Website review request

[Swanksy]

Hi all. I would like reviews on my website if possible.

The site is for selling my refurbished Tilley Lamps as a sideline and a job for when I retire. I have three main products, complete lamps, lamp tanks and a lamp tank refinishing service. I am working on a landing page to promote the Tilley Lamp and drive traffic and I am also working on a links page, returns policy etc.

The site has been launched for 4 weeks and I’m not getting any traffic so I’m working on socials etc.

I look forwards to any feedback! Please be gentle.

Swanky Lamp | Modern Tilley Lamps & Complete Lamps in UK

Swanky Lamp breathes new life into traditional Tilley Lamp bases with a fresh, modern twist. Upgrade your decor with these unique pieces!

www.swankylamp.com

HTTPS://swankylamp.com

 

[Ozzy]

Puts on mittens to be gentle

When the website first opened it did startle me, that's a lot of purple. Maybe it's just me, but that is way too much purple for my taste.

The website also brings back memories of early websites from back in the day, is this intentional? if it isn't then sorry, it does and I'd suggest a relook at the branding.
Personally, I would go for a more retro-modern website theme, as I just have a hunch that your audience will be the type who may have a higher level of disposable income, perhaps more rural living. I did look at Tilly's own website to get a vibe for how they position themselves, and their website still says they are closed for Christmas . Don't look to them for inspiration!

I won't post links here, but my suggestion is to do a Google for retro modern lamps and look at some of your competition and how they brand themselves. A few sites there have the style and colour branding I'd associate with antique lamps at your price point.

Also, your site doesn't contain any legally required company information, which you'd need to add.

 

[Swanksy]

Hi Ozzy, thanks for the advice. Yes the site was meant to be a dark theme so only the vibrant lamps stand out. The background has a texture that works better on a pc as the text boxes are slightly transparent and show the texture changes etc.

Yes agreed Tilley site isn’t great, it’s pretty much how Tilley is run these days, they’ve never modernised and got left behind somewhat, I have a good relationship with them but it is the truth. I was trying to capitalise with a modern look to the site and the lamps. I think the lamps are great but the site will need a second pass I guess.

Not sure about the legality of the site as I’m a sole trader don’t have company registration etc.

Great feedback thank you. I will be collating all I get.

Oh, ye… if I was getting traffic I’d have a better understanding of the site issues I guess.!

 

[Mark T Jones]

I'd agree with @Ozzy - the purple is a bit shocking - you might want to to a bit of research on whether this is likely to be right for your target.

In terms of content, there is a strong assumption that visitors will be familiar with Tilley - again, does that reflect or target, or are you seeking more 'interesting artefact' searches?

Again, full legal details

Name T/A swanky Lamps

Address

Ideally contact numbers

 

[fisicx]

Far too dark. If you want the lamps to stand out there are better ways to do this.

The products haven't been configured correctly. You should be using variants so that all colours are on a single product. You then use the gallery to switch between colours.

I am however very confused about the whole concept. Swanky lamps suggests you sell lamps. But the majority of the products are just the tank. You say I can make my own lamps but you don't sell all the parts or even a kit of parts.

The lack of any contact details, privacy policy, T&C and returns and refund policies would put me off buying anything.

You say you are promoting the products on social media but have you researched if this is the correct place to do so. Are potential customers looking on FB and whatever for tilley lamp tanks? Do you even know who your target customer is?

I've looked at your Insta page and there are lots of pictures (including Snoop dog?) but it doesn't lead anywhere. If I wanted to buy any of the lamps you don't provide the means to do so.

But going back to the site - get rid of the dark backgrounds. Reduce the number of columns. Use product variants. Include full contact details and all the legal pages.

And most importantly, rethink your whole marketing strategy. Do people want a tank with pretty colours or do they want a refurbished Tilley Lamp? Or even a DIY kit of parts - that would make a fantastic present for an old Scout/Guide.

 

[Swanksy]

I'd agree with @Ozzy - the purple is a bit shocking - you might want to to a bit of research on whether this is likely to be right for your target.

In terms of content, there is a strong assumption that visitors will be familiar with Tilley - again, does that reflect or target, or are you seeking more 'interesting artefact' searches?

Again, full legal details

Name T/A swanky Lamps

Address

Ideally contact numbers

Thank you. The landing page I’m working on is going to be focussed on Tilley Lamps, the history, how they work etc etc.

