Thoughts on my website?

M

Matt Bufford

Joined
Apr 7, 2012
Messages
63
First off, I apologize if this is the wrong forum to post this... I looked around for something more pertinent but didn't see anything.


I have been running a section on my website called "my workbench", and according to the analytics, it has been the most popular and revisited page on my site. It is basically meant to be a current tally of what blades I happen to be working on at any given moment, and be a collection of WIP photos.

Since I started it, it was just an HTML page with pictures and descriptions. Only problem was it was a pain to update, so I found myself not really updating very often (maybe once a month at best!). Thought crossed my mind that perhaps I could make a blog page and use that as my workbench - largest problem is that I'm completely foreign to blogging or using the blog interface. I set it up last night, and linked it in place of my workbench. So far, I love that I can upload a new post to the blog from my phone when I take a picture on my bench. For now the format kind of stinks, but I have a buddy who specialized is that social media stuff who I'll get to spice it up. Only thing I am struggling with is this; Considering a blog is a constantly moving log of information, do you think it will be an adequate format for what I'm trying to do? My old mindset is "Picture Gallery All The Way!!" because everyone loves pictures. On the blog, there arent any galleries (and I really dont know if it is possible to set them up) and any old photos would be in the "blog archives."

my main page is www.capnosknives.com but if you want to go straight to look at the blog it is http://capnosknives.wordpress.com

Any input (positive or negative) is very welcome.


Thanks,
Matt
 
Hi Matt

Took a look at your site and your blog and here are my thoughts. I've been hawking my own wares and those of others on the Internet since the late 90's, so I have a little insight on how to design a site and market it.

First off, if it was me, I'd suck it up and trash that whole site. Not that it's bad, but a little work on the front end will make it look better and a whole lot easier to update in the future. With today's technology, there's no reason to fumble around with HTML or any other programming code. I don't like the black background either. Plus, I'd get a good header. I see you logo off to the left, but the site just lacks something. I think a good header would serve you better.

For less than $100 per year, you can have hosting and your domain name. I'd get me an account at HostGator. The "Baby" plan is $7.96 per month currently. I'd buy as many years as I could because you will get a discount with multi year plans. For example, if you buy your hosting for 3 years, the cost will average out to something like $6.36 per month.

Once you've signed up and bought that hosting, you can then install WordPress on your hosting plan. Hosting companies have made this very simple to do. In most cases it will only take one or two clicks of a button and VOILA! You're using WordPress.com now, so you know how easy it is to use. Just imagine your entire website being that easy to use! Plus, there are tons of free and low cost templates out there.

I wouldn't host anything on free websites like WordPress.com or Blogger. They've shown in the past that they can, and will, pull the plug on websites they don't agree with. About all it would take is for your competition or some do-gooder tree huggin' liberal to complain and they could shut you down for no good reason. It happens more than you think it does.

When you install WordPress on your hosting account (which is totally different from WordPRess.com. One is a program, the other is a free blog hosting site) you'll have access to all kinds of plugins that will make your site easier to use and to update. This includes several plugins that will allow you to host your own picture gallery!!

Don't think that Social Media will be the Goose that lays the Golden Egg for you. Too many times people think that visitors equal sales on their websites. It doesn't!!! Traditionally, social media visitors do not convert into sales very well. Why? Simply because they're coming to your site to just browse. They're probably just killing time at their job or at home when they see a link to your site.

The type of traffic you want is people looking to buy knives. I know, I know, obvious isn't it? But you'd be surprised at how many business people miss this little tidbit! If you have a lot of "friends" that are into knives and their friends are into knives, then Social Media may work for you. But I promise you, if you get 1000 visits from people who think knives are awful and should be banned, you won't sell many!!! It's the type of traffic you get that counts, not the overall numbers!

If you need any help or have any more questions, just get a hold of me.

Good Luck!
 
Thank you for the advice.

I do have my own hostin and domain, the only part of my site that is hosted on Wordpress is the blog.


If I understand you correctly, I can host my blog on my domain and do away with Wordpress all together?

The only page I want quick mobile access to is the workbench, and the Wordpress app is great for that. If I hosted it on my own space, would instill be able to use a mobile app for updates?

I'll take your format pointers into mind next time I dig in for an overhaul.

Thanks again
 
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