Your honest opinion about my website

[Mcoroklo]

I need your sincere help...

I recently started my website YouFirm.net. Since then I've added posts and articles regularly. I write about optimizing your business, primary online, by:

• Optimizing your conversion rates
• Upselling
• Getting more visitors
• General advice

Now it is time to get some real, honest feedback instead of judging by the Google Analytics numbers (which by the way seem to be good)! ;-)

Therefore - if you are a nice person :

1. Visit the website www.YouFirm.net
2. Look around - do what you want
3. Write all your thoughts, feedback and anything else!

I do not care if you don't know anything about these subjects, just give me your opinion!

PS: Thanks a lot for leaving some comment! I really appreciate it!

[hervens]

The website's alright. The colors are not verry attracting, but they all match, so thats good.
However, some advice I may have would be to get a more attractive logo. Something thats a bit more unique.

Also, in the Quality Newsletter section towards the right, I would probably change the title to something like: "Get my free ebook", with a picture of the ebook under it.

Also: "I write when I've something important to share"
Did you mean: "I write when I've got something important to share"?

Other than that, great job, and never stop improving it.

[James81]

Originally Posted by hervens

Also: "I write when I've something important to share"
Did you mean: "I write when I've got something important to share"?

Actually, the first one is grammatically correct (albeit a little clunky to read). The one you suggest would be grammatically incorrect.

A more fluid way to write that would be "I write I have something important to share."

******

Anyway, I really love the colors and the theme design of your website. I think it's great...it's pleasant on the eyes, but it's not too flashy or overly designed.

In terms of what you can improve, the only thing I could spot on a quick glance was that your blog posts could have more meat to them. I have a personal rule that if I can't cover a topic in decent depth in a blog post, then I don't write it. I was banging in about 4000 words per post when I last wrote blog articles.

But I wouldn't shoot for anything less than about 2000 words. If you want to deliver value, then add more depth to blog posts and really cover the topic thoroughly when you write it. I know the standard advice is to keep your posts at 500 to 1000 words, but that's what everybody is doing. If you want to separate yourself from the competition, then go over and above and beyond what everybody else is doing.

I offer you Personal Development for Smart People - Steve Pavlina as evidence as to why this is true.

[Swifthawk]

Originally Posted by James81

Actually, the first one is grammatically correct (albeit a little clunky to read). The one you suggest would be grammatically incorrect.

A more fluid way to write that would be "I write I have something important to share."

******

Anyway, I really love the colors and the theme design of your website. I think it's great...it's pleasant on the eyes, but it's not too flashy or overly designed.

In terms of what you can improve, the only thing I could spot on a quick glance was that your blog posts could have more meat to them. I have a personal rule that if I can't cover a topic in decent depth in a blog post, then I don't write it. I was banging in about 4000 words per post when I last wrote blog articles.

But I wouldn't shoot for anything less than about 2000 words. If you want to deliver value, then add more depth to blog posts and really cover the topic thoroughly when you write it. I know the standard advice is to keep your posts at 500 to 1000 words, but that's what everybody is doing. If you want to separate yourself from the competition, then go over and above and beyond what everybody else is doing.

I offer you Personal Development for Smart People - Steve Pavlina as evidence as to why this is true.

I agree with what has been said here, and since Mcoroklo chimed in on my site then I will return the favor.

I think the design is cool. Nice colors that flow and the font is perfect.

The whole site flows relatively well.

The best thing I would suggest is to have a nice looking, but simple logo for the site with some sort of "icon" that people can connect with the site. Some simple logo would work.

Something sort of like Mindtools.com.

It wouldnt add too much flash but it would give the site some personality.

[Smitten]

Design looks pretty good, and content goes from decent to pretty darn good... although it feels you're still trying to find your voice (no problems there, since you're starting out).

You've got some interesting articles going, but some of them are too short; aim for over 1,000 words bare minimum; the more the better, as long as it's not fluff. Love the piece on SEO new trends. Good job on structuring those articles with headers.

Show us more topics to choose from in that "recent posts" widget!

One thing I most certainly advise you to change is your newsletter hook; currently... there's none.

"How the world of business is changing"... just doesn't make me wanna give away e-mail (although I did ;-) ). I would try thinking of a catchier name for the report; something like "Facts you don't know about the new world of business", or "Survival guide for a brand new business world".

Try a more persuasive call to action, too. How about:

This is a FREE report you cannot *afford* missing.
Input your e-mail and I'll send a copy to your inbox, right now!





All in all... good work, keep it up!

[KaleidoskopicVision]

Looks like every other web 2.0 blogosite out there.

[gigamasterhammer]

Hi Lars,

here are some things you could improve:

1. Change your tagline. "Conversion, Upsell and visitors" is not good enough.

2. On your Resources page: Is this an affiliate link to Aweber? If yes, you could also join the affiliate programs of elance.com and odesk.com.

