is the website working?

Where is your website. Could you include it in your post?

I saw MidnightBlossom.com. It's a beautiful floral website. To answer your question, I'd say your prospects require more than pictures. Help them get involved.

I find shoppers like a side menu with clear product names. They always appreciate prices, or at least sample price ranges.

I assume you do custom arrangements, but if you could display a few pre-defined models. It would make it more invitiing and easier for folks like me who are unsure of questions to ask.

You might consider adding a VOTE or POLL for visitors to choose their favorite. Then include a place for their email with check box to receive a "FREE Floral Photo for Desktop or Screen Saver."

To get more traffic add a few inormation pages like, "How to Care for Flowers," or "Best Floral Ideas for Office and Reception Areas."

It's a great sign you're getting clicks! I think if you can keep adjusting you'll soon engage some fun and profitable action from your visitors.

Amoreena, I have some specific feedback for you about your web site having to do with the visual design and perhaps more importantly the organization. I'd be happy to give you my .02 over the phone, if you want to call me.

All the best!

Deborah

You're really talented! I really like your work.

Artistically, dark backgrounds tend to look nicer even though they are not considered visually-friendly, and that's because the eye has to work so hard to read the text when it's against a dark background.

As I was looking through the wedding portfolio, I thought, "wow - these photos would still pop and look amazing against a white background" - AND that would brighten up the mood overall.

I would also choose a sans-serif, non-Italic font for your text.

Don't forget page titles! :) Currently your site doesn't have any on some pages.

It's good that you're getting good traffic right away. What was your strategy? Are you listed with places like theKnot.com?

You're very welcome!

Re: the page titles - if you look at the very top of your screen at the left, next to your internet explorer or Firefox icon - that is the page title. It's on the same line as where you can minimize or close your browser window.

For example, the page title as you're looking at this right now is "is the website working?"

My mom was a wedding planner for a period of time and I'd say that theKnot.com is a good place to get traffic and inquiries, but that it can get very expensive!

So keep up the good work with what you're doing in terms of getting the word out about your website.

cheers,

Tia

Amoreena, you have a very beautiful site, but I do have some comments:

• Your homepage doesn't communicate what is it that you do. I can figure out it is something about flowers, ambiance, business and ceremonies, and maybe philosophy. But that's it. `

How about a sentence going something like this:

"Gorgeous and uniquely customized floral arrangements for businesses, restaurants, and very special events."

• Too much italics. My head was swimming after one paragraph.

• A pricing sheet with relevant photos and a contact request form would help make people take action. You got visitors, now you want them to do something while on your site.

• Some real life testimonials from your local customers would make a big difference in showing how your work makes impact on their workspace.

I hope this is helpful.

Best, Eylon

So did all of these tips work? If not, I always recommend a professional graphic designer. Whether you choose to work with my firm or some other one, the difference is obvious between a site you design yourself and one that someone who does this for a living would create. :)

I have to go fix my kiddo some mac and cheese, so I don't have time to read through others comments, but here's my own take.

1. i like the black, but the gray and black together is too much. if you're going to use black, use a good highlight color like a deep rich pink or an electric blue to highlight the places you want people to click.
2. never use obscure language for navigation. the navigation should always read like "see my work", "company philosophy", "contact".
3. take off the hit counter, and start using google analytics. just trust me on this. it'll look more professional, and you'll be able to see the exact habits of your visitors, which will help you in revisions.
4. you need a contact form, absolutely. and a phone number, even if it's just a k7 (k7.net for a free voicemail to email number) that takes voicemail for you. those should probably be on every page.

I could give you even more advice later, if you like, but for now... here is an example of how you could keep that sort of black crisp element and brighten up the background and make the overall feel a little lighter. Click here.

White font on a black background is very hard on the eyes. Tia alluded to this but i would go further and say change it asap because you are alienating the eyes of your visitors. Specifically because your business is one of aesthetics, you don't want your own business aesthetics to turn people off.

Beautiful floral images. I'll introduce you to one of my clients who does amazing wedding photography so you two can collaborate and send business to one another.

Good luck Amoreena! I hope you'll take some of these generous folks up on their offers to help you!

After reading all of the feedback...I'm going to switch the color scheme of my blog! Thanks.

Z That is how the eye moves thru a website. Most important in the upper left. Then content or bullets in center right. Tools and other lower left and finally text and content lower right.

Also, when you bring up the page how much of it is there and how much do you have to scroll down to see. If what you see does not make you want to scroll down then what you have has to be above that line. 2.4 seconds is about the length of time someone might spend max on your front page. So that content has to be readable in 2 seconds. And then comes the decision... move to another site or explore this one because it has what I need.

I have seen that coupons and other offers keep customers happy. Also, limited time offers and discounts can increase sales considering that the customer will save money, but you will be making the sale!

I actually own a few websites of myself and have had the same problem as you which is traffic, but no profit so I feel your pain. I believe it is just a matter of improving and time.

By the way my website is www.topsupplementstore.com feel free to check it out!