View Poll Results: Rate the Website on 1 - 5 scale.
Bad. You should just start all over. 1 7.69%
Average. It needs a lot of work. 1 7.69%
Good. But needs some improvement. 7 53.85%
Very Good. Not much to improve. 2 15.38%
Excellent. Almost a perfect website. 2 15.38%
Voters: 13. You may not vote on this poll

Improvement Ideas For Remodeler Website?

 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 05-17-2007, 01:48 PM   #1
ContractorTalk.com Sponsor
 
DerrickVWS's Avatar
 
Trade: Construction Website Developer, Marketing
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 77
Lightbulb

Improvement Ideas For Remodeler Website?


We just completed this website and was wondering if anyone had ideas for improvement. I'm usually the one offering ideas and consider myself an expert. However, I'm also humble enough to realize I don't know everything and I learn a thing or two from members here almost daily.

SGT Builders
http://www.sgtbuilders.com/


It is a little light on content. We plan to improve on this immediately.

We're also setting up a Google, Yahoo and MSN pay-per-click campaign that will target a 40 mile radius around their business. They're not indexed in Google yet, but the PPC will get them prime placement immediately.

Have fun ripping in!

__________________
Derrick Delliquadri
Vision Web Services | Contractor Websites
DerrickVWS is offline  
Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. ContractorTalk.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any construction or remodeling task!

Old 05-17-2007, 02:44 PM   #2
I'm a Mac
 
Chris Johnson's Avatar
 
Trade: ICF Construction
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Hog Town
Posts: 3,266

Re: Improvement Ideas For Remodeler Website?


Looks pretty good, don't forget to get your CSLB# on there someplace (It's required on all advertising)
__________________
Chris
Chris Johnson is offline  
Old 05-17-2007, 03:01 PM   #3
ContractorTalk.com Sponsor
 
DerrickVWS's Avatar
 
Trade: Construction Website Developer, Marketing
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 77

Re: Improvement Ideas For Remodeler Website?


Good tip! I'll get the CSLB# up there immediately.
__________________
Derrick Delliquadri
Vision Web Services | Contractor Websites
DerrickVWS is offline  
Old 05-17-2007, 03:20 PM   #4
Pro
 
mickeyco's Avatar
 
Trade: Squirrel Handler
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Chicago
Posts: 3,432

Re: Improvement Ideas For Remodeler Website?


I've got Internet Explorer 6 and Opera 8 and I'm having problems with the menu in Opera and the sides in Internet Explorer. I took a couple of screen captures (see below), hope they help, that's one of the problems with CSS, other than that it looks like a real good looking site.
Attached Thumbnails
Improvement ideas for remodeler website?-sgt.jpg  
mickeyco is offline  
Old 05-17-2007, 04:32 PM   #5
ContractorTalk.com Sponsor
 
DerrickVWS's Avatar
 
Trade: Construction Website Developer, Marketing
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 77

Re: Improvement Ideas For Remodeler Website?


mickeyco,

Wow. We typically test every site in IE6/7 and Firefox. We need to add Opera to our testbed and ensure we DO test in IE6. The designer is looking into it right now.

Thanks for taking the time to do screenshots!
__________________
Derrick Delliquadri
Vision Web Services | Contractor Websites
DerrickVWS is offline  
Old 05-17-2007, 04:37 PM   #6
Insert title
 
dougchips's Avatar
 
Trade: Doors-Windows-Decks
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: MA&RI
Posts: 4,677

Re: Improvement Ideas For Remodeler Website?


Just a question, why the company name on the contact form? Is the site for homeowners?

Mickey, how do you capture the screen images?
__________________
To get the best replacement windows, or sun rooms contact the replacement windows experts at FHI Vinyl Window Company.
dougchips is offline  
Old 05-17-2007, 04:45 PM   #7
Pro
 
mickeyco's Avatar
 
Trade: Squirrel Handler
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Chicago
Posts: 3,432

Re: Improvement Ideas For Remodeler Website?


Quote:
Originally Posted by dougchips View Post
Mickey, how do you capture the screen images?
I hit the "alt" key and the "prt scr" key (key on the left of the 3 keys to the right of the F12 key), then open microsft paint (or any graphic program) and hit the "ctrl" & "v" key ( or select edit from MS Paint menu and then paste) and than save it. When I do screen caps of browsers I hit the F11 key to make the browser go full screen so I can grab as much as possible.
mickeyco is offline  
Old 05-17-2007, 04:49 PM   #8
ContractorTalk.com Sponsor
 
DerrickVWS's Avatar
 
Trade: Construction Website Developer, Marketing
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 77

Re: Improvement Ideas For Remodeler Website?


dougchips,

Good point. I'm pretty sure the Company field is rarely used. Maybe a home builder or general contractor will visit the site and fill out the contact form.

