Need reviews for my website

Have designed my own website and of course am hoping to promote my cupcake courses to the nation!! i wonderd if anyone could look at my web and be sure it is user friendly??

please be kind

kieras cupcake factory

Many thanks

Kiera

Just found it, I will not be nice, this is for your own benefit.

Start again, go and see some other competitors (successful ones, not Ma and Pa types) and see what they are doing, using etc. There is no sizzle here, and you are working in an emotive industry, people need to look and think mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

There is a reason why going pro can get you what you need, free is rarely the best option, budgets for start ups are a nightmare (believe me, I know!), hence why we started monthly payments for some people. If you know what you are doing, you will do well, if not, the site will not pay you back for your time and you will lose heart. Takes years to get the knowledge you need to succeed, and we are still learning.

I have been brutal for a reason, I would rather you think I am a prat, and do something about it, than think, awwwww, and leave it as it is.

Kip

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I can see you have had a good go at doing it yourself and well done for at least giving it a go so you can undertsand more than many, exactly how difficult it is to get it right and why skill and expertise come into play.

It does lack some things which i'm sure you already know, but I like your personal touch. I think you need to find a way to add that touch of class to it becasue after all, people who order cup cakes by the box are not going to be the average Joe Bloggs customer.

They will like nice things so you should present them in a good level of 'packaging' - the website is a marketing platform after all thus it's packaging your cup cakes on line if that makes sense. Think about the box they would be in if they sat on a shelf in a shop. Would you knock something up yourself or order in some really nice fit-for-purpose boxes which had a nicely branded design on the exterior?

When I say 'good' I mean something which adds that touch of class - a professionally made, excellent quality cup cake needs an equally presentable design to compliment and promote it. What you have done is actually to help your next web designer to get an idea of your business, what you are trying to achieve, the sort of look and feel you want for your site, so it's not wasted. But it can be improved, though not this particular website, but a new one - when you can afford to get one done that is.

Most people can't afford to splash out on a bells and whistles site, but it is possible to spend a small amount and still have a decent website with a decent front end design, which can help convert your website enquiries. A cup cake is initially all about the look, so max that out with the best complimentary design you can afford.

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Hi Kiera

We have a rule of thumb that you need 10 posts before you can add links or do website reviews, but it's only a rule of thumb, and as we've spoken, I know your no spammer

So for everyone else, heres a link to Keira's site is here:
Keiras Cupcakes

But I'm afraid you can't ask for an honest review, and then limit it to only kind comments. As long as feedback is constructive, then, you may not agree with it, but its all valuable

Bad news is, I do agree with Kip, although he can be a bit harsh

Main question you need to ask, is this a business that will generate a revenue, or a hobby that makes a bit of pocket money?

Depending on the answer depends on your options.

If its a business, then allocate some funds and get a website made for you. Looking at your competition, a nicely laid out site, with a bit of SEO could clean up in this niche market. I'm not a designer, but finger in the air, I'm guessing round £200 - £300, and you could have a decent web presence that stands a chance of converting, something like a wordpress or joomla site.

Could only find a couple of sites I liked, but get some ideas, then compare yours:
www.harropfoldfarm.co.uk
www.gourmetcupcakes.co.uk

But if its a hobby, then biggest mistake is no title tags! This is one of the main reasons why you aren't ranking on Google.
cupcake courses lincolnshire - returns your MLS listing, but look at the title of the page.

and scrap scrolling text, all a bit 1990's

If this is a backgroung thing and you are doing it all yourself, then start by grasping the fundementals of SEO if online is going to be the core route where you get your customers.

This may help
http://www.mylocalforums.com/seo-web...n-newbies.html

Hope that wasn't too painful

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Hi Kiera

I was brought up that if you had nothing nice to say then don't say anything - and I am afraid that's expression that came to mind when I looked at your site.

That's the bad news

The good news is that my understanding is that cupcakes are one of the must haves of the moment and can be sold as a premium brand and that is where I would start.

Spend some money on a wordpress themed site which should not cost much and have someone get it to how you would like it and then stop there!

Next stage is spend time searching every women's type home magazine, lifestyle magazine - mums net, baby forum owners you name it and send them your cakes!!!!!!

The proof is in the eating and they will if they like them tell everyone where to get them!

I know your think yeah yeah what ever - my sister law has a lifestyle shop and she has just finished appearing in a tv show off the back of people recommended her shop from blogs and has several magazine articles under her belt as well!

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