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JBloggs

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What is missing from our website? Care to have a gander as if you were planning a trip?
I WILL listen to all comments. I thank you in advance for your time.
Logistical comments and aesthetic alike. Thanks everyone.
 
Home page - If you still have that pic of the house in the fall before the big tree came down I would use that one instead of the one where all I see is a huge blue roof. On the rooms page - the huge photo of a couple kissing seems at odds with all the mention of how private everything is. (LOVE the photo, just not juxtaposed with 'private' as that doesn't seem like a private kiss at all.)
Babes in arms should stay with the 'parents' in the cottage, not just 'mommy'. (Yeah, you know that's MY peeve and may not strike anyone else at all.)
On the home page - 'proudly family owned...' might sound better as 'proud to be family-owned...'. No, wait, leave that but take out 'We are...' just 'Proudly family-owned...'.
I did not see an email addy.
Love the layout. Everything is easy to find. Like the new 'about us'. I really like the 'torn paper' side bar comments.
I sped thru. Will leave some comments for others... ;-)
 
Home page - If you still have that pic of the house in the fall before the big tree came down I would use that one instead of the one where all I see is a huge blue roof. On the rooms page - the huge photo of a couple kissing seems at odds with all the mention of how private everything is. (LOVE the photo, just not juxtaposed with 'private' as that doesn't seem like a private kiss at all.)
Babes in arms should stay with the 'parents' in the cottage, not just 'mommy'. (Yeah, you know that's MY peeve and may not strike anyone else at all.)
On the home page - 'proudly family owned...' might sound better as 'proud to be family-owned...'. No, wait, leave that but take out 'We are...' just 'Proudly family-owned...'.
I did not see an email addy.
Love the layout. Everything is easy to find. Like the new 'about us'. I really like the 'torn paper' side bar comments.
I sped thru. Will leave some comments for others... ;-).
Do you think that photo is false advertising tho now that the sugar maple is gone? I have thought about this as well...
Thx for other comments too.
 
On the Love Shack you have "click here to see second floor layout" - I did not know there was a second floor in the Love Shack...lol
 
Home page - If you still have that pic of the house in the fall before the big tree came down I would use that one instead of the one where all I see is a huge blue roof. On the rooms page - the huge photo of a couple kissing seems at odds with all the mention of how private everything is. (LOVE the photo, just not juxtaposed with 'private' as that doesn't seem like a private kiss at all.)
Babes in arms should stay with the 'parents' in the cottage, not just 'mommy'. (Yeah, you know that's MY peeve and may not strike anyone else at all.)
On the home page - 'proudly family owned...' might sound better as 'proud to be family-owned...'. No, wait, leave that but take out 'We are...' just 'Proudly family-owned...'.
I did not see an email addy.
Love the layout. Everything is easy to find. Like the new 'about us'. I really like the 'torn paper' side bar comments.
I sped thru. Will leave some comments for others... ;-).
Do you think that photo is false advertising tho now that the sugar maple is gone? I have thought about this as well...
Thx for other comments too.
.
Joey Bloggs said:
Do you think that photo is false advertising tho now that the sugar maple is gone? I have thought about this as well...
Thx for other comments too.
I thought about that, too. You're talking maybe 3-4 weeks where someone MIGHT comment that the tree is gone. But does anyone come to your place to sit under that tree or take pix of that tree? Like here, it's just pretty, but I don't have people running around taking pix of the trees - they are out looking for that knock out scene! Seriously doubt it will be an issue. Almost like posting snowy photos and then there's no snow. YES, I DO get complaints about no snow but it's not so much because of the photo as the actual weather.
 
I really have to work to find anything that could be better! It's a wonderful website.
Floor Plan: I would change "SHEN BATH" to "SHEN PRIVATE BATH"
Good idea to include the arrow pointing to East because some people will actually pick a room based on whether it has morning sun or not!
 