I'll dig deeper into why the field is there. Our client may have requested it.

Screenshot Software - free
http://www.snapfiles.com/reviews/Scr...t/sspilot.html
This has gotten pretty good reviews. I use a commercial product called SnagIt.
__________________
Derrick Delliquadri
Vision Web Services | Contractor Websites
DerrickVWS is offline  
Old 05-17-2007, 05:00 PM   #9
Insert title
 
dougchips's Avatar
 
Trade: Doors-Windows-Decks
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: MA&RI
Posts: 4,677

Re: Improvement Ideas For Remodeler Website?


Quote:
Originally Posted by DerrickVWS View Post
dougchips,

Good point. I'm pretty sure the Company field is rarely used. Maybe a home builder or general contractor will visit the site and fill out the contact form.

I'll dig deeper into why the field is there. Our client may have requested it.

Screenshot Software - free
http://www.snapfiles.com/reviews/Scr...t/sspilot.html
This has gotten pretty good reviews. I use a commercial product called SnagIt.
Run it by some homeowner's, it looks like you are being nosey or that the site might be just for contractors.

I like the short lenght of the form, they seem to get a better response than the long forms that take up the clients time.
__________________
To get the best replacement windows, or sun rooms contact the replacement windows experts at FHI Vinyl Window Company.
dougchips is offline  
Old 05-17-2007, 05:03 PM   #10
Insert title
 
dougchips's Avatar
 
Trade: Doors-Windows-Decks
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: MA&RI
Posts: 4,677

Re: Improvement Ideas For Remodeler Website?


Quote:
Originally Posted by mickeyco View Post
I hit the "alt" key and the "prt scr" key (key on the left of the 3 keys to the right of the F12 key), then open microsft paint (or any graphic program) and hit the "ctrl" & "v" key ( or select edit from MS Paint menu and then paste) and than save it. When I do screen caps of browsers I hit the F11 key to make the browser go full screen so I can grab as much as possible.
Thanks, I am switching my site host and if the site does not transfer I will need to re write it, I needed a way to save my content.

Once I followed your instructions I saved the image (instructions) as a picture in case I forget. THanks
__________________
To get the best replacement windows, or sun rooms contact the replacement windows experts at FHI Vinyl Window Company.
dougchips is offline  
Old 05-17-2007, 05:17 PM   #11
ContractorTalk.com Sponsor
 
DerrickVWS's Avatar
 
Trade: Construction Website Developer, Marketing
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 77

Re: Improvement Ideas For Remodeler Website?


dougchips,

Regarding the screenshot... maybe you should download the site first so you have the original files. Then you only have to copy/paste it.

You should have FTP access to download the actual html files since it's your website. HOWEVER, you can use a freeware application like this to download the website with all images.

WinHTTrack - Website downloader
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/httrack.html

It works great! We use it all the time when our clients don't have access to their old website. We like to backup their old website and keep it archived.
__________________
Derrick Delliquadri
Vision Web Services | Contractor Websites
DerrickVWS is offline  
Old 05-18-2007, 02:13 PM   #12
Newly Licensed Guy
 
TridentOps's Avatar
 
Trade: General Contractor/ Remodeling
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: North Hollywood, Ca
Posts: 88

Re: Improvement Ideas For Remodeler Website?


Nice job on the site. Not overly clunky and the navigation looks clear. I would say more content in relation to the teaser blocks, but you already mention that there is more coming. Nice site, im almost wishing I had hired you guys as opposed to doing it myself. Im currently in hell dealing with problems related to i.e. 6 & 7. Wish I could ignore it but too much damned traffic comes in on those browsers. Nice job!
__________________
Trident Construction Management
Remodeling, Landscape and Water Features
TridentOps is offline  
Old 05-18-2007, 04:11 PM   #13
ContractorTalk.com Sponsor
 
DerrickVWS's Avatar
 
Trade: Construction Website Developer, Marketing
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 77

Re: Improvement Ideas For Remodeler Website?


