Open to the wolves: Website Reviews

[ksbeta]

Hi all,

After seeing some of the commentary on tweaks to this site over the years, I figure this crowd is pretty decent about identifying the Good, Bad, and Ugly on websites. I may regret this, but I'm hoping I can solicit some user feedback on two automotive-based sites I've recently finished/ nearing completion on:

1) London Auto Services, Ltd. (almost done)

BLUF: Northern VA-based shop focusing on all order of classics.

Details: Really old-school place. Owner wanted the site to (a) tell his story [still building], ( provide a place for him to sell cars [i'd say we're at 95% there], and © provide a place for him to sell parts, if desired. Looking for feedback on the layout, graphics, and overall "oompfh" - that is to say, if you were expecting a website for a vintage car shop (40+ years experience), what was/wasn't there that you'd want to see, especially if researching shops for potentially getting work done (bonus points if you're in the 40-70 age bracket).

2) TZCCVA ? Tidewater Z Car Club of Virginia | Your Home for Z-Cars in the Tidewater VA Area

BLUF: Tidewater VA Z-Car Club Webstite

Details: Pretty straight forward. Looking to build a site for a Z-Car club. Just launched, so the details you might expect to see (Read: Content) are yet to come as they actually use the site. Looking for help on layout, typical car-club site content, and graphics/ readability. Their demographic trends younger due to the local naval bases, but definitely incorporates "more seasoned" Z-Owners as well.

Cheers and thanks in advance for the feedback.

Bill

[GeoJoe]

London site looks solid. Nice use of logo photos, seems responsive overall. Good Contact page with maps.

I wonder if the flags or the brand names on top should take me to maker-specific content that would help me trust the shop with my prized coach?

As for http://www.tzccva.org/ that site has a Z featured on the front page, so it's all good in my book.

Edited October 31, 2013 by GeoJoe

[Mike]

Looking great so far!

[Diseazd]

Nice job on both sites........Todd needs a bigger helmet! :classic:

[ksbeta]

You all are too nice. Thanks much, appreciate the feedback so far.

[tamo3]

Nice job!!!

I have a few comments, hope you don't mind.

London Auto Services, Ltd.

Top log image is confusing. I expect that clicking country flag will change localize language.

Menu is not consent and the menu order is ?. Don't understand relation to the submenu.

At contact section, clicking email address does not do anything. (Expect launch mail program to craft new email)

TZCCVA

Well done for customizing WP! I like the way of organize site.

If I were you, I rather have link to new blank page for each PDF links at The NEWZ section. Also add PDF icon in front of each link to make it obvious.

For the each contents bin, it always show "FEATURED" on right side bin and "Category" Menu on left side bin. That's too much redundant and annoying. Should hide it.

Lastly, they are not responsive web design. That's current web trend....

[ksbeta]

Awesome, thanks for the feedback tamo! Stuff like the email isn't my MO, so great to get other's perspectives.

[Carl Beck]

OK Bill - everyone has been to nice - I want to be nice, but I want to provide helpful feedback. So here are my impressions and thoughts.. For What They Are Worth.. You've got a great start...

Looking at the sight - if I were a Customer in need of a repair shop..

If the link says "STOREFRONT" - then it should take you to a picture of the Store Front. The customer lounge, the Free Coffee, the Large Flat Screen.. Maybe a Cash Register that you click on to see the Standard Shop Rates. Most of all a place that makes me fell welcome - or at least shows me a picture of the building - so when I'm driving down the street - I'll know what I'm looking for - {I know I can get this from GoogleMaps - street view. But I shouldn't have to go there.

If "Storefront" - is actually "Parts For Sale" then it should say that - just like "Cars For Sale".. consistent terms/use etc.

I want to see who I'm dealing with - the Shop Owner's Smiling Face {or the team of guys} should be featured right up front on the Home Page.. If people see someone - it moves them closer to feeling like they know them...

The tiny picture in the "ABOUT" section showing someone? - is - well too tiny.

You have "...., the current owner operators took over, ...." There names should be there. The more I see their names - the more I feel like I already know them.. "current owner operators" sound like they are hiding from the public..

SERVICES SECTION

Who am I looking at under that hood? Pictures of people should always be Captioned - or their names mentioned in the accompanying write up. Something like "Bill loves these old Jag's" or "Bill doing that final quality inspection"..

CARS FOR SALE

Small pictures of the car - should have a caption stating - "Click Here For Larger Image". Not everyone will know to do that.. but I see it works already.

CONTACT

Should include the Hours of Operation - as well as an Invitation to "FELL FREE to Stop By And Say Hello" if your in the area

Every Page should have a "Return To Top" or "Return To Home Page" - -

The Shop should also have a very brief "Goal" or "Mission Statement" Right up front on the Home Page.

"Our Goal is to do the job right the first time, finish on time, and have a fully satisfied Customer Every Time".

Carl B.

[EuroDat]

Hi Bill,

Great job on both sites. Not crowded and easy to navigate and thats important.

Just two small comments on the Londen site.

The other web pages (About, Services etc) dont have a home button to bring you back to the home page. Found out the top banner brings me back to the home page, but it didnt jump out, so to speak.

And the flags gave me the impression it had more languages available, but that might be an European point of view and not so important forthe local market.

Cheers

Chas

[ksbeta]

Thanks Carl, that's more like what I've been looking for. Some of those are so basic I'm not sure how I forgot them (store hours) and others are that customer-oriented feel-goodery that just has to be there (Owner, Mission, Captions, etc.). I'll be incorporating most, if not all of your notes up there. I'd like to get your once-over again when those are incorporated.

Chas, duly noted on both points. Thanks for the review!

[Carl Beck]

I'm glad it was helpful - just let us know when the next update is ready..

Carl B.