Hi

I posted my site for review in this forum some time ago and have now made substantial changes following the feedback received.

Can I ask that you take the time to review my site and let me have your feedback, ideas, etc. Both positive and negative feedback are welcome as both give me the opportunity to learn from other experience.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to review my site.

Tom

I don't care for the black background. It makes it hard to read for me.

You might get more post to your message if you add the site link in the message area.

Webhost1
www.yourweb.info

Thanks for taking the time to review my site.

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Thomas Blanche
www.design-a-cushions.co.uk

Whoa. The content of your landing page takes up four screens at 1024x768 and 5.5 screens at 800x600. With a few, simple design changes, you could get all the content to appear in only one or two screens, and still avoid clutter.

What is the point of the landing page? The "real" home page is laid out much better.

Also, it is 2005 and your site still hasn't reaped the benefits of CSS (style sheets)? Why not?

Thanks for your comments.

What simple design changes would you suggest - I am always keen to hear new ideas.

Thanks again

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Thomas Blanche
www.design-a-cushions.co.uk

Thanks for your comments.

Can I ask what simple design changes you mean - I am always happy to consider any changes suggested.

Thanks again for your time.

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Thomas Blanche
www.design-a-cushions.co.uk

You could start be decreasing the font size; it's large, even on 1024x768. Also, you have an enormous amount of empty space on the right side. You could have two columns, or perhaps even three, while making the page easier to understand.

You are currently using a <table>-based layout and no CSS. A better option would be to use positioned and/or floated <div> tags to display your content. You have at least one <div> in your markup already, but it resides within a <td> tag, rendering it superfluous.

~Matt

Thanks for the advice Matt.

I will start working on it soon.

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Thomas Blanche
www.design-a-cushions.co.uk

The black background, too large font and funky table formatting makes the site look very, very amaturish.
I would think twice before purchasing from this site - but I wouldn't hesitate to use it for price comparison.

I know you're probably proud of the navigation graphic...maybe a friend designed it for you and there's emotional attachment...but it is not very professional looking.

May I ask: Why Design-a-Cushion(s) instead of Design-a-Cushion?

snowflakegirl

http://www.papersnowflakes.com

You state:
" We update our site frequently. Please ensure that your browser is set to check for newer versions of stored pages."

However, as your pages are in frames, all any browser sees is the frameset page: www.blancheweb.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/default2.htm The frames are likely due to you using free hosting.

You really need to get serious if you want customers to order. You need real hosting, a proper design, no frames and a shopping cart or even paypal order buttons, though I think you have too many products for this.

It's a pity because you have nice range of products there...

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Paul Bilton design services ~ Sites not Sights

Get rid of the intro page with those "enter site" pics. Just have your intro page be your base page with the menu on the left.

Maybe try a white background with blue text, it will look more professional.

The menu doesn't look very professional, might want to change this.

Make the links a different color than the text so they stand out more.

Get rid of the guestbook.

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UniversityAuction.NET Webmaster
http://universityauction.net

I'm afraid I would agree with other comments - you don't need a splash page with the 'click to enter' button, the text is too large, and the black background is too harsh.

You are selling luxury items for the home, and maybe your site could reflect this more - use warm colours - in your font and background to promote a homely cosy image. Your menu gives the impression you are selling technical/funky modern gadgets with the metal colour - again this could reflect the home aspect.

Using css gives the site a much cleaner finish even if you still use tables it makes the styling much slicker, and keeps a consistency throughout your site, Consistency suggests a professional approach and attention to detail.

Your top logo is also very bright. IMO it would be nice, as I said, to change the colours and theme though. A paypal link and shopping cart would also help browsers trust you to buy from you.

The pictures are fine, but maybe could be a little more dramatic and eye catching, again with some consistency in the background/set up of each image.

Also I am not sure if the color range section of the menu is entirely necessary, but it may be relevant - I did not have chance to go through the site in detail.

I hope some of this helps, you have nice products and friendly text - good luck!

I agree with pagetta.

If your selling top items. Then the whole site has to look TOPS!

Excellent Reviews by others as well.

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Have you ever considered a template?

You really need some Style to your site as well. It's just too BLAH and your target is not going to buy much I'm affraid.

We have Free ones if you want as well.

Just an FYI .. also Black never sells. ( At least in the past few years ) I've seen many sites fail and most have dark and colors that throw buyers off.

Cheers!

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Online Since 2003 & TemplateMonster, Logos, Design Software, Custom Websites