On the Love Shack you have "click here to see second floor layout" - I did not know there was a second floor in the Love Shack...lol.
gillumhouse said:
On the Love Shack you have "click here to see second floor layout" - I did not know there was a second floor in the Love Shack...lol
!
thx
 
Home page - If you still have that pic of the house in the fall before the big tree came down I would use that one instead of the one where all I see is a huge blue roof. On the rooms page - the huge photo of a couple kissing seems at odds with all the mention of how private everything is. (LOVE the photo, just not juxtaposed with 'private' as that doesn't seem like a private kiss at all.)
Babes in arms should stay with the 'parents' in the cottage, not just 'mommy'. (Yeah, you know that's MY peeve and may not strike anyone else at all.)
On the home page - 'proudly family owned...' might sound better as 'proud to be family-owned...'. No, wait, leave that but take out 'We are...' just 'Proudly family-owned...'.
I did not see an email addy.
Love the layout. Everything is easy to find. Like the new 'about us'. I really like the 'torn paper' side bar comments.
I sped thru. Will leave some comments for others... ;-).
Do you think that photo is false advertising tho now that the sugar maple is gone? I have thought about this as well...
Thx for other comments too.
.
Joey Bloggs said:
Do you think that photo is false advertising tho now that the sugar maple is gone? I have thought about this as well...
Thx for other comments too.
I thought about that, too. You're talking maybe 3-4 weeks where someone MIGHT comment that the tree is gone. But does anyone come to your place to sit under that tree or take pix of that tree? Like here, it's just pretty, but I don't have people running around taking pix of the trees - they are out looking for that knock out scene! Seriously doubt it will be an issue. Almost like posting snowy photos and then there's no snow. YES, I DO get complaints about no snow but it's not so much because of the photo as the actual weather.
.
Madeleine said:
Joey Bloggs said:
Do you think that photo is false advertising tho now that the sugar maple is gone? I have thought about this as well...
Thx for other comments too.
I thought about that, too. You're talking maybe 3-4 weeks where someone MIGHT comment that the tree is gone. But does anyone come to your place to sit under that tree or take pix of that tree? Like here, it's just pretty, but I don't have people running around taking pix of the trees - they are out looking for that knock out scene! Seriously doubt it will be an issue. Almost like posting snowy photos and then there's no snow. YES, I DO get complaints about no snow but it's not so much because of the photo as the actual weather.
Well to be honest, everyone notices the tree is not there. They ask about it when they get here "Wasn't there a tree right there?" so I have weaned off the older images for that reason. In fact you have seen my old room cards and people commented on them, which is why I created the new ones. I always point out the view is now enhanced with the tree gone. (we had no choice in the matter the tree had to go...they don't live forever).
sad_smile.gif

so...not sure if I can go back to that now willingly. It is something I do think about on and off. Thx.
 
I really have to work to find anything that could be better! It's a wonderful website.
Floor Plan: I would change "SHEN BATH" to "SHEN PRIVATE BATH"
Good idea to include the arrow pointing to East because some people will actually pick a room based on whether it has morning sun or not!.
Arkansawyer said:
I really have to work to find anything that could be better! It's a wonderful website.
Floor Plan: I would change "SHEN BATH" to "SHEN PRIVATE BATH"
Good idea to include the arrow pointing to East because some people will actually pick a room based on whether it has morning sun or not!
You saw that space is very small to add "private" but in other news that room is not being rented at the moment, it is actually taken out of inventory. I leave it on there for prospective buyers, so they see the 6 guest rooms and baths. I actually need to amend the floor plan as the adjoining door is now gone btwn Rocky and Sierra. Thx
 
