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[quote name='Jean-Claude']I suppose repeating that I lost a hard drive full of images would do no good.



Even if I had not lost my HD I still could not use pictures of me working on a Ferrari, Lambo or a Bentley as I've never detailed one.



I've done lots of upper end Mercedes, Jags, Porsches, Range Rovers, BMWs out the wazoo, Lexus, Audi ect...plenty of paint correction....I had tons of images from my 3 press release events I worked for Volkswagen from Atlanta to SanFran to NC....In other words I had those great pictures that make people say "wow". But I don't anymore.

[QUOTE/=Jean-Claude;1312321]





Okay, good luck on your site
 
Jean-Claude said:
I suppose repeating that I lost a hard drive full of images would do no good.



Even if I had not lost my HD I still could not use pictures of me working on a Ferrari, Lambo or a Bentley as I've never detailed one.



I've done lots of upper end Mercedes, Jags, Porsches, Range Rovers, BMWs out the wazoo, Lexus, Audi ect...plenty of paint correction....I had tons of images from my 3 press release events I worked for Volkswagen from Atlanta to SanFran to NC....In other words I had those great pictures that make people say "wow". But I don't anymore.



I only have 4 or 5 detail job image sets to work with right now. Which were the jobs that were still in my camera. So unless I plan on stealing someone elses pictures or I post up pictures of random cars that I've not done, I won't have those pictures to work with. I refuse to do that so it's a moot point.



It's part of growing as a business in my opinion. When the F-cars ask for details then I can proudly post that up. Till then I take what comes my way. The F-car details pay the same as the Lexus details pay. (I do understand the image of working on supercars but that's not an option for me for the stated reasons)



So really, can we get off the whole image thing? :ignore I said I was working on it. I don't know how to fix my predicament except with time. Unless you have a better idea?



**I do appreciate all suggestions and everyone has been swell about it. But the whole needing better images, having them a few weeks ago and losing them, explaining why I don't have them and how I intend on fixing it and having some not listen is frustrating.
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Soooo.......maybe post up more pics? LOL!! Totally kidding! The site looks great! My site is very bare bones and I would love to punch it up some. What I do like about my site are the before/afters. It does need some pizazz though.

Home
 
mose said:
Soooo.......maybe post up more pics? LOL!! Totally kidding! The site looks great! My site is very bare bones and I would love to punch it up some. What I do like about my site are the before/afters. It does need some pizazz though.

Home
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*******!!

haha :lol
 
Ok here are some thoughts that I have:



1) Better images. I know your situation and others have mentioned it, so wont beat it to death.



2) Usability- Your navigation is not easily recognized. Once people have bought into you as a provider or want to learn more, they will want to do just that, try to learn more. If you make it difficult to find the information or navigation, you are going to lose them as a customer. Remember unlike the real world visiting a competitor takes little effort (a back click or typing google in the address bar). So make the navigation visible.



3) Readability- Centered, same font, same color, no bolded pieces of text = I dont want to read that. In addition, studies have shown that people on the net just scan your content. Bold your good copy items so you have control of the items and communication pieces your want them to read. Break up the content with headlines and other items.



4) Incorporate testimonials throughout more of the site. Do not assume that people are going to see or go to the testimonial site. Marry testimonials to pictures as it helps people make that personal connection with impersonal pictures.

Also scatter them throughout the content. I would say off to the side to complement the site will be best. Having said all those thing about testimonials, use them intelligently. If you are putting it next to an image or copy make sure it make sense in the location that it is. Also, if you can get them pictures of clients along with testimonials or video testimonials, through my testing (I work in website optimization and usability) have converted quite well.



5) Leaving a way for a person to stay in contact with you. A common problem that I find with sites is they do not make an effort to keep communication going after the visit. Sure you leave a email and a contact number. I am talking about add me as a fan on Facebook or Twitter. Keep these up, posting pictures of details. Have an exit popup when someone tries to leave the site offering to mail them a business card for their convenience etc. Yes perhaps these seem annoying, but they work and typically people appreciate the effort.



I will end there for time sake, but feel free to ask any questions.



Ok just kidding, if you are looking for a good platform for a site and do not have the sharpest HTML skills, Wordpress can provide a good platform for a site. There are tons of themes and walkthroughs out there.
 
ctrent86 said:
Ok here are some thoughts that I have:



1) Better images. I know your situation and others have mentioned it, so wont beat it to death.



2) Usability- Your navigation is not easily recognized. Once people have bought into you as a provider or want to learn more, they will want to do just that, try to learn more. If you make it difficult to find the information or navigation, you are going to lose them as a customer. Remember unlike the real world visiting a competitor takes little effort (a back click or typing google in the address bar). So make the navigation visible.



3) Readability- Centered, same font, same color, no bolded pieces of text = I dont want to read that. In addition, studies have shown that people on the net just scan your content. Bold your good copy items so you have control of the items and communication pieces your want them to read. Break up the content with headlines and other items.



4) Incorporate testimonials throughout more of the site. Do not assume that people are going to see or go to the testimonial site. Marry testimonials to pictures as it helps people make that personal connection with impersonal pictures.

Also scatter them throughout the content. I would say off to the side to complement the site will be best. Having said all those thing about testimonials, use them intelligently. If you are putting it next to an image or copy make sure it make sense in the location that it is. Also, if you can get them pictures of clients along with testimonials or video testimonials, through my testing (I work in website optimization and usability) have converted quite well.



5) Leaving a way for a person to stay in contact with you. A common problem that I find with sites is they do not make an effort to keep communication going after the visit. Sure you leave a email and a contact number. I am talking about add me as a fan on Facebook or Twitter. Keep these up, posting pictures of details. Have an exit popup when someone tries to leave the site offering to mail them a business card for their convenience etc. Yes perhaps these seem annoying, but they work and typically people appreciate the effort.



I will end there for time sake, but feel free to ask any questions.



Ok just kidding, if you are looking for a good platform for a site and do not have the sharpest HTML skills, Wordpress can provide a good platform for a site. There are tons of themes and walkthroughs out there.
Click to expand...





Fantastic information. Thank you. I will apply what I can as soon as I can.
 
Jean-Claude said:
Fantastic information. Thank you. I will apply what I can as soon as I can.
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Anytime and good luck. Let me know if you have any other questions.



Also, if you are insured make sure you mention that as well.
 
dunno if you know, but some of your gallery roll-overs are goofy and when i mouse-over one car, another one will flip.



Decent site though.
 
tssdetailing said:
dunno if you know, but some of your gallery roll-overs are goofy and when i mouse-over one car, another one will flip.



Decent site though.
Click to expand...



Yeah, it is a bit odd how 2 pix flip on one row. That will be fixed the next time I update my gallery.
 
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