My new communications and marketing blog

[Tuumble]

I've just launched a new communications and marketing blog which features hints and tip, news, views, video content and free resources such as press release templates targeted at small businesses and individuals.

Orbell Communications

It currently uses free hosting via Wordpress and has a naff Hotmail email address but I will change this. I have someone on the case who will convert it for me.

It's early days and I have lots to add but I would be interested to hear of people's views on the site as it stands. Is it simple to use and readable? Is the content useful? What about the widgets featuring chat and video content?

What I'm trying to do with the site is to empower individuals and small businesses to at least have a go at marketing themselves. Without practice, how will they improve?

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

On a quick glance, I think it looks good. I'm definitely going to look further into it when I have some time.

Good going, Tuumble!

[Tuumble]

I've just added a podcast section which converts my written posts into audio podcasts using Odiogo.

On first listen I was in hysterics but it is actually a great tool. The sound is very good considering the software has to make certain assumptions regarding voice inflections.

To get an idea how it works subscribe to my podcast from the top right hand corner of the blog page.

Orbell Communications

[Tuumble]

I would like to take the opportunity to invite guest authors to contribute to my new communications blog site.

Unfortunately I am not in a position to pay for material at the moment but you would retain all rights to anything provided. My site would essentially be your opportunity to showcase your work on the topics listed earlier in this thread.

Those accepted will be promoted as 'Guest Writer of the Week' which means you will be given a special biography section and contact links as a way of spreading your reputation. I also plan to include guest designers, photographers and media professionals as well.

So there you have it. This is your chance to spread YOUR word - let's hear from you!

http://orbellcommunications.wordpress.com

Please send me a PM or email me through the website to find out more.

[PhilK]

Since you asked here are my thoughts:

the first impression is quite good. The look is professional. Personally I don't like full screen websites that much. Therefore my suggestion would be to narrow down the content section a bit (probably creating a second sidebar on the right instead).

You could try to give a little more space between the individual widgets.

I noticed that you say 'subscribe to my podcast' but in the the main nav you have a link 'contact us'. At the about page we learn that you are an individual (letting us know more about you at the biography page - which is nice - and we have the same haircut). I strongly suggest to use 'contact me' in the main nav. It adds personality to your website.

Hope that helps you. Feel free to contact me any time.
Greetings,
PhilK

[PhilK]

Two more things:

You should have a Audio page just like on Steve's site. Personally I'd be interested in your first podcast but don't feel like subscribing to it right now. Make the audio files available at your website.

Second: Your portrait picture is jumping a bit on hover (mouse over). I guess that is because you place a 1px border around the image on hover.

PhilK

[Tuumble]

Hi Phil - thanks for the feedback! It was really helpful especially in light of the work that you do.

Since you asked here are my thoughts:

The first impression is quite good. The look is professional. Personally I don't like full screen websites that much. Therefore my suggestion would be to narrow down the content section a bit (probably creating a second sidebar on the right instead).

I will need to check on how to do that - not sure it is possible using current free settings.

You could try to give a little more space between the individual widgets.

This may also be down to restrictions in the settings for a free Wordpress blog. I've tried once before to space them out without success but I will check again.

I noticed that you say 'subscribe to my podcast' but in the the main nav you have a link 'contact us'.

Good point. I shall change the contact tab and associated links.

At the about page we learn that you are an individual (letting us know more about you at the biography page - which is nice - and we have the same haircut). I strongly suggest to use 'contact me' in the main nav. It adds personality to your website.

Will do.

You should have a Audio page just like on Steve's site. Personally I'd be interested in your first podcast but don't feel like subscribing to it right now. Make the audio files available at your website.

As I said, the set up of the site is still quite basic and I'm not sure what is available in terms of hosting audio files for free. However, there are certainly ways around this in the short term by using sites such as zShare as host. What I can certainly do for now is add a list of 'chunky' audio files of the most important articles of two minutes or more. The audio files on site updates are probably not quite so important at this stage. I really do want to make this resource better so changes like this may come into effect once I upgrade next month.

Your portrait picture is jumping a bit on hover (mouse over). I guess that is because you place a 1px border around the image on hover.

Yes, that is a little annoying. To be honest it doesn't need to be a link which is what I think causes it. I will check the code anyway.

[PhilK]

Thanks for your long reply message. It is great to see that my thoughts have been helpful.

Portrait pic:
If you can simply delete the link when editing your biography page your picture should not jump like that anymore. You are right about that...

I'm looking forward to see your site grow!

Also, thanks for your private message!
Greetings,
PhilK