Legal stuff being added as we speak.

Going to have a good think about the Colour, purhaps I should have just used black and grey maybe.

 

[fisicx]

Thank you. The landing page I’m working on is going to be focussed on Tilley Lamps, the history, how they work etc etc.

Why? Do you want to sell lamps or be the local historian for Tilly Lamps?

Don't do anything with the site until you have done your market research. Once you know your target customer, how they search for product and what products they want you can then build the site to fulfill their needs.

As an aside, most people will be looking at the site on their phone. The UX isn't very good.

And why have the URL in the header?

 

[Dandan2]

I'd recommend selling on Etsy rather than your own website when starting out.

 

[Fagin2021]

Whilst the comments above are valid, I can’t help thinking that you’re going about this back-to-front.

Your market falls into two broad categories..

• Those people who already own a Tilley lamp and want to renew/refurbish/repair it or whatever.
• People who could or would buy a Tilley lamp from you, but it’s never crossed their mind – they may not even know what a Tilley lamp is.

The first group is easy but small. You’re not in a competitive market for them so a few well-chosen keywords, a bit of optimisation and some website tweaks should see you on the first page of Google. Trouble is – you won’t get much traffic.

The second group is far bigger and more difficult but think about the advantages a Tilley lamp has over replica antique or outdoor lamps…

It’s portable, cheap to run and doesn’t need an electric power source or lead. It can be hung from a hook or put on the ground and casts a good light in wind and rain. So who might be in the market…?

• Enthusiastic campers and caravaners
• Shed man (until his wife lets him back in the house)
• Homeowners who fancy a display item

Groups for these people on social media abound.

A Tilley lamp is also romantic and evocative. Think Indiana Jones exploring a Mayan temple, Howard Carter camping in the Valley of Kings, a trembling verger in a deserted English graveyard, a village mob hunting down Frankenstein’s creature.

The market is potentially huge and limited only by your imagination and the way the product is presented. The trick is to create a mental image and hold it long enough for the purchase to be made.

The other marketing consideration is pricing. £100 to £150 for a new lamp is an ideal price point for a Christmas/Birthday present. Maybe your target is not ‘shed man’ but shed man’s wife or partner ? On Christmas Day would you rather unwrap a1950’s Tilley lamp or a chemical toilet ?

In short, decide who you’re going to target, how and where before re-designing the website and writing the content.

Of course, the real secret to success is….. but hark!..the mob approaches… carrying pitchforks, flaming torches and lamps. I must way. Adieu.

 

[fantheflames]

Hi @Swanksy! I think the feedback provided is very important in how you can attract customers on your website.

I do like the style of the website and I can see where you were going with it but it's been executed in a way that looks outdated and a little tacky... my first thoughts before reading on was I was on a tarot card website.

Granted, I was a little excited as I do like that sort of thing.

You're probably looking at an audience with middle to high income, and/or those with a taste for vintage, unique, and antique looking items, as well as gift buyers.

Now thinking about who you are marketing to, I don't think first impressions would translate well and you'd be in for a rude awakening.

While I sit somewhere in that category, the website doesn't come across as professional, so I most likely wouldn't buy a lamp for myself or someone else.

All buyers are different of course, when I buy a product from a new website, I tend to go straight to the delivery information. It gives me that reassurance of what to expect.

I can't locate that information on your website. There's no mention of delivery time or costs. I may want the product delivered within 2 days, seeing that information would give me that nudge to purchase.

But all is not bad news, I do think you can keep the retro, cool, and neon branding. It just needs a little tweaking!

I don't see anything wrong with a dark theme, but if you can incorporate it more subtly, perhaps through accents and boards rather than the primary background or feature product images and other key information and images on lighter backgrounds within a dark theme.

The more subtle you make the theme/branding, the more high value it would appear. All in a day's work, right?

 

[fisicx]

But….

The site suggests it’s lamps for sale but all you see are lamp tanks. Change the site to sell complete lamps and lamp kits and it opens up a whole new market.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Sorry to add to the negative comments, but my first thought was that the site was old and probably abandoned!

I have just tried going in again and all of the formatting has gone!

As it looks like WP/Woo site, totally changing things can be done quickly with a template (sits back and waits for the feedback on that!), but, as mentioned, understanding the customer and redesigning with that in mind should be the priority.

