Hey guys, was just wondering if i could get some feedback from everyone. It's far from over and done with, but check out TheFriendlyGeek.org. it's my website for my business still in it's infancy. I've just finished building the site, now i have to populate it with information.. but let me know what you think!
Basically, TFG is an (much cheaper) alternate to Best Buy. I can do everything and more than they can, for a lot less money. I do graphic design, computer repair, web design, home theaters, network optimization, everything. It's just a little something i've been doing on the side that I love and keeps me busy and gains me a few dollars here and there. I've got business cards if anyone wants any as well, if you could spread the word that'd be awesome! If you know anyone who needs help with anything tech related, tell them to drop me an email -- john@thefriendlygeek.org , and of course if anyone from here needs anything, no charge for my help!
That's awesome! Looks pretty good. I'm all about helping start up businesses. It's what my SEO Consultation business will be about. If you need help with the SEO (Google Ranking) aspect of your website: (title tags, meta descriptions and link-building) just let me know.
Talk about each of the services you offer on different pages
Include Images (for SEO purposes with good urls: I.E [a Damaged Cell phone image] cell-phone-repair-nj.jpg with anchor text "cell phone repair in new jersey") they will rank well for Google Images
Target the area you offering the work from (include towns, state (nj or new jersey)) in on-site content.
Have a footer area where you can add some more content
If you need any help just let me know. I can help you further. Good Luck
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First off, let me state that I like the idea and I hope what I have to say helps. I'm not trying to rip it apart, I am just stating what I'd like to see from a consumer stand point.
I like the intro, however the Mustang in the photo up top and in the bio does not fit into it. I understand that you're trying to say it's better than the "Geek Mobiles," but unless you are showing off work done to it, the photos aren't necessary.
As for the bio, it was interesting to a fellow gamer/geek like myself, but I feel that it is better off in Facebook, not on a business site. I do not find it professional and I don't think that it is something that will be useful for generating business. A small one or two paragraph statement about the head of the company "yourself" would suffice. My thoughts are, if you want to get more business, don't make it sound like a one man operation. That sounds small time and small time equals less trustworthy which equals less opportunities.
Also, I think if you could add photos of work that you've done to show off what you are capable of, that will be beneficial to the business as well.
First off, let me state that I like the idea and I hope what I have to say helps. I'm not trying to rip it apart, I am just stating what I'd like to see from a consumer stand point.
I like the intro, however the Mustang in the photo up top and in the bio does not fit into it. I understand that you're trying to say it's better than the "Geek Mobiles," but unless you are showing off work done to it, the photos aren't necessary.
As for the bio, it was interesting to a fellow gamer/geek like myself, but I feel that it is better off in Facebook, not on a business site. I do not find it professional and I don't think that it is something that will be useful for generating business. A small one or two paragraph statement about the head of the company "yourself" would suffice. My thoughts are, if you want to get more business, don't make it sound like a one man operation. That sounds small time and small time equals less trustworthy which equals less opportunities.
Also, I think if you could add photos of work that you've done to show off what you are capable of, that will be beneficial to the business as well.
Thanks for the input. As far as the pictures on the front page, i'm totally not even sure that'll be staying there. Most of those pictures are just placeholders for right now- the mustang definitely won't be staying there.
I was kind-of torn between letting it know that I am a one man operation as opposed to making it seem like TFG is bigger than it is. I also don't want to mislead people into thinking I have a team working under me -- which, if this does take off, I might get a helper or two -- more of a "Mom and Pop" service than corporate is what I'm going for. This isn't meant to take place of my career or become a full-time job, this is something on the side for evenings and weekends that I am pursuing.
As far as the bio, I might take your advice and shorten it and remove the pictures, I'm not totally sure.
The site is far from done yet and be assured that all installations I've purveyed will be featured on the site as well as testimonials. I haven't even advertised the site except here to get input.
I do appreciate your feedback and will build upon it.
Matt and Jonathan- Thanks! I might take up your offer Jon!
First off, let me state that I like the idea and I hope what I have to say helps. I'm not trying to rip it apart, I am just stating what I'd like to see from a consumer stand point.
I like the intro, however the Mustang in the photo up top and in the bio does not fit into it. I understand that you're trying to say it's better than the "Geek Mobiles," but unless you are showing off work done to it, the photos aren't necessary.
As for the bio, it was interesting to a fellow gamer/geek like myself, but I feel that it is better off in Facebook, not on a business site. I do not find it professional and I don't think that it is something that will be useful for generating business. A small one or two paragraph statement about the head of the company "yourself" would suffice. My thoughts are, if you want to get more business, don't make it sound like a one man operation. That sounds small time and small time equals less trustworthy which equals less opportunities.
Also, I think if you could add photos of work that you've done to show off what you are capable of, that will be beneficial to the business as well.
Hi John. As a fellow geek, gamer, and long-time IT consultant, I have to agree with WINKS. The overall design of the site is good. But as a consumer though, I really don't have a sense of what you do and how it benefits me.
