Hits but no conversions?

[AtYourService]

Hi all, I am a relatively "amateur" website builder but do believe our site is ok. However, although we get hits (avg 200 per day) and have a Page 2 rank, we get no conversions, not for our business offer and also not for our spay & neuter drive - Briefly that is inviting people to join in a worldwide walk to raise funds.

Please, can someone tell me what is wrong??? Or are people just not interested?

All comments appreciated. The more criticism the better. We need to get our site working.

Many thanks,
Michele De Bruin
http://www.k9mums.com

 

[fisicx]

It's quite possible that you don't convert because it's very difficult to work out exactly what it is you are offering. There is no clear deliniation between general information and calls to action so the visitor isn't able to work out where to click.

 

[cragrat]

Hi Michele,

To be honest the code you've used to put the site together is not brilliant. We use web standards and symantic mark-up to make sure we are passing the right information about the site to google.

Do you mean hits or sessions? hits are bits of data, like images/page views etc whilst sessions is people coming to your site.


I would recommend redesigning the site around Search Engine Optimisation and web standards. At the very least you could put google analytics which will measure the traffic you are getting and where it comes from.

We do Search Engine optimisation reports for £200, which will give you a break down of what you need to do to optimise your site, then you can but it into place yourself. If you're interested, let me know.

 

[fisicx]

To be honest the code you've used to put the site together is not brilliant. We use web standards and symantic mark-up to make sure we are passing the right information about the site to google.

Might not be the cleanest code but Google really doesn't care if a page validates or not as long as the can extract the content. SEO isn't the answer, they are getting the visitors but no one is converting. Agree though that they need to differentiate between hits and visitors.

BTW, just noticed huge chuinks of hidden text, that's likely to get you a banned from google

 

[andymayhem]

Whats your bounce rate? Also I think your site is broken in Chrome, there is a massive white box in the middle of the page.

 

[andymayhem]

Thanks Fisicx! Thats what the big white box is unbelievable.

 

[AtYourService]

It's quite possible that you don't convert because it's very difficult to work out exactly what it is you are offering. There is no clear deliniation between general information and calls to action so the visitor isn't able to work out where to click.

Ok, I see what you mean. Guess it is clear to me because I eat, sleep and drink this site! I will fix it up. I just have a problem trying to differentiate all the things we offer:

Business Opportunity
Pet Care Service
Animals Helping Animals - Fund Raising Drive
Dogs looking for homes.

How do I SEPERATE that all on one page??? I am no whizz at website building, neither am I very creative!

Kind regards
Michele De Bruin
http://www.k9mums.com

 

[AtYourService]

Hi Michele,

To be honest the code you've used to put the site together is not brilliant. We use web standards and symantic mark-up to make sure we are passing the right information about the site to google.

Do you mean hits or sessions? hits are bits of data, like images/page views etc whilst sessions is people coming to your site.


I would recommend redesigning the site around Search Engine Optimisation and web standards. At the very least you could put google analytics which will measure the traffic you are getting and where it comes from.

We do Search Engine optimisation reports for £200, which will give you a break down of what you need to do to optimise your site, then you can but it into place yourself. If you're interested, let me know.

Thanks Jo, I hear you. I just don't have that kind of money. Most of our income (sometimes all) goes towards helping animals.

Kind regards
Michele De Bruin
http://k9mums.com

 

[AtYourService]

Might not be the cleanest code but Google really doesn't care if a page validates or not as long as the can extract the content. SEO isn't the answer, they are getting the visitors but no one is converting. Agree though that they need to differentiate between hits and visitors.

BTW, just noticed huge chuinks of hidden text, that's likely to get you a banned from google

Ok, now here's a dumb question: what is the difference between hits and visitors?

Re the hidden text - do you mean that on the home page? If so, I will delete it immediately. I was told that is the "thing to do".........??? :|

Kind regards
Michele De Bruin
http://k9mums.com

 

[cragrat]

The reason I recommended SEO, is that the traffic, might not be relevant, and that's why it's not converting to actual clients.

Apart from the text not being visible, your title aren't marked up as H1's which won't help google find you in relevant searches

 

[AtYourService]

Whats your bounce rate? Also I think your site is broken in Chrome, there is a massive white box in the middle of the page.

Oh crumbs, I think I am totally out of my league here!

What is a bounce rate?

