Website Review

[darrenwis]

Hi All,

After months of planning www.tots2kids.co.uk will be launched in 2-3 weeks. I still have to do some things like integrate payment processor but I'd love to hear your views on the website, style, product range etc... Anything you would like to comment on really!

I look forward to your comments and criticism as this is the only way to move forward.

Discuss

Darren

tots2kids.co.uk - The first place for educational toys

 

[funkydorykid]

I like it .

Easy to navigate, good product descriptions - delivery charges very clear.

One thing though, when you order multiple products, do you simply add all the seperate delivery charges, or automatically calculate it to correspond with the combined weights?


dawn

 

[Diggerboy]

Yeah, good site. It's well pitched - clear and easy to navigate. There are too many sites for kids stuff that seems to have loads of animations and gimmicks to make it appealing for kids, rather than their parents, who presumable hold the credit cards! This avoids all that!

One thing I would say is that when you click on a category link, you've ended up with a couple of very long listing pages - It's great that all the details, pricing and pics etc are immediately available but I'd worry that stuff at the bottom of the page won't get the views. Perhaps shorter initial listings with a "Click for More Details" button?

 

[darrenwis]

I like it .

Easy to navigate, good product descriptions - delivery charges very clear.

One thing though, when you order multiple products, do you simply add all the seperate delivery charges, or automatically calculate it to correspond with the combined weights?


dawn

Thanks for the comment. The checkout still needs to be tweaked a bit but it will automatically calculate the total charge for all of the products.

 

[rjharrison]

I like the colour scheme.

The basket / account link in the top right is good.

I think you need to do some work on your navigation: you have 3 navigation elements but it's not obvious what the groupings are (and some pages are duplicated but with different link text - that's confusing).

Top Nav - IMO this should be links that drive the sales process (not "about us" or "faq" boring links). Look at what Amazon put in their top nav.

Left Nav - the first 3 links are not descriptive of your products: i'd think about moving them (perhaps to the top nav).

Left Nav Info Pages - perhaps consolidate the critical info pages here (help, faq, fraud [change to 'security' ?], shipping etc) and do not duplicate them in the header/footer.

Footer - you might not even need a footer if you re-jig/purge some menu items. Otherwise put more boring stuff like legal/copyright/t&cs down there.
​

I would consider changing the home page to be more sales driven. I would remove the "welcome text" (IMO it's too dense and people won't bother reading it) and replace it with your "best products" or pictorial links to your categories.

In my browser window I didn't even see your specials because I didn't scroll down.

On the home page you might want to get your strap-line in more clearly (it's a little hard to read in the logo area)

Good luck with the launch

 

[dave_n]

Darren...I like the site layout ...it's not too 'in yer face'

I would have a section showing maybe the 5 latest 'just in' or 'specials' up front on the page (so that users dont have to scroll down to them).

Also the 'Launch Competition' title could be in the same font as the rest of the site rather than Georgia font.

The specials on the homepage should have an 'Add to basket' button on each.

The search results page should have the search box at the top rather than a link to a new search.

Contact us page needs a few pixels space between the picture and text.

 

[darrenwis]

I'm glad i got the colour scheme right

Dave_n - Glad you like the website, i will change the competition font. I will try and get the specials up at the main browser window and delete some of the text, and will sort out the contact us page - Quite happy with those comments as its nothing too demanding.

rjharrison - Will have a look at amazon and see how i can change the navigation, i just want to keep the site 'simple' for the less experienced as i am targeting general people aswell as play groups etc. Not sure about the welcome text. I want them to know what i'm about straight away, but i agree with getting it sales driven.

Keep the comments coming!

 

[darrenwis]

What do people think about the wooden title effect under each categorie? Does it suit the website or should it be taken away??

Look forward to the replies!

Darren

 

[Diggerboy]

It's a nice touch, but I don't really see how it ties in with the rest of your site? Would make more sense if you had that sort of "log cabin" theme running throughout.

 

[darrenwis]

It's a nice touch, but I don't really see how it ties in with the rest of your site? Would make more sense if you had that sort of "log cabin" theme running throughout.

That's exactly what i was thinking to be honest, remove them?

 

[Diggerboy]

Well, if you're asking.... bin 'em!

 

[KidsBeeHappy]

HI

This is not really a website thing, but as a mum of a 3 yr old starting school in August, and a five year old in P1, if i was looking at your site i would be looking to see some of the jollyphonics or other phonetics products. These are really marketable at the moment, and much more suited for use in the home than other educational products have been in the past.

