Please review my website

[MJS_Virtual]

Hi all,

Now it's my turn to request feedback on my new website. I have re-designed and re-written the content and just launched the site this week. It is built in WordPress (but don't hold that against me ;-) )

The URL is www.mjsvirtual.com.au

1. What needs reviewing? (i.e. logo, website, idea etc…)
The overall look and feel of the website, including structure, copy, colours etc. Is there anything that doesn't look right? It is missing anything?

2. What does your business do?
We are a virtual business support service.

3. Who is your target market?
Small business and soloists.

4. What specific concerns do you have?
I need someone to come at this from the other side of the fence. If you were looking to hire a virtual assistant, does the site give you a feeling of confidence in us? Does it contain everything that you would want to see before making a decision to engage us, or is there vital information missing?


Thanks in advance for taking the time to have a look. I've been staring at this for weeks and sometimes it's a case of not being able to see the forest for the trees - a few fresh sets of eyes on this would be much appreciated.

[Chris Bates]

Hey Melissa,

First the banner. Not a big fan of the stock image, bit more so the text on the banner is hard to read. Crank up the contrast of the text.

Consider moving the headline (directly below the banner) to the very top - the banner doesn't tell me much about what the website is about, a snappy headline is needed for this.

Shift around the positioning of sidebar elements, rank them by importance. That is, is people download a brochure more important than your contact information. And on that, is your contact information more important (in this position) than a call to action for a free consultation?

You need a larger call to action of your services page. A tiny in-line "contact" link doesn't cut it. Don't make people hunt to take the next step towards conversion.

Otherwise pretty good. Copy is a bit 'cheesy' in places, with "really predictable question" and "You've come to the right place!" kind of lines. It's otherwise engaging and well written.

For a bit of guidance, make sure your pages and your site in general answers these three questions:
1) Where am I?
2) What can I do here?
3) Why should I do it?

You'll probably find bold snappy headlines more effective openers than typical questions.

[JakeThomas]

Hi Melissa,

It looks like you've already taken Chris' advice on board, good work!

I actually couldn't find anything else I didn't like about your website.

- Contact information was easy to find.
- The website was simple and easy to navigate.
- It has a blog & social media links.
- Colours all matched in well together.

I honestly couldn't find fault with it at all! Great work =)

- Jake

Edit: Did find one thing, there is a typo on the rates page ... "haven’t used used it".

[MJS_Virtual]

Thanks for your feedback Chris and Jake.

And you're right Jake - I have taken the suggestions on board and begun integrating them into the site.

Thanks again, it's great to have some fresh sets of eyes look over it and I'm loving benefiting from all the wonderful expertise on this forum!

[Chris Bates]

AWESOME! You're a legend Melissa, do you know how many people ask for reviews and then ignore them?

Well done on the implementation, it's looking heaps better already.

[v2Media]

Melissa, I'm not a big fan of ego copy - overuse of "We, Me, I , Us, Our" e.t.c

Instead of "Contact Us", how about "Quick Enquiry", or "Would you like to know more"

Instead of:

* We provide a reliable, efficient and flexible support service
* We offer very competitive rates
* We will save you time
* We guarantee our work

Contact us today to discuss how a Virtual Assistant could benefit your business and obtain a FREE consultation.

How about:

* Save time and resources with reliable, efficient and flexible support service
* Save money with our very competitive rates
* You can rest assured knowing all our work is guaranteed

Discover the potential benefits to your business with Virtual Assistant today. Call us on 5555 5555 or send your enquiry via our contact form.

Construct your sentences with customer pronouns as the primary subject - not "We, us, our" and the benefits as their gains from their point of view - not yours.

[JakeThomas]

@Mark - Have you considered becoming a copywriter? I love what you've done with those sentences!

- Jake

[v2Media]

Thx m8 - I already do copywriting Jake, only for clients though.

[MJS_Virtual]

Thanks for the feedback Mark - I'd never thought about it like that before but I love what you've done with those first few sentences and I'll definitely take it on board and flow it through the rest of the site as well.