Respectfully asking for your review of my very newly launched website. :)

I did the w3c validation and checked out the bobby site. I did the best I could with w3c. As for bobby.. that freaked me out.

http://cattery-index.com

__________________
Regards,
Larke
Cattery-Index.com

After first taking a look at your code, this right here is something you don't need:
<meta name="revisit-after" content="7 days">

As I found out myself, that tag is reall outdated, and is more of a "myth" than anything else. There are talks that a site might not even be accepted in certain SE's if that tag is found anywhere near the code (exaggerating).

The site itself is actually well-done. The one thing that sticks out, however, is your logo. I find many people nowadays that are creating a logo that looks like the WordArt in Microsoft Word. What I suggest doing is finding a great font instead and work from there (the cats, by the way, can be kept in the logo). There is a reason why I say this: some sites can lose their credibility just for their logo. If you have some trouble submit it to the logo forum: http://www.webproworld.com/viewforum.php?f=26

Hope this helps...

Thank you very much for the review, salomon741.

I have removed the meta for revisit after 7 days.

As for the logo, I made that from scratch with photoshop *blush*. And here I thought I was so clever lol. I will definately look in the forum you suggested and perhaps create something a bit more professional looking.

Again, thank you kindly for your post :)

__________________
Regards,
Larke
Cattery-Index.com

The whole point of this site (I think) is "A comprehensive directory of Catteries world wide." - Where are they? Eventually found them at the BOTTOM of the menu - then the directory is at the bottom of that page and then categorized by cat, not by area/location. I wanted to search and I couldn't then I couldn't even get back home!

You have a great idea and a good looking site that needs a bit more thought. You should state clearly what area(s) you cover - you can't hope to cover the world properly. Consistant navigation and a search facility are essential...

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Paul Bilton design services ~ Sites not Sights

Paul B, thank you for your reply.

There are several references to the cattery index itself on the front page. The menu of course, but also under the description of the site itself. The description is not only in a header tag but also at the top of the page. The link is within and clearly states "Cattery Index Database".

If you still feel that finding the Cattery Index is not clear or obvious enough, perhaps you might have a suggestion?

The Cattery Index is seperated into 3 categories. Canadian, USA and International. Then it is categorized by breed within each of those locations. I try to make sure every listing has the state/province/country listed. The reason it is set up that way is to keep it as simple as possible for those that submit their sites to the Index. As it is, I must view every new listing to make sure they list it in the correct area.

As for 'covering the world properly'. Yes, I believe I can. I am constantly seeking new listings both by reciprocal link requests and hopefully by visitors to the site.

The search feature is something I've been working on all day. I am still tweaking it. You likely had a bad experience because of that. Furthermore, until a few hours ago I still had inconsistent results for various reasons. Reasons I'm aware of and am able to resolve. I continue to work on that tonight. In fact you may have used the old search method from freefind at the time. I've since found a better solution.

My main goal was to have a comprehensive listing of catteries. The majority of listings/directories out there currently are far more jumbled than what I already have on my 1 month old site. My second goal is to provide a very targeted audience with web design solutions and features (free and paid) that are far superior than what a lot of them are actually paying for now. Cattery webmasters and owners shouldn't have such a hard time finding the resources they need to create an online presence. I mean to address that. Several of my ideas are not yet on the site.

I invite you to again have a look at the Index and see if you still feel the same way?

__________________
Regards,
Larke
Cattery-Index.com

Getting even better - I would remove the extra click (Cattery Index > Canadian Catteries / Cat Associations / International Catteries / USA Catteries) and list these at the top of your main menu. I if you live in Germany, you will not normally be intereseted in Canadian catteries and want to go direct to your country/area.

I mentioned covering the world, because as a cat owner myself (if 'owning'a cat is possible), I would be looking for somewhere within say 10 miles of home and would nopt naturally go to a Canadian based site first. Rather than the quote in your banner ("A cat sees no good reason why it should obey another animal, even if it does stand on two legs." - Sarah Thompson") which will not do much to improve your SE ranking, I would list the counties you cover. I do like a Home button too...

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Paul Bilton design services ~ Sites not Sights

Paul, I just played around with the index page settings for an hour or two. I change the categories to list at the top of the page. And added some extra navigation links. I also seperated the pages so that they will be shorter to scroll (this wasn't an apparent problem until more catteries were listed).

The directory structure should be far easier to navigate (and search) now.

If I could reasonably break down "International Catteries" to individual countries, I would. Any suggestions here would be great.

Also of note may be that the search feature does pick up states, countries and even towns. If the cattery description has that in them (most listings are provided by the owner itself). Though due to the 3+ letter requirement, abbreviated states (for example) won't show up via search.

The random quotes at the top of the page are really just for fun. They are site wide, mostly. If one is owned by a cat, one must have a sense of humor, after all.

Also, catteries often do seek out catteries in other countries to import bloodlines. The cattery index is not only benificial for people looking for a pet kitten, but for breeders to find other breeders. :)

Lastly, there is a home button via the left menu, the static links at the bottom of all pages and by clicking the logo/banner itself..

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Regards,
Larke
Cattery-Index.com

I've updated the header area to reflect a more business-like logo. The header now includes a direct link to catteries by location (country).

I've kept my other logo for different pages. Or should I keep it consistent site-wide?

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Regards,
Larke
Cattery-Index.com

Well my site has been running for 2 months now. And I have yet to make a sale grr.

As previous posts state, I have some free features to GET people to the site. I have had some decent hits and interest in the Cattery Index.

But I have yet to get one custom website design sale or a full page ad sale.

There are other similar websites that have a cat breeder targetted audience. None of them, in my opinion, offer the quality or experience in web design that I can. I realize that my so called experience and quality may not be up to par for huge business sites, but in comparison to the design quality that catteries are paying for now. You bet I could do better.

So what could I do better to get those sales?

__________________
Regards,
Larke
Cattery-Index.com

Hi Again

I feel it is a little unrealistic to expect a rush of 'cold' sales of for web designs on a cattery directory site.

Here are some reasons why you have had no sales:

- the web sites are buried in all the other test
- it is not 100% clear what you are offering with "Cattery Web Design". This should be something 'Calling Cattery Owners - get a website!' or 'Get YOUR Cattery online'. Or 'Your Cattery.com - a website and email for your cattery'
- The % of online purchase to visitor is small. There is no direct correlation - but a very rough rule of thumb on ecommerce site I have built and one I run myself a minimum usually is 500 visits to one sale- that assumes you are offering something that people want and it is very competitively priced.
- I have a feeling what you are offering in hosting and websites is a tad too techy for your average Cattery owner. Maybe an approach like 'Your Cattery online for only $49' would be better - and have that as an advertising banner.

Hope this helps.

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Paul Bilton design services ~ Sites not Sights

That helps a lot Paul! Thank you so much for replying. I have some ideas already. :)

__________________
Regards,
Larke
Cattery-Index.com