Broken in Chrome? I use Sitebuilder to build my site. What is broken in Chrome? Help!!! :|

Kind regards
Michele De Bruin
http://www.k9mums.com

 

[fisicx]

How do I SEPERATE that all on one page??? I am no whizz at website building, neither am I very creative!

Don't put it all on one page! Stop tweaking the site and do some business planning. Get some content written describing each service and work out how to link it all together. all the homepage needs then to do i8s point people in the right direction.

But you do need to lose that hidden text right now otherwise you may disappear from the search engines forever.

And the pet walking thing really needs to be on a seperate domain.

 

[AtYourService]

Apart from the text not being visible, your title aren't marked up as H1's which won't help google find you in relevant searches

Gee, I am really beginnnig to feel quite dumb! :|

What are H1's?

Kind regards
Michele De Bruin
http://www.k9mums.com

 

[AtYourService]

Don't put it all on one page! Stop tweaking the site and do some business planning. Get some content written describing each service and work out how to link it all together. all the homepage needs then to do i8s point people in the right direction.

But you do need to lose that hidden text right now otherwise you may disappear from the search engines forever.

And the pet walking thing really needs to be on a seperate domain.

Ok, hidden/text white box gone!!!! Thank you for that. And for all your other input. Will get to work on it immediately. Many thanks.

Kind regards
Michele De Bruin
http://k9mums.com

 

[andymayhem]

The bounce rate is a percentage of people who land on your site and leave without visiting another page and the lower the better. Knowing this will help you determine if your visitors are finding what they are looking for or in other words if your traffic is relevant to your site.
You should have some form of analytics on your site, I'd recommend http://www.google.com/analytics/ its easy to test up and easy to understand.

 

[Scott-Copywriter]

Hi all, I am a relatively "amateur" website builder but do believe our site is ok. However, although we get hits (avg 200 per day) and have a Page 2 rank, we get no conversions, not for our business offer and also not for our spay & neuter drive - Briefly that is inviting people to join in a worldwide walk to raise funds.

Please, can someone tell me what is wrong??? Or are people just not interested?

All comments appreciated. The more criticism the better. We need to get our site working.

Many thanks,
Michele De Bruin
http://www.k9mums.com

Hi Michele.

I'm a copywriter (I write sales copy for websites) so I'll give you a few tips.

The site is very cluttered and it makes it difficult for the visitor to focus on a part of the page to 'begin' their journey through your site so to speak. They don't know where to start and once they have to think about this, they lose interest and click away. Right now I'd say most of your visitors arent even reading past the first sentence.

There's no benefit-driven headline to immediately grab the attention of the visitor. "A very warm welcome to you!" doesn't do this at all, it should stand out and spark some curiosity to continue reading.

Another huge problem someone mentioned is that it's very difficult to understand what you're selling. I had to get to this page before I got some idea of what you're doing and even then, I'm unsure.

The text also isn't benefit-driven enough to create a want and urge for what you're doing. Why should a person put a lot of effort in participating and how will it directly benefit them?

Also I think some of the wording is a bit too blunt. You say "spay & neuter and spay & neuter and spay & neuter", it sound like some giant army which walks around the world chopping animals bits off. You need to focus more on the reduction of homeless animals angle.

Hope this helps.

 

[AtYourService]

The bounce rate is a percentage of people who land on your site and leave without visiting another page and the lower the better. Knowing this will help you determine if your visitors are finding what they are looking for or in other words if your traffic is relevant to your site.
You should have some form of analytics on your site, I'd recommend http://www.google.com/analytics/ its easy to test up and easy to understand.

Absolutely awesome!! Thank you. Off to Google I now go!

Kind regards
Michele De Bruin
http://www.k9mums.com

 

[AtYourService]

Hi Michele.

I'm a copywriter (I write sales copy for websites) so I'll give you a few tips.

The site is very cluttered and it makes it difficult for the visitor to focus on a part of the page to 'begin' their journey through your site so to speak. They don't know where to start and once they have to think about this, they lose interest and click away. Right now I'd say most of your visitors arent even reading past the first sentence.

There's no benefit-driven headline to immediately grab the attention of the visitor. "A very warm welcome to you!" doesn't do this at all, it should stand out and spark some curiosity to continue reading.

Another huge problem someone mentioned is that it's very difficult to understand what you're selling. I had to get to this page before I got some idea of what you're doing and even then, I'm unsure.

The text also isn't benefit-driven enough to create a want and urge for what you're doing. Why should a person put a lot of effort in participating and how will it directly benefit them?

