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New business
Topic Started: Mon Apr 17, 2006 7:49 pm (285 Views)
roman1967
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Can't Stay Away
Well, I am trying to start up my own business now since working with my brother didn't work out. I have my webpage up and running (just spent today building it and learning my new version of FrontPage) and would like you all to check it out and give me some feedback.

I know it is kind of basic, but I didn't want to overwhlem people with a ton of graphics and a site that is difficult to navigate through.

My Webpage

One of my major questions is whether or not to include pricing. My thought is to leave that until I am with the person on the phone or if they ask the question in an email. That way, at least the calls are generated rather than people not calling because they are scared away by the price.

Anyhow... tell me what you think.
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Knight/m
Smallville
Quote:
 
and would like you all to check it out and give me some feedback.



Ah I see… :bidea: so you do a needs analysis for every individual…*interesting*… do you have a basic formula for this analysis or is it like a help desk service.

Suggestions:
1. Since your business caters to the computer newbie I would suggest more color to guide the eye to the main points.

2. I would also suggest adding an introduction price…because I always think that if they don’t show a price it must be high and plus if they see a small price tag first it will draw them into inquire more. Then once you have an inquiring customer you can go in for the total selling points.

3. I would suggest animated graphics…anything moving attracts the eye.

Also how are you protecting yourself from the nut cases out there and vise-a-versa… they are gonna wanna know the same. Do you have a rented space or is this like the Geek Squad service that goes to peoples home?
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iluvwriting
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Expert
Very through Roman! I like it, I think it's good as it is, but a little more color wouldn't hurt, plus, like Knight said, maybe some animated graphics.
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roman1967
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Can't Stay Away
thanks for the feedback so far.

Knight, it will mostly be like a phone line customer service. I will talk to the person and figure out what they know, ask them what they'd like to know and go from there.

See, I'm not to sure about posting a price. I'll have to think about that one some more.

Also, I wonder if I should have some kind of disclaimer. Like "I'm not Microsoft Certified" or something. Just to let people know I am just a guy who wants to help.
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Knight/m
Smallville
Are you going to be networking…because word of mouth is your best reference? Like maybe doing a local demographic needs analysis for this service, for instance small businesses or even adult communities may want this type of service. I know there are a lot of seniors out there that want to be computer savvy but are afraid. Even some smaller business could want this...I guess what I'm getting at is… are you going to be networking with business cards & or other advertising to start up because once you get a few satisfied customers their references can be the branch to others.


Quote:
 
I wonder if I should have some kind of disclaimer. Like "I'm not Microsoft Certified" or something. Just to let people know I am just a guy who wants to help.

In my opinion always have a CMA (Cover My A**) disclaimer/file…get my drift :LOL: cuz it can’t hurt. :sly:
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Renee
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Don't mess with JS
Good idea, roman! I like the main page. :) I agree with Knight about having some kind of price display if you possibly can. When I visit a website, I want as much info as possible available right there for me to see. If it looks as if I might have to jump through hoops to find out basic information, it tends to be a turn-off.

Thoughts on the "About the Computer Tutor" page: People will want to get the most relevant information first. If you don't give them that right up front, their attention drifts. (They taught me that in newswriting class years ago, and it's proven to be one of the most valuable facts I've ever learned.) With that in mind, I suggest you put your points in reverse order, like this:

How It Works
Why the Computer Tutor?
Who Are You . . .
Who Am I . . .

Moving your points around will require a little rewriting here and there, but it will be much more customer-friendly in the end.

The other pages look good! :coolyo:

As for "not Microsoft Certified," I see why you would want to specify that, but there must be a more positive way to put it. Like, say, listing the qualifications you DO have, but not putting "Microsoft Certified" with them, so people will know that you're not but that you're still good at what you do. Make sense?
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Snarky
Smallville Nut
Great feedback! I liked it. It was clear, easy to read, applicable graphics.
I was thinking "darn it, I don't live in that area..." I think Renee's suggestion of the order is excellent. It states the need, explains it, and builds your credibility. I agree that you shouldn't list "not Mircosoft certified" it would make me hesitate as a customer. List positives.
If your city as a senior center, you might want to put up a couple posters or maybe leave some business cards. There's so many senior citizens that want to learn computers, but are too intimidated to ask.
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roman1967
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Peg, I think, "Darn it, you don't live in this area..." every time you tell me you are making lasagne. :D

Yes, Knight, I will be networking. I found a price for an ad in the local paper which was very reasonable and will be going with that. I can show you all the ad if you like. It is PDF, but basically shows the first page (duck w/hammer) and content from the second page and contact information. I know this will rely heavily on Word-of-Mouth advertising. Once I get a few satisfied people, I think it will roll like crazy. I do have a couple of "posters" up with tear-off slips that have my name and phone number. It is surprising how many businesses don't do that anymore.

I appreciate all the feedback. I will be changing the order of the "About..." page. That makes perfect sense. Color will be added. Animated graphics....Possibly. I really want to keep it simple. Any suggestions of something that goes with the theme of the page? Tutor I may be, but I don't have Photoshop and can't make my own cool graphics and banners. Pricing.....hmmmm... still noodling that one.

What do you all think of maybe getting on a web-affiliate program or something, or banner advertising to try and generate income? I think it would be OK as long as the ads don't dominate the whole page AND they can NOT use pop-ups at all.

Anyhow...things are sort of rolling along. My mother liquidated a bond to get me some startup cash for advertising and supplies and to pay the bills for a couple of months so I can get a good start at this. Here's hoping!
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Knight/m
Smallville
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What do you all think of maybe getting on a web-affiliate program or something, or banner advertising to try and generate income? I think it would be OK as long as the ads don't dominate the whole page AND they can NOT use pop-ups at all.

:bidea: I think it would be ok as you said as long as it's not bigger than your web-page or pop-ups( :wall: I seriously hate those & plus pop-ups would confuse a newbie, so you're right on target with that :coolyo: )

:P: Hey with all this feedback do we get a huge discount for your services cuz man do I need help with an animation program I have . I can’t tell which way is up with the damn thing :LOL: .

Quote:
 
Animated graphics....Possibly. I really want to keep it simple. Any suggestions of something that goes with the theme of the page?

Here I’m no help cuz everything I have has copyright laws attached to it so basically I’m only “making” art from what is provided; I’m not “creating” it from scratch. I do hear that “Flash animation” is a good program but it does use a lot of Ram to run. That might be something you would want to look into.
I wish you so much luck with this new endeavor… :grouphug:
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Renee
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Don't mess with JS
As Knight says, banner ads of a reasonable size are just fine. It's only when they get huge or pop up in your face all the time that they get obnoxious.
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