Hello
My website www.eyeonislacanela.com is nearly complete. I would appreciate any comments or opinions about the site.
I am trying to create a forum for people buying in Isla Canela Spain. There are so many people who want to rip you off that I decided a user forum could help quite a number of people to share ideas and experiences.
Thanks
SARAH
www.eyeonislacanecla.com
www.islacanelaholidays.com
www.eyeonislacanela.com
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sazzleevans1
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2005 6:01 pm
- Location: costa de la luz
- Contact:
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sazzleevans1
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2005 6:01 pm
- Location: costa de la luz
- Contact:
getting a bit of a complex. 
Hi. I really liked your site- I'm a non- techie so I just respond to the look and feel, thought it was very well done! I noticed in the middle of the front page
" Within 100 metres of the beach is a well appointment new and airy apartment". Ooops, easily sorted!
www.thepetitmanoir.com
" Within 100 metres of the beach is a well appointment new and airy apartment". Ooops, easily sorted!
www.thepetitmanoir.com
Sarah,
I've now had more time to do a better review.
I like your color scheme -- it's simple and effective. White backgrounds are a great way to go for a more utilitarian site like this one.
Also, you have a lot of information available but you've presented it in an organized way, so it didn't feel intimidating to me. Well done!
Your links on the right side open in the same window, though -- I recommend setting the links to exterior sites so that they open in new windows. That way, if someone clicks on one of those links, they won't lose your website in the process.
You seem to have a lot of animation on the page and I was wondering why. The red triangles that point to the chat room links would be just as effective if they were standing still, and they'd also be a bit more professional that way, in my opinion.
Same goes with the banner on the right side with the window and greenery underneath the words "Eye on Isla Canela." This is kind of a double whammy to me, because not only does it make the user wait a few seconds to see your website title, but it's also done in Flash, which is unnecessary and which many of your users won't have. I really think a still banner would be just as effective! Otherwise it's a little distracting, as every time I click on a new link I have to watch that re-animate!
Your construction photo slideshows are, arguably, a place where Flash is a legitimate tool for delivering information. Of course, though, this is me -- I say, why make your users download a piece of software to view a primary feature of the site?
You could use javascript to animate a photo show just as easily -- or you could go completely non-techie and just display a mosaic of photos that the user could click on individually. I kind of like the latter method for two reasons: 1) Having multiple pictures shown at the same time instead of one picture that rotates makes me feel like you've got more content to deliver, and 2) it allows the user to browse the pictures in whatever order they want, and stay on each picture for as long or as short a time as they want. Flexibility is good.
This might sound a little weird, but your meta description and keywords don't match my impression of what your site is for. For instance, why isn't the word "construction" in your keywords? Also important could be "build" and "building" and "purchase" etc. Likewise, your meta description tag makes this site sound like a property rental site when it's my impression that that's not what it is at all (though in time it could become that, which could be profitable for you).
Speaking of keywords, I feel like the blank space on your front page between your picture and the chat room advertisement at the bottom could be partially filled with a short paragraph describing more of what your site is about. I know you've already done that, but you could make a point of including lots of search engine keywords and key phrases in your copy. That could help you get a good ranking on search engines.
Ooh, and I just noticed something... your left navigation menu is in Javascript... what's the purpose of this? I just tried to highlight something (the "Lets help each other" phrase -- which I could swear I've pointed out before as needing an apostrophe unless it's a clever play on letting = renting) and then tried to right-click, and could do neither. Why? When I'm browsing I often right-click and open a link in a new window (actually, a new tab, for us Mozilla/Firefox lovers). What's the point of denying the right-click menu to your viewers?
Overall I think the site is going to be a very useful place for people in your situation, and from what you've said it seems there are a lot of them!
Cheers!
I've now had more time to do a better review.
I like your color scheme -- it's simple and effective. White backgrounds are a great way to go for a more utilitarian site like this one.
Also, you have a lot of information available but you've presented it in an organized way, so it didn't feel intimidating to me. Well done!
Your links on the right side open in the same window, though -- I recommend setting the links to exterior sites so that they open in new windows. That way, if someone clicks on one of those links, they won't lose your website in the process.
You seem to have a lot of animation on the page and I was wondering why. The red triangles that point to the chat room links would be just as effective if they were standing still, and they'd also be a bit more professional that way, in my opinion.
Same goes with the banner on the right side with the window and greenery underneath the words "Eye on Isla Canela." This is kind of a double whammy to me, because not only does it make the user wait a few seconds to see your website title, but it's also done in Flash, which is unnecessary and which many of your users won't have. I really think a still banner would be just as effective! Otherwise it's a little distracting, as every time I click on a new link I have to watch that re-animate!
Your construction photo slideshows are, arguably, a place where Flash is a legitimate tool for delivering information. Of course, though, this is me -- I say, why make your users download a piece of software to view a primary feature of the site?