3. Depending on your monetization strategy, I would move the newsletter to the top of your sidebar.

4. Maybe put something in your footer. This could be your bio, most popular posts, etc.

5. Your content seems good, but the headlines are not. Nobody is reading your content if the headline sucks. copyblogger.com and viperchill.com have great posts about writing the best headlines.

For the start, this should be enough.

[Mcoroklo]

A deep sincere thanks to everyone!

I've read all of your posts and thought about every single point you've made.

hervens:
I agree. It won't be #1 on my priority list, but definitely very important when other issues are resolved.

The newsletter text is not that good - i agree! Thanks.

James:
I agree. I've decided to update the earlier articles and in the future the minimum length should be 1500 words. Thanks.

Swifthawk:
Same as hervens. Thanks!

Smitten:
Ok, I confess. My scandinavian *DON'T HYPE* is too much. I'll fix it soon! I agree on the article part. Thanks!

KaleidoskopicVision:
Hit's the nail on the head. I will continue to update and upgrade.. And of course, make some new things which has never been seen before. Thanks.

gigamasterhammer:
Thanks! Good points. Will definitively work on those.



....

And trust me, when all this is updated - I will return! ;-)

Again, thanks a bunch!

[Brutha]

It's not clear what the visitor is supposed to do after arriving on your page. Too many different choices/too confusing.

Don't change the way you spell your name.
Wither YOUFIRM or YouFirm. It doesn't make sense to use both at different times.
User fewer different font sizes would probably make the website look more professional.

(yes, those fine images above is clickable)

If you have to write that images are clickable you know that you have an UX problem.
I would probably make the images look more button like by giving them a nonwhite background.

If you want a soft start, read my how to use this website guide.

Website are supposed to be simple to understand. I don't want to read a manual to understand a website.

[reidchj]

I like the colors. The tans and browns are easy on the eyes and the colored circle graphic pops on them.

My only critique is everything is a little "busy"

The content is all over the place with no clear direction to go to first. Maybe have a sticky "start here"

Also: "YouFirm helps smaller businesses with conversion rates, up-selling and visitors online"

That sounds good, but what does that mean? Elaborate, but keep it simple. HOW can you help me?

[KaleidoskopicVision]

Originally Posted by Brutha

It's not clear what the visitor is supposed to do after arriving on your page. Too many different choices/too confusing.

This is also a very good piece of advice. Simplify that site!

[Mcoroklo]

Several people have asked for the site to be simplified.

What would simplify the site for you without removing features? :-)

[KaleidoskopicVision]

Originally Posted by Mcoroklo

Several people have asked for the site to be simplified.

What would simplify the site for you without removing features? :-)

Sadly, my answer is one you probably won't want to hear:

Removing features would help.

However removing some of the bordering and excessive html boxes would make it easier on the eyes, try mapping the site more intuitively if you're really attached to those features. Oh and by intuitive I don't mean dropdown menus, those tend to give people problems.

Also the nav bar at the top is WAY too typical! Make it distinctive and personal.

Home / Recent Articles (instead of Blog) / Archived Articles / Tips! (instead of Free Advice, free advice sounds cheap and unhelpful, Tips sounds friendly, useful and above all easy to mentally digest!) / YouFirm Training (instead of University, calling any online venture a University implies a whole lot of things you don't want to be implying) / Resources / About / Contact

And that should be your address bar.

[Mcoroklo]

*** Big update ***

I've updated the site quite a lot:

• Totally new front-page. Way less text.
• Split testing video vs. newsletter signup on frontpage
• New sidebar
• Logo in the top
• New newsletter hook
• New names in navigation

Working on right now
At least 50% of the articles are being updated offline right now. That means both new headlines and additional content.

Does anyone have new feedback?

[KaleidoskopicVision]

Originally Posted by Mcoroklo

*** Big update ***

I've updated the site quite a lot:

• Totally new front-page. Way less text.
• Split testing video vs. newsletter signup on frontpage
• New sidebar
• Logo in the top
• New newsletter hook
• New names in navigation

Working on right now
At least 50% of the articles are being updated offline right now. That means both new headlines and additional content.

Does anyone have new feedback?

Yes I do. Change Articles to Archives in the address bar, get a catchier headline address ("Conversion rates, better upselling and more visitors" just doesn't scream helpful unless the person really knows their stuff, try something more catchy and user friendly like "Solid ways to turn your website into profit!" or something along those lines).

Fix grammatical errors. Also use less winky faces in the feature buttons, the winks seem a bit disconcerting, as if there's some sort of unacknowledged payment to be made.

[FelixRicherd]

I am seeing lots of advertizing here, anyways keep it up.

[antiperfectionist]

Originally Posted by FelixRicherd

I am seeing lots of advertizing here, anyways keep it up.

U should go with Joomla then wordpress.If u need help then shoot me up !!
Besides Footer sucks and to go the siderbar of the header section as well.
No offenses but all my opinion.