Home page - If you still have that pic of the house in the fall before the big tree came down I would use that one instead of the one where all I see is a huge blue roof. On the rooms page - the huge photo of a couple kissing seems at odds with all the mention of how private everything is. (LOVE the photo, just not juxtaposed with 'private' as that doesn't seem like a private kiss at all.)
Babes in arms should stay with the 'parents' in the cottage, not just 'mommy'. (Yeah, you know that's MY peeve and may not strike anyone else at all.)
On the home page - 'proudly family owned...' might sound better as 'proud to be family-owned...'. No, wait, leave that but take out 'We are...' just 'Proudly family-owned...'.
I did not see an email addy.
Love the layout. Everything is easy to find. Like the new 'about us'. I really like the 'torn paper' side bar comments.
I sped thru. Will leave some comments for others... ;-).
Do you think that photo is false advertising tho now that the sugar maple is gone? I have thought about this as well...
Thx for other comments too.
.
Joey Bloggs said:
Do you think that photo is false advertising tho now that the sugar maple is gone? I have thought about this as well...
Thx for other comments too.
I thought about that, too. You're talking maybe 3-4 weeks where someone MIGHT comment that the tree is gone. But does anyone come to your place to sit under that tree or take pix of that tree? Like here, it's just pretty, but I don't have people running around taking pix of the trees - they are out looking for that knock out scene! Seriously doubt it will be an issue. Almost like posting snowy photos and then there's no snow. YES, I DO get complaints about no snow but it's not so much because of the photo as the actual weather.
.
Madeleine said:
Joey Bloggs said:
Do you think that photo is false advertising tho now that the sugar maple is gone? I have thought about this as well...
Thx for other comments too.
I thought about that, too. You're talking maybe 3-4 weeks where someone MIGHT comment that the tree is gone. But does anyone come to your place to sit under that tree or take pix of that tree? Like here, it's just pretty, but I don't have people running around taking pix of the trees - they are out looking for that knock out scene! Seriously doubt it will be an issue. Almost like posting snowy photos and then there's no snow. YES, I DO get complaints about no snow but it's not so much because of the photo as the actual weather.
Well to be honest, everyone notices the tree is not there. They ask about it when they get here "Wasn't there a tree right there?" so I have weaned off the older images for that reason. In fact you have seen my old room cards and people commented on them, which is why I created the new ones. I always point out the view is now enhanced with the tree gone. (we had no choice in the matter the tree had to go...they don't live forever).
sad_smile.gif

so...not sure if I can go back to that now willingly. It is something I do think about on and off. Thx.
.
OK, it really was a great tree so I can see why people would miss it.
 
Home page - If you still have that pic of the house in the fall before the big tree came down I would use that one instead of the one where all I see is a huge blue roof. On the rooms page - the huge photo of a couple kissing seems at odds with all the mention of how private everything is. (LOVE the photo, just not juxtaposed with 'private' as that doesn't seem like a private kiss at all.)
Babes in arms should stay with the 'parents' in the cottage, not just 'mommy'. (Yeah, you know that's MY peeve and may not strike anyone else at all.)
On the home page - 'proudly family owned...' might sound better as 'proud to be family-owned...'. No, wait, leave that but take out 'We are...' just 'Proudly family-owned...'.
I did not see an email addy.
Love the layout. Everything is easy to find. Like the new 'about us'. I really like the 'torn paper' side bar comments.
I sped thru. Will leave some comments for others... ;-).
Do you think that photo is false advertising tho now that the sugar maple is gone? I have thought about this as well...
Thx for other comments too.
.
Joey Bloggs said:
Do you think that photo is false advertising tho now that the sugar maple is gone? I have thought about this as well...
Thx for other comments too.
I thought about that, too. You're talking maybe 3-4 weeks where someone MIGHT comment that the tree is gone. But does anyone come to your place to sit under that tree or take pix of that tree? Like here, it's just pretty, but I don't have people running around taking pix of the trees - they are out looking for that knock out scene! Seriously doubt it will be an issue. Almost like posting snowy photos and then there's no snow. YES, I DO get complaints about no snow but it's not so much because of the photo as the actual weather.
.
Madeleine said:
Joey Bloggs said:
Do you think that photo is false advertising tho now that the sugar maple is gone? I have thought about this as well...
Thx for other comments too.
I thought about that, too. You're talking maybe 3-4 weeks where someone MIGHT comment that the tree is gone. But does anyone come to your place to sit under that tree or take pix of that tree? Like here, it's just pretty, but I don't have people running around taking pix of the trees - they are out looking for that knock out scene! Seriously doubt it will be an issue. Almost like posting snowy photos and then there's no snow. YES, I DO get complaints about no snow but it's not so much because of the photo as the actual weather.
Well to be honest, everyone notices the tree is not there. They ask about it when they get here "Wasn't there a tree right there?" so I have weaned off the older images for that reason. In fact you have seen my old room cards and people commented on them, which is why I created the new ones. I always point out the view is now enhanced with the tree gone. (we had no choice in the matter the tree had to go...they don't live forever).
sad_smile.gif

so...not sure if I can go back to that now willingly. It is something I do think about on and off. Thx.
.
My logo has the blue spruce - GONE thank goodness. And yes, people who have been here before notice it is gone. However, many people in town who have seen that tree for decades did not even notice it was gone. For me, I no longer fear it falling on the house in a strong wind and the house gets better sun.
 
