I agree with pretty much every thing said so far. Though with Wordpress you could do quite a bit to develop it as a full site. Wordpress can be a lot more powerful than other "easy build site" options. Here are a couple of things to do though to improve what you have.
Give consideration to page titles. From a marketing and search point of view "Carol's blog" is not as beneficial as something like "Notes from Mark Twain Lake"..
- replace the copyright statement with your address and phone number ... you want that on every single page. The copyright statement is pretty much worthless. Directory startups will still hijack your info anyway.
- Your slogan of "the lake's newest bed and breakfast" is not worth much... it will scare away as many as it attracts. Come up with something more meaningful and less open to interpretation. example: B&B at the water's edge, romantic waterfront B&B..... tell people what they are looking for.
- There are several seo plugins for Wordpress that allow you to specify the meta description and meta keywords. Meta keywords are useless, but the meta-description is valuable and the plugins bring them as a package deal. This page will help you decide on how to have your pages target the phrases you want
- Opening the webervations in the lightbox is not the effect you want, because it leads to what Aieechihuahua mentioned with a confusing window with your site sitting atop your own site.
Swirt, How did she get her Webervations link (under availability) to pop up in its own little window? I looked at the source code, but couldn't tell.swirt said:I agree with pretty much every thing said so far. Though with Wordpress you could do quite a bit to develop it as a full site. Wordpress can be a lot more powerful than other "easy build site" options. Here are a couple of things to do though to improve what you have.
Give consideration to page titles. From a marketing and search point of view "Carol's blog" is not as beneficial as something like "Notes from Mark Twain Lake".
- replace the copyright statement with your address and phone number ... you want that on every single page. The copyright statement is pretty much worthless. Directory startups will still hijack your info anyway.
- Your slogan of "the lake's newest bed and breakfast" is not worth much... it will scare away as many as it attracts. Come up with something more meaningful and less open to interpretation. example: B&B at the water's edge, romantic waterfront B&B..... tell people what they are looking for.
- There are several seo plugins for Wordpress that allow you to specify the meta description and meta keywords. Meta keywords are useless, but the meta-description is valuable and the plugins bring them as a package deal. This page will help you decide on how to have your pages target the phrases you want
- Opening the webervations in the lightbox is not the effect you want, because it leads to what Aieechihuahua mentioned with a confusing window with your site sitting atop your own site.
I agree with pretty much every thing said so far. Though with Wordpress you could do quite a bit to develop it as a full site. Wordpress can be a lot more powerful than other "easy build site" options. Here are a couple of things to do though to improve what you have.
Give consideration to page titles. From a marketing and search point of view "Carol's blog" is not as beneficial as something like "Notes from Mark Twain Lake"..
- replace the copyright statement with your address and phone number ... you want that on every single page. The copyright statement is pretty much worthless. Directory startups will still hijack your info anyway.
- Your slogan of "the lake's newest bed and breakfast" is not worth much... it will scare away as many as it attracts. Come up with something more meaningful and less open to interpretation. example: B&B at the water's edge, romantic waterfront B&B..... tell people what they are looking for.
- There are several seo plugins for Wordpress that allow you to specify the meta description and meta keywords. Meta keywords are useless, but the meta-description is valuable and the plugins bring them as a package deal. This page will help you decide on how to have your pages target the phrases you want
- Opening the webervations in the lightbox is not the effect you want, because it leads to what Aieechihuahua mentioned with a confusing window with your site sitting atop your own site.
Swirt, How did she get her Webervations link (under availability) to pop up in its own little window? I looked at the source code, but couldn't tell.swirt said:I agree with pretty much every thing said so far. Though with Wordpress you could do quite a bit to develop it as a full site. Wordpress can be a lot more powerful than other "easy build site" options. Here are a couple of things to do though to improve what you have.
Give consideration to page titles. From a marketing and search point of view "Carol's blog" is not as beneficial as something like "Notes from Mark Twain Lake".
- replace the copyright statement with your address and phone number ... you want that on every single page. The copyright statement is pretty much worthless. Directory startups will still hijack your info anyway.
- Your slogan of "the lake's newest bed and breakfast" is not worth much... it will scare away as many as it attracts. Come up with something more meaningful and less open to interpretation. example: B&B at the water's edge, romantic waterfront B&B..... tell people what they are looking for.
