What does my site need?

sparklyscotty · Jan 15, 2007

I was going to ask whether or not I should put a blog on there, but after reading some posts, I would like some more general feedback from the experts out there. What does my site need to make it sell more??? I am currently looking for someone to help me with 'odd jobs' around the site on a pay per project or monthly maintenance basis.
http://www.chimerique.co.uk

Thanks guys!

-Angel-

Kidz Fashion Zone · Jan 15, 2007

a couple of things I noticed:

1. I couldn't find P&P costs unless I missed it
2. Something is slowing down your homepage,(for me anyway) it's either the scrolling bestseller box or the slide images in the middle

You could offer to purchase without having to sign up for an account, some buyers are put off by this (I'm not bothered)

I like your jewellery, it's lovely

Kidz Fashion Zone · Jan 15, 2007

oh one more thing and I hope you don't mind me mentioning it but there is a teeny weeny spelling mistake on your shipping & returns page

Each order is covered by a 100% satusfaction guarantee

SillyJokes · Jan 15, 2007

I think it is still the images and the navigation.

Clicking a product - say the Sodalite (love that name) necklace and you get a page giving you no extra information of any real use and the same small sized image you had on the previous list page. It also leaves you with no navigation to back except the back or home button

You could do with a bit more compelling copy here too and link it to the other Sodalite stuff you do - bracelet and earrings.

Not having a crystal clear P&P policy will be costing you orders every day.

Your contact details are non existant which means you are breaking distance selling law. It is a bit cheeky to expect us to give us all our life details and create an account to shop when you don't even have an address on your contacts page if you think about it.

Jan 15, 2007

I agree. You mention a 'low flat fee' for shipping, but i assume you do not get this without going through the checkout. Let folks know how much this is (in your 'Shipping and Returns' section). If you have a 'low flat fee', then this is a selling point & should be advertised as such.

Your contact details are in the 'About Us' section, but using a PO Box.
I'd ditch the PO Box, and include your details in the contact us section, above the email an enquiry option.

Other than that, I think the site looks good (not so sure about the scrolling best sellers bit tho').
Good luck
Mark

IB Audio · Jan 16, 2007

I think the site is nice but it doesn't stand out from the crowd enough. There is something on your front page about customizing the jewellery that makes me think you're not making enough of a selling point of that.

If customizing was a real feature of the site that might set you apart (if that's what you do?).

I don't know why you need people to have an account as it's an extra hoop to jump through before purchasing, remove as many hoops as possible as this will help people get to the checkout quicker (I know it's quicker on returning with an account but they will return anyway if they like you).

can you make the account optional? then if they choose to sign up for an account they get a discount off every purchase, creating your own loyalty scheme.

Also could you have an overall navigation that's broken into section for example earings, necklaces and so on...

And definitely put your contact details on your contact page! I avoid sites without full contact details.

I hope that helps.

adam1987 · Jan 16, 2007

Looks too much like a basic install of oscommerce, hire a designer .. i can help

Kidz Fashion Zone · Jan 16, 2007

obviously we all know here what a default oscommerce site looks like but would a buyer notice or really care? I think it's ok to have a default layout with nice colours etc, would it really put a buyer off?

before I stumbled across oscommerce and built my site from it I wouldn't have known what oscommerce site looked like if it came up and bit me on the you know what

c2webdesign · Jan 16, 2007

The site is being slowed down much too much by the animation - you have to lose this now otherwise you will drive people away instantly!!

I found it a struggle just trying to look - can't image how people who wanted to buy from you would feel.

Lose the animation on the home page and bring the feature items on the home page more in to view. Make this the first thing they see so your visitor can instantly gain an image of the types of products you sell.

You asked above 'How can I sell more'... that's precisly it. Your copy needs to 'sell' your product. If you are selling these items you must believe in the product - if that's the case sell it to it's full potential.

I would lose the statement on when the product was added (unless in the past month) older than that and it (maybe from a personal view) doesn't make it sound appealing (again maybe just me).

On the left hand side you have some sample products - if you are going to use these MAKE SURE that when clicked the visitor gets taken straight to that product - not a category page. If they see a product they like take them straight there - not make them click more times than they need to.

Unless you have lots of reviews lose this feature (if you can). I always think (and a critism of osCommerce templates) that if all your reviews are empty then no-one visits, buys or are that pleased with their product to come back and write a review.

Hope this helps,

sparklyscotty · Jan 16, 2007

Thanks guys, I am taking lots of notes! I'm actually encouraged... if everyone was saying 'Great! Fab!' I'd be depressed because more people weren't buying.

Will get to work in a couple of weeks and check back with you.

simonr · Jan 17, 2007

This is just me with a chip on my shoulder, probably, but I wouldn't have got past the first 10 seconds on the front page: anything that "requires" me to create and account sets my teeth on edge. It's the online equivelant of the over-zelous sales assistant who rushes over when I'm browsing with the "Can I help you?" line. More often than not, I leave the store, feeling that I don't want to be pressured.

..... but my friends do say I'm a bit odd like that!

S

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What does my site need?

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