Kind regards
Sandra

 

[gibby]

Hi

its a really nicely done site, everything seems to go together well
the logo & design is great


the only thing I would say to improve on is the information on the products
we found that its better for SEO to do something different to the standard
& or when your running get customer reviews on the products as customers really seem to take notice of this

cheers

G

 

[darrenwis]

HI

This is not really a website thing, but as a mum of a 3 yr old starting school in August, and a five year old in P1, if i was looking at your site i would be looking to see some of the jollyphonics or other phonetics products. These are really marketable at the moment, and much more suited for use in the home than other educational products have been in the past.

Kind regards
Sandra

Ok, thanks for that pointer Sandra, so you would like to see more sound products? Spelling letters etc?

What about the product range otherwise? What do others think?

 

[darrenwis]

Hi

its a really nicely done site, everything seems to go together well
the logo & design is great


the only thing I would say to improve on is the information on the products
we found that its better for SEO to do something different to the standard
& or when your running get customer reviews on the products as customers really seem to take notice of this

cheers

G

Thanks Gibby, the logo was something i was a bit worried about to be honest. So within the product description have a customer review or score.....

What do you think of the product range? In some ways i'm concerned i'm not really standing out from the crowd,

 

[Fuzzy]

Hi All,

After months of planning www.tots2kids.co.uk will be launched in 2-3 weeks. I still have to do some things like integrate payment processor but I’d love to hear your views on the website, style, product range etc... Anything you would like to comment on really!

I look forward to your comments and criticism as this is the only way to move forward.

Discuss

Darren

tots2kids.co.uk - The first place for educational toys

Hi Darren, I really like it and the background yellow shading has given me an idea, so I will come clean......I'm going to pinch it!

I personally don't like the "standard" stock photos, as many people here will know I'm a big fan of cartoons and caricatures ....plug plug! No, serious though for me the photos let the site down. But hey it's just an opinion
Lots of luck!

 

[darrenwis]

Hi Darren, I really like it and the background yellow shading has given me an idea, so I will come clean......I'm going to pinch it!

I personally don't like the "standard" stock photos, as many people here will know I'm a big fan of cartoons and caricatures ....plug plug! No, serious though for me the photos let the site down. But hey it's just an opinion
Lots of luck!

Hmmm.... If i'm being honest i wanted to go for a more adult approach as i feel there are many children websites out there with the old cartoons and baby sort of feel when we all know although you need this for the target audience its the mums and dads that have the credit cards. Good opinion tho... Glad you like it and keep an eye out for the launch discount codes. What do you think of the product range?

How dare you nick my idea Surely thats worth a free product lol

Thanks.....

 

[Fuzzy]

Hmmm.... If i'm being honest i wanted to go for a more adult approach as i feel there are many children websites out there with the old cartoons and baby sort of feel when we all know although you need this for the target audience its the mums and dads that have the credit cards. Good opinion tho... Glad you like it and keep an eye out for the launch discount codes. What do you think of the product range?

Thanks.....

Well I think it's ok, I used to teach 2-5 yr olds, maybe I have missed it but if I was buying I would like to see some books or phonic type stuff on there.
Websites are a developing and growing thing, goodness know how many times we have changed ours and things we did when we started, we wish we hadn't!. We are having ours re-designed . Keep growing!

 

[darrenwis]

Well I think it's ok, I used to teach 2-5 yr olds, maybe I have missed it but if I was buying I would like to see some books or phonic type stuff on there.
Websites are a developing and growing thing, goodness know how many times we have changed ours and things we did when we started, we wish we hadn't!. We are having ours re-designed . Keep growing!

Yeah i still need to add categories like that, to be honest there is still more content to add but i was worried about the layout etc a bit.... I got flyers being produced in the thousands so needed it to be tip top

 

[Fuzzy]

Yeah i still need to add categories like that, to be honest there is still more content to add but i was worried about the layout etc a bit.... I got flyers being produced in the thousands so needed it to be tip top

But a website is no different to any other business, it will grow and develop and things will continue to change. Aim for tip top though!

 

[darrenwis]

But a website is no different to any other business, it will grow and develop and things will continue to change. Aim for tip top though!

I will do.....If you were a customer would you look to buy craft stuff and stationary off my website. They are products i am able to dropship if required.

 

[darrenwis]

Well, if you're asking.... bin 'em!