You could use javascript to animate a photo show just as easily -- or you could go completely non-techie and just display a mosaic of photos that the user could click on individually. I kind of like the latter method for two reasons: 1) Having multiple pictures shown at the same time instead of one picture that rotates makes me feel like you've got more content to deliver, and 2) it allows the user to browse the pictures in whatever order they want, and stay on each picture for as long or as short a time as they want. Flexibility is good.
This might sound a little weird, but your meta description and keywords don't match my impression of what your site is for. For instance, why isn't the word "construction" in your keywords? Also important could be "build" and "building" and "purchase" etc. Likewise, your meta description tag makes this site sound like a property rental site when it's my impression that that's not what it is at all (though in time it could become that, which could be profitable for you).
Speaking of keywords, I feel like the blank space on your front page between your picture and the chat room advertisement at the bottom could be partially filled with a short paragraph describing more of what your site is about. I know you've already done that, but you could make a point of including lots of search engine keywords and key phrases in your copy. That could help you get a good ranking on search engines.
Ooh, and I just noticed something... your left navigation menu is in Javascript... what's the purpose of this? I just tried to highlight something (the "Lets help each other" phrase -- which I could swear I've pointed out before as needing an apostrophe unless it's a clever play on letting = renting) and then tried to right-click, and could do neither. Why? When I'm browsing I often right-click and open a link in a new window (actually, a new tab, for us Mozilla/Firefox lovers). What's the point of denying the right-click menu to your viewers?
Overall I think the site is going to be a very useful place for people in your situation, and from what you've said it seems there are a lot of them!
Cheers!
Brooke
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sazzleevans1
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2005 6:01 pm
- Location: costa de la luz
- Contact:
Thanks everyone for such good feedback.
I designed the website on paper and a friend created it for me. I am a complete no hope when it comes to computers.
I agree with you Brooke about the red triangle. It was my webmans idea and I thought it might have just been me being picky when I didnt like it. But I agree it is disstracting.
My webguy asked me last week about key words and I didnt get back to him. I assume therefore hes made some up.
Not knowing anthing about computers if I pick key words is it better for them to be mentioned alot in the text of the website?
Sarah
www.islacanelaholidays.com
www.eyeonislacanela.com
I designed the website on paper and a friend created it for me. I am a complete no hope when it comes to computers.
I agree with you Brooke about the red triangle. It was my webmans idea and I thought it might have just been me being picky when I didnt like it. But I agree it is disstracting.
My webguy asked me last week about key words and I didnt get back to him. I assume therefore hes made some up.
Not knowing anthing about computers if I pick key words is it better for them to be mentioned alot in the text of the website?
Sarah
www.islacanelaholidays.com
www.eyeonislacanela.com
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visualfoxprouser
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Mon Mar 28, 2005 9:56 pm
Looking at the feedback
Hi vrooje
Just reading through the thread and picking up some interesting feedback and comments which are very useful for someone like me! I am Sarah's website "Man" so to speak. Let me be the first to say that website design is not my first forte as I specialise in Relational Database Management Systems using Visual FoxPro versions 6 and 9. Anyway, its always good to hear feedback.
I note Sarahs comments about the flashing triangles which can be removed but I've found in the past the best way to try and attract someones attention is to make something move! This will be amended accordingly when I can. The sliding logo "Eye on Isla Canela" was not actually my idea but I have to say, I liked after it had been created!
To finish up, I am truly grateful to hear what others think and I will revisit as things progress.
Kindest regards
Lee
www.customsoftware.co.uk
Just reading through the thread and picking up some interesting feedback and comments which are very useful for someone like me! I am Sarah's website "Man" so to speak. Let me be the first to say that website design is not my first forte as I specialise in Relational Database Management Systems using Visual FoxPro versions 6 and 9. Anyway, its always good to hear feedback.
I note Sarahs comments about the flashing triangles which can be removed but I've found in the past the best way to try and attract someones attention is to make something move! This will be amended accordingly when I can. The sliding logo "Eye on Isla Canela" was not actually my idea but I have to say, I liked after it had been created!
To finish up, I am truly grateful to hear what others think and I will revisit as things progress.
Kindest regards
Lee
www.customsoftware.co.uk
Lee,
Thanks for coming on and posting!
There's a fine line between catching someone's eye and screaming at them, in my opinion. I think that in general, a non-animated attention-grabber is nearly as effective as an animated one in drawing the eye, but doesn't have the drawbacks of something animated. Animation in general is pretty in-your-face, and many designers consider it unprofessional. Your animation is very mild, though.
But I've said all that before -- and there are certainly other web designers on this forum! So maybe it'd be a good idea to get many opinions before making a decision. (Of course, in the end, if Sarah insists, all is moot!)
What do others think? Should the animations on eyeonislacanela.com stay or go?
Thanks for coming on and posting!