- There are several seo plugins for Wordpress that allow you to specify the meta description and meta keywords. Meta keywords are useless, but the meta-description is valuable and the plugins bring them as a package deal. This page will help you decide on how to have your pages target the phrases you want
- Opening the webervations in the lightbox is not the effect you want, because it leads to what Aieechihuahua mentioned with a confusing window with your site sitting atop your own site.
.
Webervations link (under availability) to pop up in its own little window? I looked at the source code, but couldn't tell.
I am not sure and I know SWIRT would know..but the code says "lightframe"
When I first saw it I thought it was similar to LIGHTBOX which is a script for photo slide show.
I agree with pretty much every thing said so far. Though with Wordpress you could do quite a bit to develop it as a full site. Wordpress can be a lot more powerful than other "easy build site" options. Here are a couple of things to do though to improve what you have.
Give consideration to page titles. From a marketing and search point of view "Carol's blog" is not as beneficial as something like "Notes from Mark Twain Lake"..
- replace the copyright statement with your address and phone number ... you want that on every single page. The copyright statement is pretty much worthless. Directory startups will still hijack your info anyway.
- Your slogan of "the lake's newest bed and breakfast" is not worth much... it will scare away as many as it attracts. Come up with something more meaningful and less open to interpretation. example: B&B at the water's edge, romantic waterfront B&B..... tell people what they are looking for.
- There are several seo plugins for Wordpress that allow you to specify the meta description and meta keywords. Meta keywords are useless, but the meta-description is valuable and the plugins bring them as a package deal. This page will help you decide on how to have your pages target the phrases you want
- Opening the webervations in the lightbox is not the effect you want, because it leads to what Aieechihuahua mentioned with a confusing window with your site sitting atop your own site.
Swirt, How did she get her Webervations link (under availability) to pop up in its own little window? I looked at the source code, but couldn't tell.swirt said:I agree with pretty much every thing said so far. Though with Wordpress you could do quite a bit to develop it as a full site. Wordpress can be a lot more powerful than other "easy build site" options. Here are a couple of things to do though to improve what you have.
Give consideration to page titles. From a marketing and search point of view "Carol's blog" is not as beneficial as something like "Notes from Mark Twain Lake".
- replace the copyright statement with your address and phone number ... you want that on every single page. The copyright statement is pretty much worthless. Directory startups will still hijack your info anyway.
- Your slogan of "the lake's newest bed and breakfast" is not worth much... it will scare away as many as it attracts. Come up with something more meaningful and less open to interpretation. example: B&B at the water's edge, romantic waterfront B&B..... tell people what they are looking for.
- There are several seo plugins for Wordpress that allow you to specify the meta description and meta keywords. Meta keywords are useless, but the meta-description is valuable and the plugins bring them as a package deal. This page will help you decide on how to have your pages target the phrases you want
- Opening the webervations in the lightbox is not the effect you want, because it leads to what Aieechihuahua mentioned with a confusing window with your site sitting atop your own site.
.Code:Webervations link (under availability) to pop up in its own little window? I looked at the source code, but couldn't tell.
.Code:I am not sure and I know SWIRT would know..but the code says "lightframe" When I first saw it I thought it was similar to LIGHTBOX which is a script for photo slide show.
I just thought it added a little pizazz and looked a little more elegant than the somewhat primitive interface that is currently used by Webervations. They don't make it very easy to customize your individual pages. It's dang near impossible to do anything with CSS and the tiny window they give you for coding is exasperating.catlady said:Webervations link (under availability) to pop up in its own little window? I looked at the source code, but couldn't tell.
Code:I am not sure and I know SWIRT would know..but the code says "lightframe" When I first saw it I thought it was similar to LIGHTBOX which is a script for photo slide show.