Also I think some of the wording is a bit too blunt. You say "spay & neuter and spay & neuter and spay & neuter", it sound like some giant army which walks around the world chopping animals bits off. You need to focus more on the reduction of homeless animals angle.

Hope this helps.

Yes, all your input is super helpful. I see where you are coming from and you are right. I sure have a lot of work ahead of me but am looking forward to it! I'm just about working 24/7 already on this thing - especially the fund raising drive and one tends to get down when no-one shows up so to speak.

I also want to thank you for giving me a laugh for the day, or rather the month!! Your comment about "sound like some giant army which walks around the world chopping animals bits off" had me in a fit of laughter!! Very very funny!! You sure have a sense of humour!

Thanks again.
Kind regards
Michele De Bruin
http://www.k9mums.com

 

[AtYourService]

I just want to say a huge thank you to all who have contributed advice and tips regarding my desperate website situation and especially to the kind gentelman who has offered me some further help, free of charge! (May I mention your name kind gentleman?) This is a super group and I am so glad to have found you all!

Kind regards
Michele De Bruin
http://www.k9mums.com

 

[RickBisset]

If you can I would put a contact number at the top. They say by displaying a number people are almost less likely to call it as it offers some form of reassurance.

Maybe put a snippet from a testimonial at the top also.

 

[AtYourService]

If you can I would put a contact number at the top. They say by displaying a number people are almost less likely to call it as it offers some form of reassurance.

Maybe put a snippet from a testimonial at the top also.

Thank you Rick. Super idea!! Many thanks!

 

[astutiumRob]

Business Opportunity
Pet Care Service
Animals Helping Animals - Fund Raising Drive
Dogs looking for homes.

How do I SEPERATE that all on one page?

Simple answer - dont.

They need to be separate sections of your site, or better yet, completely separate websites.

 

[AtYourService]

Simple answer - dont.

They need to be separate sections of your site, or better yet, completely separate websites.

Ok I hear you but then isn't the home page supposed to be a summary of the whole website?

At present we cannot afford to register another domain/s, so based on your comment would it then be best simply to put ONE aspect of what we offer on the home page? If so, then visitors, who just '"glance" won't know about the other things we offe? oooooh, I'm confused now. :|

Kind regards
Michele De Bruin
http://www.k9mums.com

 

[REM..!]

Hi

Can I just ask, are you relying solely on your website and Google to generate new business?

I am not an expert at websites .. I think the others here have given you some great advice.

However, I do wonder whether you might be missing an oppertunity to promote your services at some events which relate to your business.... Or even a networking oppertunity on other forums and websites?

If you find that you are getting people to look at your website but the buck stops with that, you need to find a way to engage with your target market so that you become attractive to them.

If you can tell me what other marketing activities you are undertaking, I will try and come up with some pointers for you.


Nancy

 

[michael67]

Thanks Jo, I hear you. I just don't have that kind of money. Most of our income (sometimes all) goes towards helping animals.

Kind regards
Michele De Bruin
quote]

Hello Michele

A general piece of business advice with regards to your comment about not having the funds/money.

You need to invest in a business structure that can generate more income for you - don't just put all your money into the animals, make sure you spend some on improving your website and other marketing activities, so they are good eneough to generate even more income.

If you don't work this way, you will find it hard to increase the income you have.

Michael

 

[AtYourService]

Hi

Can I just ask, are you relying solely on your website and Google to generate new business?

I am not an expert at websites .. I think the others here have given you some great advice.

However, I do wonder whether you might be missing an oppertunity to promote your services at some events which relate to your business.... Or even a networking oppertunity on other forums and websites?

If you find that you are getting people to look at your website but the buck stops with that, you need to find a way to engage with your target market so that you become attractive to them.

If you can tell me what other marketing activities you are undertaking, I will try and come up with some pointers for you.


Nancy

Hi Nancy, to answer your question, I suppose yes, we do rely soley on our website & Google for sales - our business is internationally based so our webiste is a tool that has to work! I do market via forums etc., people seem interested, go to our site, and then I never hear from them again. Our site just does not yet have what it takes to turn a hit into a conversion. Any pointers you could send our way would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards
Michele De Bruin
http://www.k9mums.com

 

[AtYourService]

Thanks Jo, I hear you. I just don't have that kind of money. Most of our income (sometimes all) goes towards helping animals.