I tried it on my iPhone. Only thing that might help is to have navigation at the bottom of the pages as well as the top.
The appearance on the small screen and the load time were good.
 
A nice, clean WordPress theme.
I would suggest some technical corrections and optimizations, but all in all it looks OK.
Maybe a bit too many loaded CSS and JS files, when most of the CSS can be combined into a single file.
But, some small stuff:
1. Get rid of long-deprecated tags, such as:
<h1><center>PROUDLY FAMILY-OWNED-AND-OPERATED. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU HERE AT THE CLAIBORNE HOUSE B&B of VIRGINIA!</center></h1>
The <center> tag shouldn't be used, even if browsers still support it.
2. Install and configure the WordPress SEO by Yoast plugin.
3. Update your WordPress installation (currently at 3.6).
4. Create a separate Gallery page just with photos, customers appreciate it.
5. Maybe try to add your contact details directly in the header, a good place would be above the logo or between the logo and the menu. Don't make people scroll all the way down in hopes of finding some contact information (and yes, I know there is a separate page for that).
And the final thing, which is purely a personal taste preference: maybe think about changing the background a bit, not the most pleasant color.
 
I too would like to see a more pleasant background color. The tan is just so blah...and that is the furtherest from what you are :)
 
If I plan a getaway, I have already decided on the area. So when planning a trip I primaraly look for a place to stay, secondly for confirmation that I made a good choice on the area. Is it different in the USA? Keep that in mind when I say that I find not much info on your homepage regarding your B&B (house/rooms).
Your prime space is devoted to reasons to visit blue ridge/rocky mount. What I miss is a call to action to book your B&Broom - what special experience do I get? I know all the info is on the website, but it is not on the homepage.
Another point, if I go to your rooms page I get to scroll through a lot of rules/terms, then for info on the rooms I have to click again. My idea would be first a few positive lines, for example start with "All guest rooms on the second floor, except The Wash House Cottage (floor plan here), and elaborate on the "ALL ROOMS HAVE PRIVATE BATHS and TV’s", free wifi, quiet, good value.
 
PS background color recommendations accepted... please share. Would be happy to try them out.
Re the contact info, I hate to say it, but I want them to book online, to guarantee their cc and have the box ticked they agree to our policies. So I don't have the phone # up there.
I hear you on the rooms page, I have all that info on EACH room page, perhaps I need to adjust that. In the US we have less ROOM prices and info on the home pages, but I will also look into that.
I appreciate the feedback everyone. I am always willing to make improvements. There is too much to say and too little read it, I understand that.
what special experience do I get?
I thought this was shared on the header slide show...in photos and text. Maybe not?
 
PS background color recommendations accepted... please share. Would be happy to try them out.
Re the contact info, I hate to say it, but I want them to book online, to guarantee their cc and have the box ticked they agree to our policies. So I don't have the phone # up there.
I hear you on the rooms page, I have all that info on EACH room page, perhaps I need to adjust that. In the US we have less ROOM prices and info on the home pages, but I will also look into that.
I appreciate the feedback everyone. I am always willing to make improvements. There is too much to say and too little read it, I understand that.
what special experience do I get?
I thought this was shared on the header slide show...in photos and text. Maybe not?.
Joey Bloggs said:
Re the contact info, I hate to say it, but I want them to book online, to guarantee their cc and have the box ticked they agree to our policies. So I don't have the phone # up there.
Same here! My phone number is on the website, but it's certainly not prominent. I want them to book online. I want them to use the webform to ask questions.
 
PS background color recommendations accepted... please share. Would be happy to try them out.
Re the contact info, I hate to say it, but I want them to book online, to guarantee their cc and have the box ticked they agree to our policies. So I don't have the phone # up there.
I hear you on the rooms page, I have all that info on EACH room page, perhaps I need to adjust that. In the US we have less ROOM prices and info on the home pages, but I will also look into that.
I appreciate the feedback everyone. I am always willing to make improvements. There is too much to say and too little read it, I understand that.
what special experience do I get?
I thought this was shared on the header slide show...in photos and text. Maybe not?.
I don't need to have room information on the home page. They can find that easily enough. The home page has to attract and pull me in first then I can find what I want. But, I am not going to read too much as we all know..most don't read..they scan web sites.
 
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