I guess my question is would another webdesigner take over?Thanks for all the input. I DIDN'T do the website myself. I met with the lady who is doing my website on Sunday and told her about these things, an as of tonight nothing has been done. She know we are ready to take guest and I feel the website is really hurting us.I guess my question is would another webdesigner take over? Thanks.![]()
Thanks for all the input. I DIDN'T do the website myself. I met with the lady who is doing my website on Sunday and told her about these things, an as of tonight nothing has been done. She know we are ready to take guest and I feel the website is really hurting us.I guess my question is would another webdesigner take over? Thanks.![]()
Is this someone who is a friend/aquaintance or is it someone you hired?MTLLodge said:Thanks for all the input. I DIDN'T do the website myself. I met with the lady who is doing my website on Sunday and told her about these things, an as of tonight nothing has been done. She know we are ready to take guest and I feel the website is really hurting us.I guess my question is would another webdesigner take over? Thanks![]()
MTL, I couldn't open your website on my browser, maybe it only works on IE? It sounds like good advice coming from the others; it's nice to see everyones comments and honest critiques. Although it does make me a bit nervous about our website that I redesigned last fall. I have heard nothing but compliments from our guests old and new. But part of that might be because before I worked on it, the family was using the same website that they had for like 14 years, only updating the rates, and only displaying a handful of pictures. So I took lots of pictures, (the number one thing that people ask for when booking) and redid it myself using Rapid Weaver on a Mac. I do not have a B&B but I help run my family(by marriage) business which is seasonal. http://www.pinehurstcottages.com/index.html Please take a look and give me some feedback as well..
I think the basic format of your site is good. It's easy to navigate.Renee V said:MTL, I couldn't open your website on my browser, maybe it only works on IE? It sounds like good advice coming from the others; it's nice to see everyones comments and honest critiques. Although it does make me a bit nervous about our website that I redesigned last fall. I have heard nothing but compliments from our guests old and new. But part of that might be because before I worked on it, the family was using the same website that they had for like 14 years, only updating the rates, and only displaying a handful of pictures. So I took lots of pictures, (the number one thing that people ask for when booking) and redid it myself using Rapid Weaver on a Mac. I do not have a B&B but I help run my family(by marriage) business which is seasonal. http://www.pinehurstcottages.com/index.html Please take a look and give me some feedback as well.
I hired her!Thanks for all the input. I DIDN'T do the website myself. I met with the lady who is doing my website on Sunday and told her about these things, an as of tonight nothing has been done. She know we are ready to take guest and I feel the website is really hurting us.I guess my question is would another webdesigner take over? Thanks.
Is this someone who is a friend/aquaintance or is it someone you hired?MTLLodge said:Thanks for all the input. I DIDN'T do the website myself. I met with the lady who is doing my website on Sunday and told her about these things, an as of tonight nothing has been done. She know we are ready to take guest and I feel the website is really hurting us.I guess my question is would another webdesigner take over? Thanks![]()
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Thanks B. Diva, those are good points and things that I was actually thinking about changing. The first picture on the home page isn't one of the cottages, but our office. The plaque on the wall is a bit shadowed by the trees, so it is kind of hard to read in the picture, I either need to go out on a much sunnier day, or like you say change it to show one of the cottages. And I have been meaning to add more pictures of families enjoying themselves, but its one of those things that I think I will need to rope my own family into rather than invade anyone else's privacyMTL, I couldn't open your website on my browser, maybe it only works on IE? It sounds like good advice coming from the others; it's nice to see everyones comments and honest critiques. Although it does make me a bit nervous about our website that I redesigned last fall. I have heard nothing but compliments from our guests old and new. But part of that might be because before I worked on it, the family was using the same website that they had for like 14 years, only updating the rates, and only displaying a handful of pictures. So I took lots of pictures, (the number one thing that people ask for when booking) and redid it myself using Rapid Weaver on a Mac. I do not have a B&B but I help run my family(by marriage) business which is seasonal. http://www.pinehurstcottages.com/index.html Please take a look and give me some feedback as well..I think the basic format of your site is good. It's easy to navigate.Renee V said:MTL, I couldn't open your website on my browser, maybe it only works on IE? It sounds like good advice coming from the others; it's nice to see everyones comments and honest critiques. Although it does make me a bit nervous about our website that I redesigned last fall. I have heard nothing but compliments from our guests old and new. But part of that might be because before I worked on it, the family was using the same website that they had for like 14 years, only updating the rates, and only displaying a handful of pictures. So I took lots of pictures, (the number one thing that people ask for when booking) and redid it myself using Rapid Weaver on a Mac. I do not have a B&B but I help run my family(by marriage) business which is seasonal. http://www.pinehurstcottages.com/index.html Please take a look and give me some feedback as well.
Can I suggest a couple simple things to change?
Your family's property looks like a wonderful place. I love that it's sort of a throw back to the old days/simpler time, sort of the innocence of the 50s. I would play that up...there's not many places anymore where families can just go and have fun.
