person for those or steal them from here. _____________________________ one step at a time, just replace 4 bulbs with CFL bulbs http://www.climatecrisis.net/ (in reply to Pyromaniax)


jaybee Posts: 14176 Joined: 10/7/2003 From: Berkshire, UK Status: offline	RE: Looking to improve conversion rate - 4/11/2004 14:00:53 quote: ORIGINAL: ellipisces I think what some of them might not realize is that it is an OScommerce site. OScommerce strength is in the fact that it is a full blown e-commerce package first and a graphically strong package later. It is therefore not really that easy to change a picture or the location of a box. I understand that. I have cubecart on one of my sites and have a similar task with mods, however, what I did was set up an entry page with a large picture of something that really stood out and some text about the company. From there, you go into the shop. That way, you have an easily controllable shop front. _____________________________ If it ain't broke..... fix it until it is. GAWDS Now where did I put that Doctype? (in reply to ellipisces)


mcarrier@fortpoint.com Posts: 1 Joined: 4/16/2004 Status: offline	RE: Looking to improve conversion rate - 4/16/2004 16:49:41 A new tool you might try. Offermatica is focused on improving conversion rates for merchants, through landing page optimization. The tool can be found at <a href=www.offermatica.com?sourcId=frontpagewebmaster> www.Offermatica.com - Landing page optimization</a> It will allow you to optimize your landing pages in order to increase your on site conversion rate. The tool does quite a lot check it out. (in reply to Pyromaniax)


LoriL1212 Posts: 394 Joined: 1/30/2004 From: South Florida Status: offline	RE: Looking to improve conversion rate - 4/18/2004 2:53:22 Well, I am a graphic designer - and I won't charge you $75.00.... but that is only cause' you are here on Outfront :) Here is a thought for a new logo - not a perfected one, but a rough idea of my thoughts.... Thumbnail Image Attachment (1) < Message edited by LoriL1212 -- 4/18/2004 11:25:43 > _____________________________ Lori Leach :: zenful creations :: kudos :: musings (in reply to mcarrier@fortpoint.com)


jaybee Posts: 14176 Joined: 10/7/2003 From: Berkshire, UK Status: offline	RE: Looking to improve conversion rate - 4/18/2004 7:51:39 Nice one Lori _____________________________ If it ain't broke..... fix it until it is. GAWDS Now where did I put that Doctype? (in reply to LoriL1212)


LoriL1212 Posts: 394 Joined: 1/30/2004 From: South Florida Status: offline	RE: Looking to improve conversion rate - 4/18/2004 18:47:15 Why thank you my dear... _____________________________ Lori Leach :: zenful creations :: kudos :: musings (in reply to jaybee)


CityTownInfo Posts: 15 Joined: 4/4/2004 From: Columbus, GA, USA Status: offline	RE: Looking to improve conversion rate - 4/18/2004 20:01:40 Overall I like the site colors. The grays and black make the color of the jewelry stand out for me. The text to me is too small. But that seems the way the web is going. Maybe I am going blind but I think the writing gets smaller every year. quote: Your one stop shop for handcrafted dichroic glass jewelry and home decor. I would lose the "Your one stop shop for" sounds like spam email material. Just "Dichroic glass jewelry and home decor." And get a new avatar that way people will not forget your URL. CityTown.info < Message edited by CityTownInfo -- 4/18/2004 20:05:46 > (in reply to LoriL1212)


Mojo Posts: 2432 From: Chicago Status: offline	RE: Looking to improve conversion rate - 4/18/2004 21:23:09 GRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr..... Long post and then to stupidity I lost it... Anyhow, the very short version is: What is your current conversion rate? What is your conversion rate per entry point? If you can't answer at least the first point - don't make any changes. Your getting advise in this thread that may or may not help. In fact you could end up losing money by making changes in the dark. You won't know unless you can compare pre and post change data. When you really get serious about making $$ on the web, you will know your conversion rate per entry page. Also remember that an eComm axiom is UGLY SELLS. _____________________________ Split Testing Order Fulfillment Emergency Kits (in reply to CityTownInfo)

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