New Site

[MMA Girl]

Hi everyone,

I've not been around on here much lately but I have been hovering in the shadows lol. Been nice to get to a few shows lately and back into the scene, really missed it!

Anyway, I was wondering if I could be really cheeky and do a little market research... I am developing a new website and really need some feedback from a users point of view (I look at if far too much to be objective). If anyone's got time, check it out and let me know how you find it :)

www.top4trade.com

I'm going to start focusing on MMA soon, even though I will be putting MMA clubs, shops etc etc on this site, I want to open a new site for MMA only. We need more resources for the sport!

[Daihlo]

Can anyone rat the trades or is their some way of verifying you are a true customer before you can rate them?

Just a thought, otherwise you could slag off competition!

[MMA Girl]

Yeah, firstly, you can only get the rate code from the business. Then as an extra measure, we randomly verify 1/20 ratings and verify all ratings that are less than 2 stars :)

What did you think to the site?

[Rob T]

Site layout is really bad. Why are there two lots of search boxes on the homepage?

Just too much stuff which isn't clear imo.

[payner]

Looked for Cake shops in Weston S Mare, was given info on Farm shops in USA ??

[Jimmy Boogaloo]

I searched for sex shops in North London and got a double glazing company in Birchington

[MMA Girl]

Site layout is really bad. Why are there two lots of search boxes on the homepage?

Just too much stuff which isn't clear imo.

Thanks for the constructive criticism. Care to say something I can use instead of just being insulting?

As for the searches, I'm not sure why it directed you to the USA, I did the same search and got farm shops but in the correct location. We don't have any cake shops listed so no category to cover it but that will just be a matter of time. The sex shop also came back as farm shop in the correct location for me... If you search again, it should direct you to the adult entertainment category. What did you type into the boxes exactly?

[Luke]

Don't listen to Rob T. If it's not a black belt in BJJ he'l complain. As for sex shops, double glazing companies in Birchington really turns me on so gold star IMHO!

[Rob T]

Thanks for the constructive criticism. Care to say something I can use instead of just being insulting?

As for the searches, I'm not sure why it directed you to the USA, I did the same search and got farm shops but in the correct location. We don't have any cake shops listed so no category to cover it but that will just be a matter of time. The sex shop also came back as farm shop in the correct location for me... If you search again, it should direct you to the adult entertainment category. What did you type into the boxes exactly?

What was insulting about it?

I said, "why are there two lots of search boxes on the homepage?" - it's just pointless and makes the site look weird. Just stick with the boxes at the top.

The layout is bad; i.e. it just looks like loads of stuff randomly dropped around the screen. The different parts of the site aren't separated clearly, and don't seem to flow in any particular order. Do you really need so much different stuff on the main page??

If you don't want criticism, don't ask. I could have just said "It's shit", that would be pointless criticism. All I've done with this post is just post a verbose version of my original post.

[vileniall]

I searched crack dealers in kings lynn and got Lucan King, WTF? luke you didnt say you were broadening your pimping.

[MMA Girl]

What was insulting about it?

I said, "why are there two lots of search boxes on the homepage?" - it's just pointless and makes the site look weird. Just stick with the boxes at the top.

The layout is bad; i.e. it just looks like loads of stuff randomly dropped around the screen. The different parts of the site aren't separated clearly, and don't seem to flow in any particular order. Do you really need so much different stuff on the main page??

If you don't want criticism, don't ask. I could have just said "It's shit", that would be pointless criticism. All I've done with this post is just post a verbose version of my original post.

Now thats more something I can use. Saying "Its bad" is just as insulting as saying "Its shit", you just didn't use a profanity. You didn't offer anything constructive at all.

This post however is a more useful to me. The 2 versions of the search boxes are to make it clear what to do to internet noobs. Would you say the second one isn't needed? Is the site obvious enough without it the first time you log on?

What else isn't clear, you didn't specify, just commented.

[Leigh]

Lol @ Rob T getting the same treatment he gave me on the caveman thread ;) Being helpful is for chumps

[SWM]

Check out http://www.checkatrade.com/ It's specifically for builders but they're doing a similar sort of thing to you.

The layout is functional - but not especially attractive. I can't really offer any suggestions for improvement since i am pig ignorant about web design. But simplicity is best. Also try to incorporate the bar at the top right into the page, atm it seems to be adrift from the main content.

[MMA Girl]

Thanks SWM. Would you say Top4Trade isn't as functional? If so, which parts?

I think you're right about the bar at the top right and I have a plan so keep checking, it should have changed by the end of the week :)

Did everyone get what the site is about and how to use it? Thats the main thing I'm looking for at the moment.

[Ben_Hutch]

Now thats more something I can use. Saying "Its bad" is just as insulting as saying "Its shit", you just didn't use a profanity. You didn't offer anything constructive at all.

This post however is a more useful to me. The 2 versions of the search boxes are to make it clear what to do to internet noobs. Would you say the second one isn't needed? Is the site obvious enough without it the first time you log on?

What else isn't clear, you didn't specify, just commented.

For someone who's asking for help you come across very patronising and you seem to have taken what Rob said the wrong way for whatever reason.

Be happy that he even gave you his opinion, don't patronise him for it when you have no reason to.

And i agree with what Rob said, the 2nd search box isn't really needed.

[MMA Girl]

I took Robs post how it was written. There was nothing constructive in the first post, just put downs with no detail. It seems he didn't mean it as insulting and elaborated, I replied. Don't see where the patronising comes into it, I was just being clear. (Sorry I didn't say thanks for the constructive part Rob, so Thanks :)).