Kind regards
Michele De Bruin
quote]

Hello Michele

A general piece of business advice with regards to your comment about not having the funds/money.

You need to invest in a business structure that can generate more income for you - don't just put all your money into the animals, make sure you spend some on improving your website and other marketing activities, so they are good eneough to generate even more income.

If you don't work this way, you will find it hard to increase the income you have.

Michael

Thanks Michael. You are not the first one to tell me this. It's just that things are so tough worldwide these days that one has to turn a penny over a number a times before one decides where it would be best used. But thank you. You are right. I am actually kicking myself and my business in the foot by not investing in my website thereby reducing income and of course, the level on which we can assist others.

Good golly! I have just gone and talked myself into some common sense! Thanks again Michael!

Kind regards
Michele De Bruin
http://www.k9mums.com

 

[REM..!]

Hi Nancy, to answer your question, I suppose yes, we do rely soley on our website & Google for sales - our business is internationally based so our webiste is a tool that has to work! I do market via forums etc., people seem interested, go to our site, and then I never hear from them again. Our site just does not yet have what it takes to turn a hit into a conversion. Any pointers you could send our way would be greatly appreciated.

Hi again

Okay here are my thoughts - Considering you say you want the website to be the main business creator..

1. Your website landing page needs to tell people exactly what you DO... (as others have mentioned). Your charity messages etc can wait until the end of the page - or along the top of the site. They shouldn't take detract from your business message - which is how I see it at the moment. You are at risk of making your business seem like a charity unless you make your concept your strongest feature (which is as I understand it, having a network of people internationally who are prepared to look after people's dogs in their own home whilst their owners go on holiday- ?)

2. I don't think, from a business point of view, you should add the following under your rates -

What are the rates?


A percentage of each booking is donated to animal welfare organizations, as well as to the Lord. This is based on Proverbs 3:9-10: Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. It is due to our faithfulness in this, that this business is as successful as it is.

I think your sentiment is great but I think it doesn't give the impression of offering value to customers or giving them a sense of your business strategy.

Personally, I would leave out the religous message. Your service appears to be non religious so I would make it less intimidating for those who aren't of faith or who belong to other religions. Just my opinion. I hope that doesn't offend you.

I think part of your problem may lie in that customers are unsure whether you are running a charity organisation, or a business making profit. I think this may be something you need to look at - how do you feel about this?

3. Look for ways to increase word of mouth potential. At the risk of sounding cheesy, you need to think outside the box. I am assuming you have some customers already - how did you get those? Through the web? Generally speaking, people who have pets know others who have pets. Can you offer a referral scheme? (Something like a days free stay if they refer a friend?)

Look at other ways to generate interest. Have you phoned local dog walkers and asked if they would mention you to their clients if they are going away? You could maybe even recruit the dog walkers as new sitters. They might already have a customer base.

How about local travel agents? They might be willing to reccomend your services to customers as they might attact more customers if those with pets are able to get away... (You need to think what would be the benefit to them for reccomending you).

Pet shops? Pet forums? Dog rescue centres? - If people rehoming a dog are told they are still able to go on holiday because there is someone to look after their dog it might make rehoming a dog a more attractive prospect.

Professionals with pets - can you ring organisations and find out if anyone has pets. People who have pets - and money - are more likely to want to find a good sitter for them. Can you create some sort of interesting material to send a company that will get people talking about you?

Just some ideas. Hope they help.


(As a side note - without my REM hat on! - as someone having 2 dogs myself, I think you need to be careful about introducing dogs into a home where there are already pets. Do you have any sort of insurance? - This is something I would be looking for as a prospective customer. In order to sell to people you need to reduce their perceived risk so they feel they can trust you. Trust is key to raking in the sales).

 

[vinmann]

It is not clear how you getting traffic, whether through ppc or seo. Analyze, through which keywords your visitors are reaching your site. They should be related to the product or service you are offering. If your visitors don't see what they are expecting on arrival at your site, they will simply click away immediately. Any page that provides the answers or solutions to the unique visitors will get more conversion.

 

[AtYourService]

Hi again

Okay here are my thoughts - Considering you say you want the website to be the main business creator..

1. Your website landing page needs to tell people exactly what you DO... (as others have mentioned). Your charity messages etc can wait until the end of the page - or along the top of the site. They shouldn't take detract from your business message - which is how I see it at the moment. You are at risk of making your business seem like a charity unless you make your concept your strongest feature (which is as I understand it, having a network of people internationally who are prepared to look after people's dogs in their own home whilst their owners go on holiday- ?)

