First Timer, Site Review Please

[WayOutWisdoms]

While I am attempting to compile everything I've learned here, and elsewhere in my attempts to establish a decent approach to affiliate marketing, I would greatly appreciate some honest advice regarding my main website(Blog).

It's a work-in-progress, and far from finished, but I would prefer a "Tough Love" approach over that of flattery, so if possible please browse my site, and any feedback you might be willing to give...Good or Bad would be greatly appreciated.

Although my signature link is actually a sub-page focusing on recruiting other affiliates, I've tried to add some depth by adding a navbar, and some of my personal writings throughout the site.

In truth... I am clueless at this point if it's a good start? or if I should scrap it all, and start over?

In truth, I've refrained from promoting the site or trying to get traffic yet, as I personally cannot critique my own site, or determine if it's worthy?

Check my site here: http://wayoutwisdomsvll.blogspot.com

[Linda Buquet]

Hi WayOutWisdoms,

It looks like you put a lot of time into writing the reviews, that's great!

I don't usually have time to to site reviews but just wanted to add some suggestions to increase usability and readability.

Gray or white text on black background is notorious for being hard to read and IMHO also looks old fashioned. You notice almost every major site uses black on white, for many reasons, so I would not go against the flow.

Also the font you are using is hard to read and looks old fashioned. Most sites go with Verdana or Arial.

The dark blue links are almost impossible to read on the black background. So if you just change the background color and the font, it would make a really big difference I think.

[WayOutWisdoms]

Thanks Linda,

Its amazing how many places I've seen your participation across the net. Ironically, I had a feeling the 'black' background was a bad idea!

I'm not inclined to knowing what IMHO is yet, but I'll google in a minute. If I can find a way to use my writing passion, and organize everything I've learned in 5-6 weeks, I am confident this business is solid, and ethical.

Thanks for your review, I'm off to change the font/color schemes. That the easy part, learning how to tweak template codes, and install navbars....that took some time!

Have a Beautiful & Blessed Day!

[Linda Buquet]

IMHO = In My Honest Opinion

I'd also get rid of the 1st few paragraphs about the red text, banners and how to apply. They really aren't needed and push the good stuff down too far. If you get rid of all but the 1st paragraph then you get your 1st review up above the fold.

Maybe doing a little re-writing of your 1st paragraph too focusing on the WIIFM. That 1st paragraph needs to answer the questions What's In It For Me? Tell them how your directory will make it easier for them and/or take the worry out of picking high quality partners and/or whatever other benefits there are.

[WayOutWisdoms]

That's funny, I'd have never guessed. But, I do value, and appreciate Your honest opinion.

I've tweaked the colors and fonts, You're 110% right it definitely reads easier IMHO, lol.

There's a few type 'O's in need of addressing, so while I'm at it I'll ditch some of the step-by-step stuff, and fix that paragraph.

The irony is, I spent a week signing up to everything, and what's on the blog is merely a smiggin of the directory I am hoping to build. Naturally, I have 5 Star's programs Bookmarked, and I'll be sure to include them, considering I found the forum before realizing how many programs they have.

Thanks Again

[Linda Buquet]

Looks SO much better. Good job!

[WayOutWisdoms]

Thanks, I appreciate your insight. It's a start, the irony is I have 14 blogs started and almost every one "had" or "has" the 'black' background, so I've got a couple hours left of doctoring, and corrective surgery to do on those as well.

There's definitely a learning curve to all this, as my abilities concerning webmastering have yet to match my long-term ideas, but it's definitely coming together Thanks to all the tips & tricks made available here, and by those like yourself.

Now I need to learn how to direct traffic, and though you may or may not remember, You told me about the FREE Statcounter, that tool is phenominal at studying, tracking, and seeing what's working and what's not. Although, I just started messing with google's analytics, I find the statcounters easier. So T.Y. again for that past bit of advice.

[Linda Buquet]

Happy to help and glad the Statcounter tip worked out too.

[kenjpet]

I am using the latest version of Firefox and your header image has the whole page stretched. I have a scroll bar at the bottom I have to use to see it all.