 

[antropy]

I look forwards to any feedback! Please be gentle.

The lamps look great but it's very clear the website has not been made by a professional web designer / developer.

Suggest you get a proper design made and then either build it yourself or get it built.

Paul.

 

[fisicx]

Apparently they paid £300 to some chap in Pakistan.

 

[antropy]

Apparently they paid £300 to some chap in Pakistan.

Someone who hasn't change the template design they provide clients since 2010 perhaps.

Paul.

 

[Shopclicks]

It's quite amazing that this 'developer' has used Elementor and still managed to put together a site that looks like it could have been built in 2004. OP, I imagine you asked for and signed off on the Retro look?

 

[annabelleme]

Hi all. I would like reviews on my website if possible.

The site is for selling my refurbished Tilley Lamps as a sideline and a job for when I retire. I have three main products, complete lamps, lamp tanks and a lamp tank refinishing service. I am working on a landing page to promote the Tilley Lamp and drive traffic and I am also working on a links page, returns policy etc.

The site has been launched for 4 weeks and I’m not getting any traffic so I’m working on socials etc.

I look forwards to any feedback! Please be gentle.

Swanky Lamp | Modern Tilley Lamps & Complete Lamps in UK

Swanky Lamp breathes new life into traditional Tilley Lamp bases with a fresh, modern twist. Upgrade your decor with these unique pieces!

www.swankylamp.com

HTTPS://swankylamp.com

It's is a great start but it is important to research b2b favoured fonts, Montserrat is always favourable, I would add more imagery to the website and lighten the colour. Even make the logo more picturised, hope this helps!

 

[fisicx]

It's is a great start but it is important to research b2b favoured fonts, Montserrat is always favourable

Do you have a reference for this? Why is it favourable for B2B?

As an aside, this is B2C site. What’s the favoured font for this?

 

[antropy]

Hi all. I would like reviews on my website if possible.

Also all pages take an absolute age to load which is totally unacceptable on a site that can be cached.

Click around our site and see how fast it could be https://www.antropy.co.uk

You need to start again with a better designer/developer IMO.

Paul.

 

[annabelleme]

Do you have a reference for this? Why is it favourable for B2B?

As an aside, this is B2C site. What’s the favoured font for this?

Montserrat is also favoured for B2C after personal research and website development for both audience segments and personas. It is because it is a friendly-looking font, and curvy, pretty fonts are preferred that aren't too harsh, unfortunately, I can't post links currently to reference it however it is a top choice for countless websites!

 

[fisicx]

I use Ariel after personal research and testing. Not had any issues with dwell, bounce or conversions.

Just because lots of sites use a particular font doesn’t mean it better than any other. I personally don’t like montserrat, it’s too wide for easy readability.

 

[Swanksy]

I'd agree with @Ozzy - the purple is a bit shocking - you might want to to a bit of research on whether this is likely to be right for your target.

In terms of content, there is a strong assumption that visitors will be familiar with Tilley - again, does that reflect or target, or are you seeking more 'interesting artefact' searches?

Again, full legal details

Name T/A swanky Lamps

Address

Ideally contact numbers

Thank you. Legal’s added.

 

[Swanksy]

Whilst the comments above are valid, I can’t help thinking that you’re going about this back-to-front.

Your market falls into two broad categories..

• Those people who already own a Tilley lamp and want to renew/refurbish/repair it or whatever.
• People who could or would buy a Tilley lamp from you, but it’s never crossed their mind – they may not even know what a Tilley lamp is.

The first group is easy but small. You’re not in a competitive market for them so a few well-chosen keywords, a bit of optimisation and some website tweaks should see you on the first page of Google. Trouble is – you won’t get much traffic.

The second group is far bigger and more difficult but think about the advantages a Tilley lamp has over replica antique or outdoor lamps…

It’s portable, cheap to run and doesn’t need an electric power source or lead. It can be hung from a hook or put on the ground and casts a good light in wind and rain. So who might be in the market…?

• Enthusiastic campers and caravaners
• Shed man (until his wife lets him back in the house)
• Homeowners who fancy a display item

Groups for these people on social media abound.

A Tilley lamp is also romantic and evocative. Think Indiana Jones exploring a Mayan temple, Howard Carter camping in the Valley of Kings, a trembling verger in a deserted English graveyard, a village mob hunting down Frankenstein’s creature.

