numismatic site:review, please

maniakas · #1 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 03:42 AM

Hello everyone. I would like to ask to review my website about coins of Lithuania:
-*Frontpage
This is English version. Please note that there is little content (only Lithuania, only early money, from Algirdas to Casimir IV).
Gallery is still not translated itno English (LDK monetos = Coins of Lithuania) and the "Lenkijos monetos" (Polish coins) gallery still does not work.
Site uses Typo3 CMS, template and forums runs SMF.

I am expecting positive critics: what is done good and what needs improving.
Thanks in advance.

Chuckmiser · #2 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 04:42 AM

Looks like the page will be appealing.

From a SEO point of view I would not make a site live before optimizing the index page at a min.

1 title
2 description
3 keywords
4 alt tags on images

Once the search engines get a look at your website the search engines will start collecting data. Yours says nothing to the search bots. You do not want to have something that is not complete live until you take care of the basics in my opinion, but what do I know I live in Cambodia!

maniakas · #3 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 11:37 AM

I wish I know how to add keywords in Typo3...Seriously, freelancer made it for me, I know the minimum needed to add coin/gallery.
Will try to enter alt images on images as this is not very difficult.

davebarnes · #4 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 11:59 AM

Maniakas,

You have a decision to make, you are either:
1. going to concentrate on coins and leave the website construction to someone else
or
2. become knowledgeable about websites in general and very knowledgeable about using Typo3 in particular

Most of our advice is going to be technical in nature.

,dave

Chuckmiser · #5 (**permalink**) 04-16-2008, 02:52 PM

Learn a little more everyday. I am not familar with your program I would suggest that you get a copy of Dreamweaver if you are going to be the webmaster. Using freelancers is great but doing it yourself means that you control your site

Good Luck to you!

maniakas · #6 (**permalink**) 04-17-2008, 01:51 AM

Thanks to everyone for critics. Introduced keywords, changed title, will start working with alt-word for images.
I used Dreamweaver before for my other site (talonai.com), but found static HTML very bad. I had >140 HTML files and as my site was about public transportation tickets, sometimes 1 change meant changing of 3-4 files. And yes, I had English & Russian versions too. I was overworked, so switched to CMS. Now I use Joomla and am very satisfied.
I will learn Typo3, step by step, to the level where I would know all I need to know.
Are there any suggestions about the site?

irodgers · #7 (**permalink**) 04-18-2008, 09:23 PM

Confused. I couldn't see what you are selling. I expected to see pictures of coins and prices. I couldn't find that.

When I clicked on "Categories" I probably saw categories (not sure) but no detail within that. No prices and pics. I saw Varna mentioned under "Polish Categories" and I recognised that as a place on the Black Sea. Did Poland control Varna at some point and issue coins? If so do you need to tell people or do they already know?

What do I do if I want to buy some early Polish coins from you? Make it easy for me please I'm just a consumer - or do I need to be a fanatic hunting for treasure? If so your site would have more appeal than I think.

maniakas · #8 (**permalink**) 04-19-2008, 04:11 AM

Thanks for review. It is my fault I did not mention: I do not sell or buy. It is just a catalogue. Maybe one day I will be selling coins - but not now.
This site is intended to be online catalogue of coins - primary serving as database of Lithuanian coins, then those of Poland and other related states.
Now up to Categories. These brings up menu:
-*Categories
If you press "Poland", you will see:
-*Categories
a list of rulers, starting with the first Polish-Lithuanian king Vladislaus Jagiello ending with the 1831 rebellion. You are expected to make a choice which position intertests you.
Poland is empty - currently only first Lithuanian coins (ALgirdas-Casimir IV) fnction. Let us say, you open category "Lithuania" and choose "Algirdas":
-*Categories
You see there are two types of coins struck under Algirdas: halfgroat and twopence. If you wish to see more detailed descrioption, you are expected to click on link:
-*Categories
And you see it

Vladislavaus of Varna was Jagiello's son who died in a battle at Varna. Poles call him in that way: Wladyslaw Warnienczyk, Vladislaus of Varna. Poland had no control over this territory.