Loud or Soft Sites

[oilfreeandhappy]

What do you prefer - a loud website? A more professional looking website? I'm sure it depends on the content and products. It's one thing to get a lot of hits on a site. But, what good are hits, if the visitor immediately leaves?

[Thoughts2Page]

You're right, Jim. Fly-bys are not quality visits.

I don't go for "loud" myself... I write several blogs, each tailored to a specific purpose. My main blog ([url]http://thoughts2page.blogspot.com[/url]) is just about the writing. I don't sell anything and I make no money from it. I wrote for other websites, in the past, and was encouraged by several readers to take my work to a home of its own... so that's what I did They like it and they are regulars now.

It's not a "bells and whistles" blog -- in fact, aesthetically, it's very plain -- and I like it that way. I don't like visiting websites that bombard me with videos, music, goofy cursors or pop-up windows before I've even had a chance to determine their overall purpose or offering. I am also not fond of website backgrounds that are so "busy" that they obscure the content. In those cases, I would do exactly what you were referring to -- leave immediately. I like to explore a well-organized site with clear headings and links that allow for easy navigation.

What are your thoughts, Jim? Everyone?

[oilfreeandhappy]

Elaine,
I visited your blog. It is a nice setup. I like the chosen background color. Thanks for your input.

[Thoughts2Page]

Oh thanks for the visit, Jim Always appreciated! The template I'm using now was actually from a site that I found recommended here at Bloggerhub. I like the three-column layout much better than the two-column stock template I had started with... it allows me to keep things uncluttered and it also provides a larger main column for my writing. I find it very functional.

Anyway, I'd still like to know your thoughts on your original question too I visited your site and really like what you're doing with the patches and all. Do you have concerns about your site design?

[oilfreeandhappy]

Somewhat. I've had compliments on my site, but at the same time, I wonder if it requires too much scrolling. What did you think?

[Thoughts2Page]

Somewhat. I've had compliments on my site, but at the same time, I wonder if it requires too much scrolling. What did you think?

Hey Jim!

Well, let me see... I'm looking at your site while I type so these will just be "off the top of my head" with no criticism intended of your current design, all right?

If you are concerned with scrolling, that would mean thinking "horizontal" rather than "vertical"... you could try reducing the size of your images and maybe reduce the number that are on the main page. As an example, when I click "tshirts," I see some of the same photos that I saw on the homepage. Maybe the homepage could highlight the links to your ordering pages, with only one or two sample photos apiece. That would tighten up your merchandise area and have the three categories closer together (i.e., less scrolling).

(Are you going to be writing more articles on your oil-free theme? If so, you could even try columns... maybe, one for your merchandise, one for your general/bicycle/interest links and one for your writing. This could keep your merch information fixed, in a sidebar and always in your potential customer's view, with just your written content "scrolling.")

Not sure this helps but just some ideas Keep up your good work!

E.