- Change the cottage picture on your home page. You need to grab them with how cute your cottages are and the picture there now doesn't convey that. The pictures on your cottages page are nice. Also, since you are definitely a family property, have some pictures on your homepage with kids or families having a wonderful time. The swing picture is very nice, but I would make it smaller and fit more pictures such as the pool and motel picture and families having fun. Grab them right away with how fun and relaxing time their family will have when they stay with you. Maybe you can think of a slogan you can put near the top about come and make lifelong familiy memories, etc.
- Go through all your text on all your pages and instead of saying things like "They do not come with a fan, bed linens, towels, or a television. They do however come with blankets, pillows, and cable (if you decide you want to bring a television)", just have a list (like bullets) with things they do have and/or a list of items not included. It's always better to use a positive than a negative. Also, people tend to pay attention to a list instead of paragraphs. Keep it simple
.
Thanks B. Diva, those are good points and things that I was actually thinking about changing. The first picture on the home page isn't one of the cottages, but our office. The plaque on the wall is a bit shadowed by the trees, so it is kind of hard to read in the picture, I either need to go out on a much sunnier day, or like you say change it to show one of the cottages. And I have been meaning to add more pictures of families enjoying themselves, but its one of those things that I think I will need to rope my own family into rather than invade anyone else's privacyMTL, I couldn't open your website on my browser, maybe it only works on IE? It sounds like good advice coming from the others; it's nice to see everyones comments and honest critiques. Although it does make me a bit nervous about our website that I redesigned last fall. I have heard nothing but compliments from our guests old and new. But part of that might be because before I worked on it, the family was using the same website that they had for like 14 years, only updating the rates, and only displaying a handful of pictures. So I took lots of pictures, (the number one thing that people ask for when booking) and redid it myself using Rapid Weaver on a Mac. I do not have a B&B but I help run my family(by marriage) business which is seasonal. http://www.pinehurstcottages.com/index.html Please take a look and give me some feedback as well..I think the basic format of your site is good. It's easy to navigate.Renee V said:MTL, I couldn't open your website on my browser, maybe it only works on IE? It sounds like good advice coming from the others; it's nice to see everyones comments and honest critiques. Although it does make me a bit nervous about our website that I redesigned last fall. I have heard nothing but compliments from our guests old and new. But part of that might be because before I worked on it, the family was using the same website that they had for like 14 years, only updating the rates, and only displaying a handful of pictures. So I took lots of pictures, (the number one thing that people ask for when booking) and redid it myself using Rapid Weaver on a Mac. I do not have a B&B but I help run my family(by marriage) business which is seasonal. http://www.pinehurstcottages.com/index.html Please take a look and give me some feedback as well.
Can I suggest a couple simple things to change?
Your family's property looks like a wonderful place. I love that it's sort of a throw back to the old days/simpler time, sort of the innocence of the 50s. I would play that up...there's not many places anymore where families can just go and have fun.
- Change the cottage picture on your home page. You need to grab them with how cute your cottages are and the picture there now doesn't convey that. The pictures on your cottages page are nice. Also, since you are definitely a family property, have some pictures on your homepage with kids or families having a wonderful time. The swing picture is very nice, but I would make it smaller and fit more pictures such as the pool and motel picture and families having fun. Grab them right away with how fun and relaxing time their family will have when they stay with you. Maybe you can think of a slogan you can put near the top about come and make lifelong familiy memories, etc.
- Go through all your text on all your pages and instead of saying things like "They do not come with a fan, bed linens, towels, or a television. They do however come with blankets, pillows, and cable (if you decide you want to bring a television)", just have a list (like bullets) with things they do have and/or a list of items not included. It's always better to use a positive than a negative. Also, people tend to pay attention to a list instead of paragraphs. Keep it simple
.
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Why don't you just go to istock.com and find some wonderful stock photos of families playing on a lake or water, etc. They are only about $1.00 per photo. It doesn't need to be your lake, just something indistinguishable. Also, the office photo even on a bright day is not the first impression you want to give...people won't be staying overnight in your office.Renee V said:Thanks B. Diva, those are good points and things that I was actually thinking about changing. The first picture on the home page isn't one of the cottages, but our office. The plaque on the wall is a bit shadowed by the trees, so it is kind of hard to read in the picture, I either need to go out on a much sunnier day, or like you say change it to show one of the cottages. And I have been meaning to add more pictures of families enjoying themselves, but its one of those things that I think I will need to rope my own family into rather than invade anyone else's privacy![]()