AuctionBytes 'Critique My Site' Feature: AdLibPromo.com

[Ina]

We are kicking off a new feature called "Critique My Site." This new feature asks readers to visit an ecommerce website and make suggestions on how the merchant can increase its effectiveness and make it more buyer-friendly. Readers can submit their own websites, too!

Today's Critique My Site is AdLibPromo.com
http://www.adlibpromo.com

Details are found in the December 3, 2006 issue of AuctionBytes-Update. Please keep the feedback constructive, and also let us know what Juli is doing right. We'll check back with Juli in the future to see what types of changes she implemented.

[Ina]

Here's a link to the article with more information:
http://auctionbytes.com/cab/abu/y206/m12/abu0180/s03
_________________
Ina Steiner, AuctionBytes.com

[JustDoIt]

Hi, I'm new to the forum but wanted to reply to the new critique forum and specifically to the adlibpromo site that is now being critiqued.

In the header I think I would take out the alphabet where you can click on different breed because you have that further down on that same page. I think I would put a link in the header in a different contrasting color, not blue, that says click here for all dog items, and then add in that same contrasting color "OR scroll down to find your breed" I also think I would try using a different font for the clickable links on the page, something fancier and more professional looking than plain text.

As to clicking on a breed specific t-shirt without a price, could you add "priced from $??? to $??? depending on style" filling in the price range of your item where I put the ?? At least then they would have some idea of the price range of the items they were going to look at. I think I would be more likely to click through if I knew a general idea of the prices.

Well that's my 2 cents worth for the moment. Take Care and Good luck.

Carol

[leeflang_archives]

Juli,

Two commenst on your site:

1) Show what it is you sell on your home page. It is not clear right now. AS a prospective buyer, I would abandon the site if I need minutes to figure out what you sell. IT needs to be shown extensively, in images, illustrations and text.

2) The first page looks disorganized, so amateurish. To inspire buyer's confidence, it needs to be organized logically, categorized, hierarchically and graphically (so different colors and frames. Otherwise it is another reason for abandonment.

3) Your navigation is partially non-intuitive so difficult. The two bars at the top are the caus efor confusion. Try moving the top par vertically to the side and make the 'breeds bar' the main top bar. Also give the bar a name so it is more clear users should use it to navigate. Additionally add a 'search' function. ONly allowing browsing as navigation option is not always welcome as it slows buyers down, especially the ones whow already know what to look for so you nede to help them search faster with a 'search'. Also, nowadays buyers expect a 'search' as standard store search tool. It frustrates if there is none.

4) Make up your mind if you want to go through life with this site as adlibpromotional or yourdogsstuff. Using two different business names is confusing and does not help to get return buyers as they won't easily remember the name. I would recommend only showing a small link at the bottom of your site towards adlibpromotional and call it something like 'an adlibpromotional company'. The your dofgstuff needs to stick as it is most specific to your product line.
_________________
Peter

[online-merchant]

[doxette]

For obvious reasons this site is of interest to me however if it was not for the critiques above I would never have known this was a dog site on the front page and would have moved on without drilling down.

It is different for retailers of new dog items then it is for antique/collectible dealers in how the items are broken down as within your shop all products can be produced for each breed where within my shop they vary depending on what I am able to acquire for each breed, however it is important to break down by breed as you have.

By using two different methods of finding the breed does not look smooth or professional. When first entering the ''dog'' area (which is not identified as to what it is other then dog'') there is an alphabetic list of breeds. The Alphabet at the top (in blue) is not clickable nor does it have a drop down as you do on the breed pages themselves. This should be consistent.

Certain breeds bring up error messages for instance the Cotton gives message ''MER-DTB-00022''

As a dog person I do understand why you are breaking down Labs into the coat colours, however to me it makes more sense to have them listed under the breed Labrador and adding a field to the order to fill in chocolate or yellow if wanted.

Of course as a Dachshund person I am wondering why you do not have the capability to have either smooth, wire or longhair selection.

There are many products that do not have pictures with them. I personally find that a turn off and would never order a product if I could not see the picture of it.

On the Collie page I see Collie both capitalized and not and should be cleaned up to be consistent.