Thanks for your opinion on the search box, I will probably do some usability tests without it to make certain but I think you're both right.

I don't expect anyone to help, as Leigh stated, most people thing helping is for chumps. Its giving something for nothing after all but to those who are and have, I do appreciate it.

[Ben_Hutch]

I took Robs post how it was written. There was nothing constructive in the first post, just put downs with no detail. It seems he didn't mean it as insulting and elaborated, I replied. Don't see where the patronising comes into it, I was just being clear. (Sorry I didn't say thanks for the constructive part Rob, so Thanks :)).

Thanks for your opinion on the search box, I will probably do some usability tests without it to make certain but I think you're both right.

I don't expect anyone to help, as Leigh stated, most people thing helping is for chumps. Its giving something for nothing after all but to those who are and have, I do appreciate it.

I just found the way you said "You didn't offer anything constructive at all" a like like the way a teacher would speak to their 4 year-old pupil that's all.

I think the "Rate And Win" section on the right is a good idea, but is advertised in a way that makes it look like one of those fake pop-up adverts that says "you are our 1millionth visitor, click here for your prize". I think it's the photo of the notes with the green writing that makes it look this way.

Good luck with the website :)

[MMA Girl]

Thanks :) I hadn't thought about the ad that way, probably does need work. Will put it on my to do list!

Is there anything else you would like to see on the home page?

[Ben_Hutch]

Thanks :) I hadn't thought about the ad that way, probably does need work. Will put it on my to do list!

Is there anything else you would like to see on the home page?

Maybe a few neatly layed out examples of business' that you can find on your websites, one building one, one sports one, one shoe-shop one etc.....

[MMA Girl]

Yeah, thats not a bad idea at all. I want to make the category list more obvious so maybe that would be a good way to do it :)

[indus]

Hmm, I just registered on the new srl site listed above and when I tried to post it said I did not have the permission. After about 30 seconds I realized, my account was never validated or anything similar. I have fully registered and checked my email multiple times, its been 3 days now and still no email. When I request a forgotten password it still does not send an email. One of my brothers had the same problem a few days ago with no solution. Thought I would post my experience and see if anyone else was having a problem with it.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks in advance

[Luke]

I searched crack dealers in kings lynn and got Lucan King, WTF? luke you didnt say you were broadening your pimping.

LOL! I just realised what that website thing is. I think it's like a yell.com thing. Should really contribute more to this as advertising is my field, but I'm a troll so informative and serious posts don't really apply to me.

[vileniall]

wow im quoted in your signature. are you competing at combat sports blah blah whatever again?

[Luke]

wow im quoted in your signature. are you competing at combat sports blah blah whatever again?

Yeah, I quite like that quote, haha. As for competing at Combat Sports Open, We'll see. You got any fights lined up? Were'nt you supposed to fight in Watford?

[1inchPonch]

Think there's room for improvement on the site. I think homepage content should be based purely around fulfilling the sites function (people go looking to find a tried and tested supplier for a service in their area). A perfect example of the right kind of homepage content is Yell.com which offers the main search then clear categories and a map for filtering locations so users are instantly presented with 3 different clear ways of using the service. Your site uses a similar layout for the main search which is why i'm using Yell as an example, granted your sites function is different in that listings are rated and there for you need to push people to rate businesses as well. However, i don't see any purpose in elements such as the featured business section on the homepage unless your receiving advertising revenue from companies being added to this. It's of no use as it's not featuring businesses in the local area so the probability of users clicking through from it is minimal.

With regard to the design I think the site is trying a little to hard to look designed. Again look at Yell or the other site that someone posted here. The design is unintrusive, clean and simple, based around a well organised and balanced grid structure with one strong main colour. The consistent use of the main colour helps to build the brand and makes the site recognisable.

As I say the site will work as it is but it could look a lot more professional by being simplified and more focused on it's purpose.

[Plasticpaddy]

I'm happy to critique your site via pm if you wish. I've got 15 plus years expereince in classified web sites, marketing, sales and online product development. Some of my observations will run over into your business model, hence I'm not going to go into detail on here. Cheers, Mark

[DetoxGuru.com]

being an internet business its not easy it takes years and your web site, if you want it to be even semi succesful has to have more of a usable and professional design .

[Jak-TapouT-]

+ 10 to Luke for having Keelhauled lyrics in your sig :)

saw that song live before it was even released. Alestorm all dressed as characters from batman lol. One of the best gigs ever

[Luke]

Haha, nice one... bet that was a site. Saw them in Peterboro' with Tyr in May. Been listening to the new album today on itunes whilst doing a distribution. Keelhauled is quality... been listening to some Korpiklaani too. check out their new song 'Vodka'.

[Jak-TapouT-]

Saw korpiklaani live too :P great guys, not great english tho lol.

Yeah Alestorm introduced themselves as christian bALESTORM from gotham city.. was so funny. all their songs were titled differently too, like commisioner gordons revenge and stuff. Will do man, safe.

[MMA Girl]

1inch, thanks so much for that post, a load of really helpful stuff! Funny you should mention the home page because I've never been happy with it and only 3 days ago came up with a massive overhaul, everything will change shortly. Our tech guy is working on a lot of back end stuff at the moment so will probably be a week or so before the home page can be done but its a high priority. Maybe you can give me another critique once we have the new one up, I really do appreciate your feedback and agree with everything you said.

Paddy, you have a PM :D

[1inchPonch]

No problem, if you want me to have a look at anything before you even get the techs working on it then just send me a PM. Best way to think on this type of site when designing it is to think of it as being more a piece of software or an operating system rather than a traditional website.