New Website

<p>We are starting a new website. Please let us know what you think.</p>

<p>www.lawtonphotograph.com</p>

<p>Music with no way to turn it off drives me away from sites almost as fast as the OMG slow flash loading and the site intro.</p>

<p>Way too long before the viewer sees the first image. Didn't wait any longer.</p>

<p><Chas></p>

<p>You know, it is nice and all, but I have to say it might work for your customers, but not for your prospects and certainly not for those who are just quickly flipping around to see things. You need a button to short circuit the whole thing, skip right to the images.</p>

<p>And yes, always allow the music to be turned off.</p>

<p>Intro page to test "5 seconds and they are gone" theory.<br>

Music with no way to turn it off.<br>

Flash in the age of iPhone and iPad.<br>

No random access to images.<br>

Pitch black background for a wedding site.<br>

Not the best options for a successful website in my humble opinion.</p>

<p>There are a lot of broken links.<br>

Intro was way too long<br>

There was nothing under "The Big Day" or "About"</p>

 

<p>I agree with the intro being too long. I'm constantly browsing the web for one thing or another, and if there's a long intro and no "skip" icon, I almost always close the site.</p>

<p>The simplicity is great. I love the concept and idea. In my opinion, it seems to load quickly but you're missing a few key ideas and fixes. As of now, you are showing a portfolio (which is fine for current clients). If you are wanting your website to grab attention to prospects, you'll need to tweak a bit.<br>

A few things that do need attention:</p>

<ul>

<li>Animations are very slow, general rule of thumb... within 15-30 seconds you have to grab the attention of the viewer.</li>

<li>Roll over effects are very choppy. For example, when you roll over an image inside your gallery selection... they flash from 60% transparent to 100%. A gradual fade will be best in order gain the effect you're aiming for. I usually use 600ms when designing a website.</li>

<li>The galleries use "out of the box" solutions, which is okay in most situations. However, with the hundreds of photographer's I've dealt with -- they always need a customized twist. Every one has a camera -- the difference is who has the "eye for the perfect shot." Your photography is great -- show it off.</li>

<li>You have a flash website, so don't expect search engine results. Consider creating an alternate website with full flash and html selections. The reason I mention this, the bottom of your website is a big "no-no." Hiding text on the bottom will eventually get you black-listed from major search engines. Once on the black list, you won't be getting back on.</li>

<li>Considering you have a full flash website, use the internal SEO capabilities to your advantage. Don't forget your <title> and <meta> tags. I occationally write up SEO tips within my company's blog <a href="http://www.theviperidea.com/">TheViperIdea</a> (http://www.theviperidea.com/)</li>

</ul>

<p>I hope this helps in your quest for an online website! If you have any questions, let me know. I'd be glad to assist with any questions.<br>

Kindest Regards,<br>

Steven P.<br /> </p>