There's a fine line between catching someone's eye and screaming at them, in my opinion. I think that in general, a non-animated attention-grabber is nearly as effective as an animated one in drawing the eye, but doesn't have the drawbacks of something animated. Animation in general is pretty in-your-face, and many designers consider it unprofessional. Your animation is very mild, though.
But I've said all that before -- and there are certainly other web designers on this forum! So maybe it'd be a good idea to get many opinions before making a decision. (Of course, in the end, if Sarah insists, all is moot!)
What do others think? Should the animations on eyeonislacanela.com stay or go?
Brooke
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Alan Knighting
- Posts: 4120
- Joined: Mon Oct 18, 2004 7:26 am
- Location: Monflanquin, Lot-et-Garonne, France
Lee,
I am a little like you in that my real forte in IT was designing and coding Case Management Systems.
In common with most things in life, I think Websites should be looked at from two points of view. That of the producer and that of the consumer. After all is said and done about "conventions" and "professionalism" the final arbiter is the user.
Nowadays, I look at things more from the point of view of the user and, from that point of view, I am in basic agreement with Brooke - music, animations and flashy bits can be most distracting and can make a Website look downright amateur. In this particular case I find the sliding logo subtle, attractive and not at all distracting.
Alan
I am a little like you in that my real forte in IT was designing and coding Case Management Systems.
In common with most things in life, I think Websites should be looked at from two points of view. That of the producer and that of the consumer. After all is said and done about "conventions" and "professionalism" the final arbiter is the user.
Nowadays, I look at things more from the point of view of the user and, from that point of view, I am in basic agreement with Brooke - music, animations and flashy bits can be most distracting and can make a Website look downright amateur. In this particular case I find the sliding logo subtle, attractive and not at all distracting.
Alan
I think that the sliding logo is fine but the images need to be of a MUCH higher quality. The pixellation really takes away from the site. Also the image on the left needs to be centered or something.
I would also remove the counter. I am 100% anti counter. You can find much more involved stats in the logs using a nice graphical viewer and when you are just starting people will NOT take your site seriously if you are telling them that only 300 people have ever visited your site. Once the numbers get higher it doesn't help sell your site because people usually don't care, if there is good info they will be using it.
I would also remove the counter. I am 100% anti counter. You can find much more involved stats in the logs using a nice graphical viewer and when you are just starting people will NOT take your site seriously if you are telling them that only 300 people have ever visited your site. Once the numbers get higher it doesn't help sell your site because people usually don't care, if there is good info they will be using it.
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visualfoxprouser
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Mon Mar 28, 2005 9:56 pm
Brooke
Thank you for your reply and in particular,
Alan
Richard
I am grateful to you for your post on this thread
Thanks all and good luck in what ever you do and where ever you are.
Kindest regards
Lee
Thank you for your reply and in particular,
Well shes the boss and what Sarah wants, Sarah gets!"(Of course, in the end, if Sarah insists, all is moot!)"
Alan
. Sarah is aware that I'm not a great fan of designing websites, I've been in the RDMS field for ten years but as she is also a friend and colleague of mine (and a paying customer), well...."I am a little like you in that my real forte in IT was designing and coding Case Management Systems"
Thank you. As previously mentioned, Sarah decided on that particular sliding logo idea and I just created it. You all may have noticed that it only slides in once, this was done purposely because as the feedback suggest, moving objects and flashing buttons does distract the "Viewer""In this particular case I find the sliding logo subtle, attractive and not at all distracting"
Richard
You tell Sarah to remove the counter!! Again, she is aware that I have access to many different types of stats"I would also remove the counter. I am 100% anti counter".
I am grateful to you for your post on this thread
Thanks all and good luck in what ever you do and where ever you are.
Kindest regards
Lee
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sazzleevans
- Posts: 290
- Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2005 10:48 am
- Location: costa de la luz
- Contact:
Hi
Poor old Lee Hes never posted on a forum before. I am suprised he even came onto the site!!
Hes quite right all the ideas are mine and I think hes FAB.
Lee your a super star.
Sarah
www.islacanelaholidays.com
www.eyeonislacanela.cm
Poor old Lee
Hes never posted on a forum before. I am suprised he even came onto the site!!Hes quite right all the ideas are mine and I think hes FAB.
Lee your a super star.
Sarah
www.islacanelaholidays.com
www.eyeonislacanela.cm
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visualfoxprouser
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Mon Mar 28, 2005 9:56 pm
Compliments will get you everywhere
HI Sarah
Thank you for posting on this thread. Some people say all the nice things.
You wouldn't be looking for a discount would you?
Good luck with your venture
Lee...
Custom Software
Database Management Systems
Thank you for posting on this thread. Some people say all the nice things.
You wouldn't be looking for a discount would you?
Good luck with your venture
Lee...
Custom Software
Database Management Systems