Something for me to definately think about! I got the header in the small blue bar anyway! It's on my list

 

[chiggs]

looks good!
Just one query, is the delivery charge on the Barbie watch £9.99? (in the 'just in' section)

 

[Blush]

I like the colour scheme and navigation is very easy, only thing I don't fell comfortable with is the claim to it be a site for educational toys. Like others I would be looking for 'real' educational toys! I think a lot of parents go straight to early learnign centre when looking for educational toys.I am not saying copy them, but have alittle look at their site to see what kind of educational toys they have.
Here is one example
http://www.elc.co.uk/subcategory-769-533
I took a quick look at your nursery toys thinking you may have the nagnetic letters, a firm favourite with many parents! But you have baby bottles and dummies
This is just my opinion but I don't think they should be under nursery toys.
When I think of educational toys, I think of traditional toys too.
I have four kids you can't go worng with crafts etc, very educational, fuzzy felts can be found with letters etc, card ganes are a good one too the educational type, old fashioned abacus beads!, magnetic letters, sponge letters fro the bath, scrabble,Jolly phonics is a must these days, but you forgot one of the most educational resources around, good old fashioned books!
I hope I don't sound too negative but if its educational you are looking for you need to add some more things.Even if you just add some books?
Jigsaws are good too fro co-ordination etc, then there is roleplay toys.Imagine you are in a nursery, ask a local nursery even, what toys and aids do they have? That should be your starting point. Its harder with older kids as advertising and tv gets in the way then and they start to dictate.
But a lot of childrens programmes are educational too so what about some educational dvd's?

 

[Fuzzy]

I will do.....If you were a customer would you look to buy craft stuff and stationary off my website. They are products i am able to dropship if required.

Oh yeh, if I still had my other business, I would have preferred to shop "under one roof" if you catch my drift. The more selection the better IMO

 

[darrenwis]

Blush - Thank you very much for your reply. Yes i know where your coming from and there is still more content to be added. Stationary, craft, design etc so we should have in excess around 300 products if not more. I hope you come back and visit the website when this is done and i would then love your view on it.

Fuzzy - As the above i will be adding more content as soon as i have the time! It's on my long list of things

Look forward to more replies........

 

[Blush]

Blush - Thank you very much for your reply. Yes i know where your coming from and there is still more content to be added. Stationary, craft, design etc so we should have in excess around 300 products if not more. I hope you come back and visit the website when this is done and i would then love your view on it.

Fuzzy - As the above i will be adding more content as soon as i have the time! It's on my long list of things

Look forward to more replies........

I certainly will, I have two five year old daughters who would like something more than fancy dress costumes I think! I will be particularly interested in the crafts too, my other daughter is 10 and still loves getting mesy.
Good luck

 

[Phil_@_MPP]

I very much like the site. I think the colour scheme and the simple lay-out works very well.

To be honest I was struggling to find anything to really put a finger on in terms of improvements needed.

On the contact us page, the image of the laptop and mobile phone is too big, and nearly overlaps the text next to it. You just need to shorten this a little bit.

I would also recommend making the frequently asked questions much more detailed, as at the moment it has 3 questions on it. Try and include as many questions as possible, maybe from actual emails you have received. I would recommend having a question on there about your returns policy.

Good luck with the site.

P.

 

[JadeRose]

Very nice site and well thought through

Kind Regards

JadeRose

 

[darrenwis]

I like the colour scheme and navigation is very easy, only thing I don't fell comfortable with is the claim to it be a site for educational toys. Like others I would be looking for 'real' educational toys! I think a lot of parents go straight to early learnign centre when looking for educational toys.I am not saying copy them, but have alittle look at their site to see what kind of educational toys they have.
Here is one example
http://www.elc.co.uk/subcategory-769-533
I took a quick look at your nursery toys thinking you may have the nagnetic letters, a firm favourite with many parents! But you have baby bottles and dummies
This is just my opinion but I don't think they should be under nursery toys.
When I think of educational toys, I think of traditional toys too.
I have four kids you can't go worng with crafts etc, very educational, fuzzy felts can be found with letters etc, card ganes are a good one too the educational type, old fashioned abacus beads!, magnetic letters, sponge letters fro the bath, scrabble,Jolly phonics is a must these days, but you forgot one of the most educational resources around, good old fashioned books!
I hope I don't sound too negative but if its educational you are looking for you need to add some more things.Even if you just add some books?
Jigsaws are good too fro co-ordination etc, then there is roleplay toys.Imagine you are in a nursery, ask a local nursery even, what toys and aids do they have? That should be your starting point. Its harder with older kids as advertising and tv gets in the way then and they start to dictate.
But a lot of childrens programmes are educational too so what about some educational dvd's?

Hey Blush!

Just so you know, the content of the website has been updated. Edcuational dvds, art and craft, learning puzzles and by tomorrow night stationary will be added

 

[Blush]

Starting to look much better

 

[duongo]

I would consider changing the home page to be more sales driven. I would remove the "welcome text" (IMO it's too dense and people won't bother reading it) and replace it with your "best products" or pictorial links to your categories.

I agree with rjharrison on this point. Make the hompage more sales driven. I don't think the about us text needs to be on the homepage. I would include more products, whether it be a featured products, best products etc so this is one of the first things you see. The launch competition could be elsewhere as an announcment/snippet.

Hope that helps.