Adding Value Questions

[LizP]

Hi folks,
Was wondering whether anyone could suggest anything to assist me here. I have been working flat out at developing Cape Town Area Guide & Photo Gallery.

The Cape Town tourism market is a saturated market no doubt about it, but I don't see anyone else offering an area map with photos for the Cape.

My questions are:

1) Do you feel that there is good value-add with this concept?
2) Does anyone have suggestions for better content and improvements?
3) Does anyone have suggestions how I should go about promoting this site?

I'd be curious to hear anyone's responses, since it seems there are a lot of internet-pros here, and I'm a fledgling at this..... :-)

Regards,
Liz

[Justin Razmus]

There is a lot I like about your site, and then a few suggestion I would like to make.

First of all, I love the concept. The site is nice, the pictures are great! Clicking on the map takes you to another map section with photos, it's all good. I think there is value in that.

In my opinion, I think you should slightly re-design the front page. It doesn't pull you in, and looks a little dated. If nothing else, updating the logo at the top of the page, and maybe adding a larger high quality photo in the center of the page, could really make it look more exciting.

The navigation through the site is easy and straight forward, that all works well.

For advertising, there are several free ways to bring traffic to your site. You can find discussion forums on travel, and become the specialist on your target area, answering people's questions, starting new threads, etc... Also, be sure to post free ads on craigslist, and any other free ad sites you can find. Another place to publicize your site is on popular blogs that allow comments. Look for travel blogs, add some valuable comments, and be sure there is a link to your site, if allowed. Just get your site info out anywhere they will let you!

Keep adding more content to your site, maybe add a section where people can post their travel stories.

Keep up the good work.

[LizP]

Hi Justin,

Thanks for that advice. I'll definitely be implementing your suggestions! I've been punting the site directly on a couple of forums, but probably another good way is as you suggest, by becoming an expert in the area and just having the URL in my signature.

I'll do something about the front page. I'm a techie geek, and artistic stuff, marketing stuff and stuff that "draws people in" is not my forte. I'm busy working on that aspect. The front page will be a good test as I calibrate these skills.

Regards,
Liz
CAPE TOWN AREA GUIDE & PHOTO GALLERY