I found that when I went to the FAQ, clicked on one of the questions I had to go back to see the number of the question that I had clicked on to match it up to the answer as it was not really obvious to me which one was the answer to my question....this is a personal pet peeve of mine.

The site does load quickly for me with the stock pictures nice and clear. I would absolutely split the sites.
_________________
Susan

[jcrawford]

Hi Juli,

I have several suggestions on how you can improve your site.
I hope I don't step on your toes.

You need an attention grabbing headline at the top of your site.
You only have a few seconds to tell your visitor what you do and
how you do it better than anyone else. 11 words.
Here is our headline discussion...
http://www.auctionbytes.com/forum/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=6466131&highlight=#6466131

I would take all the nice images and the logo from the pdf file,
and then eliminate it. The pdf logo is much cleaner and simpler.
Make your home page longer. Incorporate some clear sample
images (with links) of your favorite items, and then describe them with your keywords.

Give your visitors detailed instructions on how to "upload"
an image. Over explain each step, just to make them feel comfortable and everything is "safe."

I agree. Either update your site or take that last updated line off.

Your page title is very important.
"Welcome to Adlib Promotional" is not good enough.
You need to use your keywords. You can also optimize all your
images in the alt image and your links with link titles.

Show off your stuff!

"My German Shorthaired Pointer can lick your honor student"

That's funny
_________________
Jim Crawford
"ingenious creativity"
www.CrawfordDirect.com
www.OmahaFineDining.com

[Losdev]

Interesting subject matter Ina, at last something I can comment on with authority

No but seriously, I shall approach this critique in three stages, first I shall 'critique' the site from a store owner perspective and what is not being actioned currently 'off-page' or the basics of being found online...

Second stage will be user perspective and design and the final stage will be conclusions and suggestions....the free ones anyway.

Stage 1

Off page topic or helping new customers find you in the maze of SE's.

This site has been online since 21-10-02 and I must admit a return of less than 250 indexed links would raise concerns. Until I looked further.

This sites meta usage needs urgent attention with a maximum rating of 50% for the title, 46% for the description and 29% for the keywords, the poor old SE bot needs a helping hand Juli.

I would re-read your sites info copy and really digest what you are trying to promote. From these shoots will an acorn grow... and remember, if you cannot be found, there will be no buyers.

Looking at the site at first glance, I could not tell what you did, who you are and where you are....now that leads us into stage 2. But as we approach 9pm here, I need a cuppa. More tomorrow.

Regards
D.Jephcote BSC. PCM. Cert Web Apps. Open
_________________
Website Maintenance
Discount Office Supplies

[Losdev]

Hi Juli

Rested and refreshed, we look at stage 2 and hopefully highlight some issues for you to ponder upon regarding buyer effectiveness.

As eluded to in S1, when I first enter your site I am not too sure of what it is you are offering. Perhaps a new graphic depicting your best seller with some added info about what it is and how do I get one?

One thing that did catch my eye was the new arrivals section. And the first link that takes me away from your site and into the belly of the beast....ebay! full of competition and other sellers items. I appreciate you wish to highlight your reputation but maybe use this in a page within the site or at the very least ensure when they click it opens up in a new window.

Mousepad, mugs etc, these really would benefit from becoming links into products or sections, people will naturally click on these IMHO. A great lead in chance going to waste there.

Your navigation is easy to use but once again, lack of information confuses me as to what I am buying. When I use the 'create your own image' I add something to the basket but what is is and more importantly what can I do with it?

One final thing I would change is the satisfaction guarantee. Make this bigger, bolder, I cannot read the text as it stands.

This list is based on my thoughts only and others may differ, I do hope they do not offend as they are looked into as a prospective buyer.

The list is not exhaustive just a brief overview from my initial findings. I use the snap view deliberately as this is what a new viewer will do. You have less than 10 seconds to hook them.

Best wishes and I shall draft some tips in S3 tomorrow.

Good luck
Regards
D.Jephcote BSC. PCM. Cert Web Apps. (Open)

PS. Did you spot the viewer lead in technique. Well placed bold text in your pages will ensure the viewer reads what you want them too...

...hands up if you read this line. or in this case post
_________________
Website Maintenance
Discount Office Supplies