[phoniex]

Your site looks cool the color you selected is good . The loading time of the site is also fast. Add some images to your site to attract more .
Create the menus in photo editors with good looks it will boost your website more.

[Haupi]

The website is tight, clean and flows smoothly to me. You have a clear, professional speaking voice on the video. Okay, it does look like a lot of other videos, but so what. Your information is clear and straight forward - which is what I'd be looking for in a site such a yours. It looks like a winner to me but what do I know to be honest. Just my two cents. Good Luck!

[mpescetti]

Originally Posted by Mcoroklo

I need your sincere help...

I recently started my website YouFirm.net. Since then I've added posts and articles regularly. I write about optimizing your business, primary online, by:

• Optimizing your conversion rates
• Upselling
• Getting more visitors
• General advice

Now it is time to get some real, honest feedback instead of judging by the Google Analytics numbers (which by the way seem to be good)! ;-)

Therefore - if you are a nice person :

1. Visit the website www.YouFirm.net
2. Look around - do what you want
3. Write all your thoughts, feedback and anything else!

I do not care if you don't know anything about these subjects, just give me your opinion!

PS: Thanks a lot for leaving some comment! I really appreciate it!

You have virtually no value on the homepage... start with a conversational/sales letter approach, e.g. headline, dear ---, value, benefits, call-to-action.

You need to speak to your target audience, whoever that is.

Your headlines for your articles don't have any bite. Get a little more audacious!

Your brand doesn't come through anything on the homepage... You have an opportunity to really create something distinct here. Take advantage of the opportunity you've imagined into being and really set yourself apart more creatively.

[ButterflyWoman]

The biggest thing that stands out for me is you're soliciting my email address, not once but TWICE on the same page, and you have zero information about what you're going to do with it.

Presumably you have a newsletter, but what are the terms on that? How do I opt out? Will you share my address with someone else? How do you store your data, and is it susceptible to easy theft or scraping or other means that spammers use to grab addresses? Will you actually SELL my email address?

Do you see what I mean?

Most people are wary of handing out their information without knowing what you're going to do with it.

Also: "Large cooperation’s know what they are doing!"

What is a cooperation? Do you mean corporation? Or is there some sort of organisation called a cooperation (I've heard of co-operatives, usually shortened to co-op)?

And this claim:

This is a really great offer, which can help you become the top 5%. By implementing these how to’s, you can get way more visitors to your website, learn to convert them into sales and how to up-sell them afterwards.

That makes me wonder... if these are all so great, why isn't your site in the top 5%? And why don't you know about privacy statements when soliciting personal information? (I'm not saying you're doing anything improper with the information! I'm just telling you what I would think if I hit your site, assuming I was looking for this kind of information.)

[Mcoroklo]

You have virtually no value on the homepage... start with a conversational/sales letter approach, e.g. headline, dear ---, value, benefits, call-to-action.

You need to speak to your target audience, whoever that is.

Your headlines for your articles don't have any bite. Get a little more audacious!

Your brand doesn't come through anything on the homepage... You have an opportunity to really create something distinct here. Take advantage of the opportunity you've imagined into being and really set yourself apart more creatively.

Virtually no value? Aight - I am very interested to hear how you got the feeling? There are quite a lot who really liked the articles and actually shared them on both social media and other forums, but since you get that feeling - I would love to know what have to happen to change your mind?

There are quite a lot articles with new value which you won't really find anywhere (Enneagram Marketing and New metrics in SEO as two examples).

Also, do you know any proof which tells that conversational sales letter sells better? My own split tests show quite otherwise. But I might be wrong.

I agree on the rest part.

The biggest thing that stands out for me is you're soliciting my email address, not once but TWICE on the same page, and you have zero information about what you're going to do with it.

Presumably you have a newsletter, but what are the terms on that? How do I opt out? Will you share my address with someone else? How do you store your data, and is it susceptible to easy theft or scraping or other means that spammers use to grab addresses? Will you actually SELL my email address?

Do you see what I mean?

Most people are wary of handing out their information without knowing what you're going to do with it.

Well, in Denmark - where the site is hosted - ther are no rules about those things. Also, there is no rules that you have to write a physical address in the newsletters.

To be honest: i've never met anyone in my businesses who expressed those concerns. I am really glad you did so I can do something about it! :-) Thanks.

This is a really great offer, which can help you become the top 5%. By implementing these how to’s, you can get way more visitors to your website, learn to convert them into sales and how to up-sell them afterwards.
That makes me wonder... if these are all so great, why isn't your site in the top 5%? And why don't you know about privacy statements when soliciting personal information? (I'm not saying you're doing anything improper with the information! I'm just telling you what I would think if I hit your site, assuming I was looking for this kind of information.)

Thanks - I get what you mean. I'll add way more prove so the top 5% is way more understandable! ;-)