Yes, correct, a network of people internationally to look after other people's pets in their own homes is our strongest feature. I hear where you are coming from with this. I will make the necessary changes, thank you.

2. I don't think, from a business point of view, you should add the following under your rates -

I think your sentiment is great but I think it doesn't give the impression of offering value to customers or giving them a sense of your business strategy.

Personally, I would leave out the religous message. Your service appears to be non religious so I would make it less intimidating for those who aren't of faith or who belong to other religions. Just my opinion. I hope that doesn't offend you.

No offence taken. You do have a point. I will certainly think on that.

I think part of your problem may lie in that customers are unsure whether you are running a charity organisation, or a business making profit. I think this may be something you need to look at - how do you feel about this?

After reading your first comment above, yes, you are right. I will make the necessary changes.

3. Look for ways to increase word of mouth potential. At the risk of sounding cheesy, you need to think outside the box. I am assuming you have some customers already - how did you get those? Through the web? Generally speaking, people who have pets know others who have pets. Can you offer a referral scheme? (Something like a days free stay if they refer a friend?)

Funny you say that, it is what we have been in Cape Town since 1994! And the business here is doing very well. The launch of the sale of the concept so to speak only happened in Jan 09 - but yes, a referral system is a super super idea!

Look at other ways to generate interest. Have you phoned local dog walkers and asked if they would mention you to their clients if they are going away? You could maybe even recruit the dog walkers as new sitters. They might already have a customer base.


How about local travel agents? They might be willing to reccomend your services to customers as they might attact more customers if those with pets are able to get away... (You need to think what would be the benefit to them for reccomending you).

Pet shops? Pet forums? Dog rescue centres? - If people rehoming a dog are told they are still able to go on holiday because there is someone to look after their dog it might make rehoming a dog a more attractive prospect.

Professionals with pets - can you ring organisations and find out if anyone has pets. People who have pets - and money - are more likely to want to find a good sitter for them. Can you create some sort of interesting material to send a company that will get people talking about you?

Just some ideas. Hope they help.

You are full of great ideas!! Thank you so much! My mind is now racing at 1000 miles an hour with all these ideas of yours.

(As a side note - without my REM hat on! - as someone having 2 dogs myself, I think you need to be careful about introducing dogs into a home where there are already pets. Do you have any sort of insurance? - This is something I would be looking for as a prospective customer. In order to sell to people you need to reduce their perceived risk so they feel they can trust you. Trust is key to raking in the sales).

We detail on our website the procedures involved here. No dog is accepted in any home without a prior visit to determine if all will in fact run smoothly. Plus we have legal agreements in place which need to be signed by the pet owner and the k9mum. This protects all parties in the event of any trouble. However, since 1994 we have not had one bad incident. We are super careful how we place the dogs and any future K9Mums have to work according to our policies and procedures. I myself follow up with each new client as well to determine if all went well.

A million thank you's to you! You have been a great help. I really do appreciate it.

Kind regards
Michele De Bruin
http://www.k9mums.com

 

[AtYourService]

It is not clear how you getting traffic, whether through ppc or seo. Analyze, through which keywords your visitors are reaching your site. They should be related to the product or service you are offering. If your visitors don't see what they are expecting on arrival at your site, they will simply click away immediately. Any page that provides the answers or solutions to the unique visitors will get more conversion.

Yes, thank you. I now have Google Analytics helping with the above!! Awesome product they have. Very informative.

Many thanks!
Michele De Bruin
http://www.k9mums.com

 

[REM..!]

We detail on our website the procedures involved here. No dog is accepted in any home without a prior visit to determine if all will in fact run smoothly. Plus we have legal agreements in place which need to be signed by the pet owner and the k9mum. This protects all parties in the event of any trouble. However, since 1994 we have not had one bad incident. We are super careful how we place the dogs and any future K9Mums have to work according to our policies and procedures. I myself follow up with each new client as well to determine if all went well.

A million thank you's to you! You have been a great help. I really do appreciate it.

Kind regards
Michele De Bruin
http://www.k9mums.com

Hi

You're most welcome - I enjoyed putting my thinking cap on

As for the part in bold - I would put this on your website, along with links or explanations of the various legal agreements you have made. It explains your procedures very well.

All the best

Nancy