New website

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Permalink Reply by Larry Berman on September 11, 2009 at 9:33pm

Hi Teressa,
I've e-mailed you a list of suggestions.

Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
Test Your Jury Images and Presentation
http://JuryImages.com
412-767-8644

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Permalink Reply by Robin Anne Cooper on September 11, 2009 at 9:54pm

Teressa,

I think you have a very nice website but it is way heavy on bandwidth takes awhile to load and I have DSL. Normally a splash page is a big turn off as it is just one more thing to sit through or click through to get to what I really want, which in content. Moving text is hard to read and is considered a major no no. I like the ease of navigation on your site but question what the number one purpose of the site is, to inform or sell product.

I think you have a lot of good stuff happening and as you get further along in website ownership you will find the perfect mix of things that work for you.

Hope this helps.

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Permalink Reply by Teressa Rose-Disney on September 11, 2009 at 10:00pm

Thank you for your input. The website is supposed to be a selling tool. It is another way to put my products out to people. This is the first time I've have ever had or built a website and I am quite sure I still have a lot to learn. Thank you for your input and hopefully as I progress with this website or others, I will get better with it.

Teressa

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Permalink Reply by Amy Schulz on September 12, 2009 at 9:21am

Hi Teressa. A couple of things that I see. I agree about the scrolling text. It does not have an elegant feel at all. Why do your necklaces have tax included? If you are selling out of the state you do not charge tax. Having your gallery with the pricing is good, but then having them to go to the for sale page is annoying. I would not want to look for it again to purchase. The pics on the purchase page are too small to really see the workmanship. You can have a smaller thumbnail size if you can click on it to open it in a larger format. This will help with the time it takes to load which is indeed slow. The pictures are a bit on the dark side to see the coloring of the stones (brown background). It is better to have a consistant background. I see gray and brown. Is this a lighting issue? I have a mixture on my pieces, but am trying to get them to be consistant in the future. Many of the necklaces, I would like to see the rest of it- goes back to having a link to a larger pic. You have one button as "up coming events" instead of "upcoming events" as it is listed on the actual page. Nowhere that I saw does the site tell us who you are. I love the part with Chloe. Assuming she is your daughter, but it does not say. Also- did she make the jewelry or you? Assuming you, but that is unclear.

Well, those are the issues that I see. Just like our displays, a website will be ever changing to avoid being stagnant and as we learn and change. I feel bad that I listed so many things, but you did ask for imput. :-) Your jewelry is beautiful. I think it is very neat and interesting that you have a kiosk. Would love to hear how that is working out for you. Best of luck!

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Permalink Reply by Teressa Rose-Disney on September 12, 2009 at 6:42pm

Thank You for your input. I will take all of it into consideration.

Teressa

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Sholund on September 13, 2009 at 4:26pm

Teressa,
Wait!!! You're in my neck of the woods??? Westminster! I saw this on your website. How cool!

In general the website is nice - nice style and all, but loose the music. I love Seal, and Kiss from a Rose is one of my fav. songs, however it can get old real quick. The song will reload every time you go back to the main page and distracting - in my opinion.

I do not like the photo background you choose for your jewelry - the brown/tan gives the jewelry the appearance of "dirtiness" and the lighting could be better. My suggestion is if you have silver jewelry use a black bust and for gold a white bust, everything else - a gray bust - using a different background could very well aid in better lighting to boot. I also think having a person modeling the earrings (a photo of a person's ear wearing the earrings) or having them hanging off of a jewelry display ear (I think there are those around) or something like that would be nice.

I love your model, however the "staging" is too "cheesy" - it looks too rushed. To me it looks like you had to get the photos done NOW and throw some fabric over some drapes and take some quick shots. Don't be mad, I am just saying this is the impression I get from the photos I see. I really think you can do better especially since your model is quite cute. I would suggest doing some shots outside, in a field, leaning near a beach, by a river, in a forest. Then with your model, have her not pose for the camera but interested in something like, looking up at clouds, leaning against a tree, smelling a flower, drawing a heart in the sand, squatting down in a pool of water (like along a shore of a river bank) splashing/playing/ looking in the water. Take photos of these shots, the model ignoring that there is a camera present, and you will get some great shots. Also, the model should not be wearing clothing that out shines your jewelry - the jewelry should be the focus of the photo - not the model. She is only there to bring emphasis to the jewelry. Since you are near where I live, think about going to the Dam or the Park on Marriotsville Road - there's some great river/stream places that would be awesome. Regardless showing off some local flair in your photos can "make the package" - emphasizing shop local where supporting you can help support the community - part of this can be shown in these photos. Again, just a suggestion - what you do is up to you...

Lastly, there isn't enough info about "styling with beads" and Chole on your about page. Are there other lines you offer? Your site viewers and possible customers really need to know the story behind your work. What inspires you, how did you get started making jewelry, is this a mother daughter venture and why, what makes your work way more unique than others who do similar work??? This is what can make or break a sale.

I am not an expert, I am always learning, but have been in the business for 7 years and there is a chance you may find some ideas on my website www.bythebaybotanicals.com . I also recommend going to sites of other jewelry makers. One big one that comes to mind - who has HUGE success is Calico Juno Designs - www.calicojunodesigns.com , http://www.matsujewellery.com and countless others. A way to find other's sites is going to the websites for the New York Gift show, Atlanta Gift Show and the Philly Buyers Market and looking up jewelry makers that way. Granted you might not be as big as them and in no way shape or form am I saying copy them, but get inspired by what these folks are doing and then... knock them off their rocker by showing how your jewelry is worth every dime, why it is special, and of course how it will make your customers feel special too.

Lastly, in your photos of your kiosk, and I haven't been to the mall in a few months - but I will be having a space at their craft show this coming October, so I can't say for sure if what I am seeing is true... I am thinking your display is too dark and a bit of good lighting! Get a few clip on lights or track lighting and have it make each piece of jewelry displayed pop. It shows you are open. It will make your jewelry sparkle and shimmer attracting people to the kiosk. You will be amazed at what a difference it makes in your display - you will get noticed!

Lastly, good luck! I am going to be at the Fall Fest as well and actually hope to meet you between now and then. This coming weekend I will be at the Maryland Wine Festival - at the Farm Museum too. It is so neat to have you on this forum and for me to know someone a bit closer to home.

Michelle, By the Bay Botanicals

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