The market is potentially huge and limited only by your imagination and the way the product is presented. The trick is to create a mental image and hold it long enough for the purchase to be made.

The other marketing consideration is pricing. £100 to £150 for a new lamp is an ideal price point for a Christmas/Birthday present. Maybe your target is not ‘shed man’ but shed man’s wife or partner ? On Christmas Day would you rather unwrap a1950’s Tilley lamp or a chemical toilet ?

In short, decide who you’re going to target, how and where before re-designing the website and writing the content.

Of course, the real secret to success is….. but hark!..the mob approaches… carrying pitchforks, flaming torches and lamps. I must way. Adieu.

All good advise. Thank you. Yea I have two products really, tanks for Tilley folk and full lamps as you say. I draw off the tank stock slowly and convert to full lamps, however, this takes time so I also offer the tanks to Tilley folk.

 

[Swanksy]

Hi @Swanksy! I think the feedback provided is very important in how you can attract customers on your website.

I do like the style of the website and I can see where you were going with it but it's been executed in a way that looks outdated and a little tacky... my first thoughts before reading on was I was on a tarot card website.

Granted, I was a little excited as I do like that sort of thing.

You're probably looking at an audience with middle to high income, and/or those with a taste for vintage, unique, and antique looking items, as well as gift buyers.

Now thinking about who you are marketing to, I don't think first impressions would translate well and you'd be in for a rude awakening.

While I sit somewhere in that category, the website doesn't come across as professional, so I most likely wouldn't buy a lamp for myself or someone else.

All buyers are different of course, when I buy a product from a new website, I tend to go straight to the delivery information. It gives me that reassurance of what to expect.

I can't locate that information on your website. There's no mention of delivery time or costs. I may want the product delivered within 2 days, seeing that information would give me that nudge to purchase.

But all is not bad news, I do think you can keep the retro, cool, and neon branding. It just needs a little tweaking!

I don't see anything wrong with a dark theme, but if you can incorporate it more subtly, perhaps through accents and boards rather than the primary background or feature product images and other key information and images on lighter backgrounds within a dark theme.

The more subtle you make the theme/branding, the more high value it would appear. All in a day's work, right?

Thank you. Yours and all other comments deeply appreciated. Deep thought and where to go next.

 

[Swanksy]

Far too dark. If you want the lamps to stand out there are better ways to do this.

The products haven't been configured correctly. You should be using variants so that all colours are on a single product. You then use the gallery to switch between colours.

I am however very confused about the whole concept. Swanky lamps suggests you sell lamps. But the majority of the products are just the tank. You say I can make my own lamps but you don't sell all the parts or even a kit of parts.

The lack of any contact details, privacy policy, T&C and returns and refund policies would put me off buying anything.

You say you are promoting the products on social media but have you researched if this is the correct place to do so. Are potential customers looking on FB and whatever for tilley lamp tanks? Do you even know who your target customer is?

I've looked at your Insta page and there are lots of pictures (including Snoop dog?) but it doesn't lead anywhere. If I wanted to buy any of the lamps you don't provide the means to do so.

But going back to the site - get rid of the dark backgrounds. Reduce the number of columns. Use product variants. Include full contact details and all the legal pages.

And most importantly, rethink your whole marketing strategy. Do people want a tank with pretty colours or do they want a refurbished Tilley Lamp? Or even a DIY kit of parts - that would make a fantastic present for an old Scout/Guide.

All good advise thank you. A lot to chew over.

The instagram links are all working now. I’ve had a battle with Facebook/instagram as someone has stolen/claimed my URL. Many hours to get this resolved.

The lamps are individual, so the switch between colours won’t work.

Yes, agree.. more focus on lamps and less on the tanks. The tanks are mostly stock for me to draw off but being as I’ve sold to Tilley folk I’ve put them for sale.

Legal stuff has almost been finished. Just working on privacy.

 

[fisicx]

Sell kits! A box with all the bits needed to make your own Tilley lamp.

Personalise with colour option and an engraved nameplate. Even better, add the scout/guide badge and it’s a gift for anyone who belonged to those associations.

There are so many ways you could sell this.

 

[fantheflames]

Agreed, think outside of the box... you have a great product!