Not quite the norm – but would appreciate comments

Get some feedback on your site or ad from other rental owners and techies. Also a library of online resources so you can make DIY improvements to your web presence.
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oasiscouple
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Joined: Wed Oct 31, 2012 11:55 am
Location: Port Leucate, France
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Not quite the norm – but would appreciate comments

Post by oasiscouple »

We used Iowners to create our site, http://www.naturistholidays.fr although I see not everyone likes their format. I am not sure why not, as our impression was that for non technical people, it didn’t seem too complicated.

Naturally we are aiming at naturist couples or families, and they can be of all ages and nationalities. We have been renting for 2 years now and had three repeat bookings this year from 2011.

Any constructive comments, positive or negative would be much appreciated.


http://www.locasun.fr/?a=16058
http://www.locasun.fr/?a=81832
http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rental ... ande/80285
http://ezinearticles.com/?Naturist-Holi ... id=7306175
http://www.naturistholidays.fr
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CSE
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Joined: Mon Nov 06, 2006 3:34 pm
Location: Galicia

Post by CSE »

Why is it not popular?
My personal reason is they all look the same and the layout is rather bland.* I have given up reviewing this format of website, sorry.

* I am not talking about individual content.
Last edited by CSE on Fri Nov 30, 2012 6:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Never try to out-stubborn your guests.
tavi
Posts: 2578
Joined: Wed Sep 14, 2011 9:07 pm
Location: Algarve

Post by tavi »

Hi Oasis,

I think your website's great (only had a quick look) but everything seems to be in the right place in terms of the information etc....

However, since you ask, I'm not very keen on the iowners templates myself. Can't really tell you what it is - maybe a little dated in its looks? The frames around everything and the font used.

I use promotemyplace - it's cheap (but not free!)
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Jimbo
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Location: Charente Maritime

Post by Jimbo »

I'm not as sniffy about template-type websites as many on here because my own two rental sites are built from template software (moonfruit). Better, I think, to have a website that works (even if it looks a little familiar in its various guises) than struggle to build something that doesn't, if you don't (yet) have the skills to do this successfully. Don't forget there is sophisticated template software a plenty out there which will allow you to customise your site to your taste with a little patience and experimentation.

I prefer a photo gallery to have a narrative structure rather than arranging diverse images confusingly around like a disconnected mosaic, with apartment interiors nestling cheek to jowl with seascapes. Starting with exteriors/interiors of property and slowly pulling out to the surrounding area (or the reverse) usually works for me.
There are over 2 million people who practice naturism in France and the naturist villages at Port Leucate represent one of the most popular regions for naturist family holidays.
Given that naturism is one major reason why guests book with you, I would suggest working on improving the naturist coverage in your picture gallery. Not the easiest photo assignment, admittedly, and one that requires a degree of trust between you and your subjects, but given that you are both naturists yourselves, not one that should present too many obstacles. Particularly important to have relaxed and happy people looking into camera, family groups, and naturists with less than perfect bodies. Just ordinary people doing the usual stuff that ordinary people do on holiday - and the fact that they don't have any clothes is merely an afterthought. Not too 'explicit' and not too 'furtive' - it's a fine balance.
Jim
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oasiscouple
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Location: Port Leucate, France
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Post by oasiscouple »

Jimbo, many thanks for taking the time to look at and comment on our website - much appreciated.

We see what you mean about the sequence of the photos. The three seascape photos were the views from the window of the room preceding each photo as mentioned in the caption but perhaps if it does look odd so we will think about this. Otherwise, the photos do follow the sequence of interior, exterior, beach, shopping centre, water sports and nearby places.

You have a very good point about having more photos to emphasise it is a naturist resort and we have given this much thought. The problem is of course to avoid offending anyone, and in any case one of the rules of the villages is that it is forbidden to take photos. Perhaps we should try and address this with photos of ourselves, but for family reasons we will have to make them very discrete.
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