Geeks will definitely get it, but they will not be your customers, for the most part. I would focus on what you offer and how you can make life easier, less expensive, etc. for your audience.
Give reasons why a typical consumer should consider you before BB, Staples, etc. Of course, us geeks know BB / Staples, etc. are an abomination, but most non-geeks don't.
The "About" section is really good, well-written and enjoyable, but I have to agree with WINKS. It's more geared for FB or forums, not a business. I would keep it strictly business for a site like this.
The site has a really nice look. I like the layout and structure. The only thing I'm not keen on is the center justified text. For me, it kind of takes me out of that nice design. I would also sexy up the text color in the divs. Try out #B3E9E9 and see what you think. It's from your waveform background in the logo. I think something like that, or a similar color, would really make the text stand out.
People love coupons. I had a company that did very similar work, including A/V. I would put giant coupons right on the Home Page. Maybe 33% off the first service, or something like that. I got some of my best client's that way.
It's kind of unrelated, but why Joomla? Just curious.
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Inferno Sale - the road course devil needs a new home: 2011 GT Prem, Manual, Candy Apple Red, Brembos, ROUSH Supercharger, built 5.0L Coyote Manley forged. my crazy Mustang and racing blog
Hi John. As a fellow geek, gamer, and long-time IT consultant, I have to agree with WINKS. The overall design of the site is good. But as a consumer though, I really don't have a sense of what you do and how it benefits me.
Geeks will definitely get it, but they will not be your customers, for the most part. I would focus on what you offer and how you can make life easier, less expensive, etc. for your audience.
Give reasons why a typical consumer should consider you before BB, Staples, etc. Of course, us geeks know BB / Staples, etc. are an abomination, but most non-geeks don't.
The "About" section is really good, well-written and enjoyable, but I have to agree with WINKS. It's more geared for FB or forums, not a business. I would keep it strictly business for a site like this.
The site has a really nice look. I like the layout and structure. The only thing I'm not keen on is the center justified text. For me, it kind of takes me out of that nice design. I would also sexy up the text color in the divs. Try out #B3E9E9 and see what you think. It's from your waveform background in the logo. I think something like that, or a similar color, would really make the text stand out.
People love coupons. I had a company that did very similar work, including A/V. I would put giant coupons right on the Home Page. Maybe 33% off the first service, or something like that. I got some of my best client's that way.
It's kind of unrelated, but why Joomla? Just curious.
Thanks for the info and I'll try the text out. The coupon is a great idea. Seems like I'll be doing away with the about page, maybe i'll save that for JohnDeHart.org
As far as Joomla! goes, although there are better options out there, few are as customizable and easy to learn than Joomla. Whenever I do any consulting for other small businesses, I really like forwarding them to Joomla. Most hosting providers give you cPanel with Fantastico, and it comes with Joomla, WordPress, etc. and I like the abilities joomla has with it's various plugins and modules. I'm a big fan of wordpress as well. Anything that makes it easier for the consumer to work on their site. I figured if I would be suggesting Joomla!, I might as well show them a prime example, my own personal site! I feel like that kind of drives the point home that I am a fan of their CMS package.
Thanks for the info and I'll try the text out. The coupon is a great idea. Seems like I'll be doing away with the about page, maybe i'll save that for JohnDeHart.org
As far as Joomla! goes, although there are better options out there, few are as customizable and easy to learn than Joomla. Whenever I do any consulting for other small businesses, I really like forwarding them to Joomla. Most hosting providers give you cPanel with Fantastico, and it comes with Joomla, WordPress, etc. and I like the abilities joomla has with it's various plugins and modules. I'm a big fan of wordpress as well. Anything that makes it easier for the consumer to work on their site. I figured if I would be suggesting Joomla!, I might as well show them a prime example, my own personal site! I feel like that kind of drives the point home that I am a fan of their CMS package.
See! That's exactly what you need to put on your site - I think your quote is above me. You can have a tab for "Web Services." Talk about what you do and why. I would basically take what you wrote above, and create a really short FAQ on that page and explain why / what / how these Content Management packages BENEFIT your potential clients. Like: "We use Joomla! and WordPress because it empowers our client's to manage their own content, yet maintain a professional and consistent look. Don't pay for someone to 'maintain' your site. Let us show you how you can save money, and achieve better results!" Something like that.
__________________
Inferno Sale - the road course devil needs a new home: 2011 GT Prem, Manual, Candy Apple Red, Brembos, ROUSH Supercharger, built 5.0L Coyote Manley forged. my crazy Mustang and racing blog
Completely off-topic but I would just love to say that Halo 2 was the bomb diggity back when the servers were still open. My friend and I were absolute PROS at it although, we never really jumped on the MLG bandwagon unfortunatly.
We should play sometime! I haven't touched Halo since Halo 3, nor have I played an FPS since then...but I still think I can whoop some butt :3
On Topic:
Very well made website. I like it and I'll defiantly spread the word amongst my geek friends as someone always has an issue with their computer !
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