Quote:
Originally Posted by TridentOps View Post
Nice job on the site. Not overly clunky and the navigation looks clear. I would say more content in relation to the teaser blocks, but you already mention that there is more coming. Nice site, im almost wishing I had hired you guys as opposed to doing it myself. Im currently in hell dealing with problems related to i.e. 6 & 7. Wish I could ignore it but too much damned traffic comes in on those browsers. Nice job!
TridentOps,

As a member courtesy, I'd be more than happy to look at your problem and fix it if it's not a complete site overhaul.

And thanks for the feedback and suggestions!
__________________
Derrick Delliquadri
Vision Web Services | Contractor Websites
DerrickVWS is offline  
Old 05-18-2007, 06:55 PM   #14
tile mason
 
MattCoops's Avatar
 
Trade: tile design & installation
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Lowell, MA
Posts: 1,818

Re: Improvement Ideas For Remodeler Website?


with a name like SGT builders,
where's the camo?
change that blue to white gradient to a camo background
__________________
Matt with Cupan Custom Tile & Paint of Lowell, Massachusetts
Design and installation of ceramic tile and natural stone for floor, wall, and countertops
(978) 601-8774 | cupantile@gmail.com | view tile pictures and more
MattCoops is offline  
Old 05-18-2007, 08:09 PM   #15
Insert title
 
dougchips's Avatar
 
Trade: Doors-Windows-Decks
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: MA&RI
Posts: 4,677

Re: Improvement Ideas For Remodeler Website?


Derrick, I tried that program, thanks.

Another question regarding your design, on the bottom anyone can look at the web-stats--why? Also the privacy policy says that the site does not gather info, the stats program collects domian info.
__________________
To get the best replacement windows, or sun rooms contact the replacement windows experts at FHI Vinyl Window Company.
dougchips is offline  
Old 05-21-2007, 05:55 PM   #16
ContractorTalk.com Sponsor
 
DerrickVWS's Avatar
 
Trade: Construction Website Developer, Marketing
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 77

Re: Improvement Ideas For Remodeler Website?


Webstats - We found putting the webstats behind a password would keep most of our customers from using the webstats. If our customer chooses to password the webstats, we do so. Our services include 100% website/email/domain management for contractor/construction companies. Most of our clients don't keep track of their username/password because they just turn to us when they need anything changed.

Privacy Statement - Good observation. I think we'll have to update the policy. The stats program traps the visitors' ISP hostnames. For that matter, most websites keep some type of record of visitors' IP's. We'll reword the Privacy Statement to mention "capturing IP address' for security and statistical purposes."
__________________
Derrick Delliquadri
Vision Web Services | Contractor Websites
DerrickVWS is offline  
Old 05-22-2007, 11:21 PM   #17
FloorsToGo Flooring Pros
 
Prostaff's Avatar
 
Trade: Flooring Contractor
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Raeford, NC
Posts: 27

Re: Improvement Ideas For Remodeler Website?


The site looks fine but it needs a lot more content to take advantage of what's called long tail keywords. With the limited amout of pages and content displayed, you should consider your competition for the keywords you need to be competing for and create more pages that target all of the less competitive keywords phrases. This will help generate related traffic and help with name recognition as well as sales.
Prostaff is offline  
Old 05-22-2007, 11:38 PM   #18
Pro
 
mickeyco's Avatar
 
Trade: Squirrel Handler
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Chicago
Posts: 3,432

Re: Improvement Ideas For Remodeler Website?


Looks good in Opera and my IE 6 now.
mickeyco is offline  


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Trailer: Customizing ideas needed. Long Robie Vehicles 195 11-06-2011 11:32 AM
Forum Board as part of your Website? Ed the Roofer Technology 25 10-23-2007 01:15 AM
Your Website Boogga Marketing & Sales 4 05-09-2007 04:04 AM
What Makes a Good Company Website? Nathan Technology 18 07-29-2006 08:35 PM

Join Now... It's Fast and FREE!

Privacy Badge
I am a professional contractor
I am a DIY Homeowner
ContractorTalk.com is for
PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTORS ONLY!

At ContractorTalk.com we cater exlusivly to professional contractors who make their living as a contractor. Knowing that many homeowners and DIYers are looking for a community to call home, we've created www.DIYChatroom.com DIY Chatroom is full of helpful advices and perfect for DIY homeowners.

Redirecing in 10 seconds
No Thanks
terms of service

Already Have an Account?