Website Critique?

[cruzandoula]

Hi,
I am just starting a childbirth services business. I'm not a doula yet- working on gaining experience as a childbirth educator first. I would love for you guys to critique my website. I've made lots of changes but wonder if I need to make more. I've only had one person contact me from it.
www.morningstarchildbirth.com
Thanks,
Kim

[Kacy]

Hm. I think the main suggestion I'd make is perhaps adding more pictures, even if it's just a header on the top of the page with your logo on it, if you have one. If not, you can get really cheap images at places like this. (You can search the forums for more suggestions regarding image websites. That's just the first one that popped into my head. ) You may want to add some information about you as well, but other than those things, I think you've done a really nice job! The colors are really nice.

[cruzandoula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kacy Hm. I think the main suggestion I'd make is perhaps adding more pictures, even if it's just a header on the top of the page with your logo on it, if you have one. If not, you can get really cheap images at places like this. (You can search the forums for more suggestions regarding image websites. That's just the first one that popped into my head. ) You may want to add some information about you as well, but other than those things, I think you've done a really nice job! The colors are really nice.

Hi Kacy! Thanks for the reply. OK- more graphics. I am very familiar with istockphoto.com (I've used it before for this project and other projects as well) so I will look for other photos to put on the website...
I'm kind of scared about putting info about me on my website. I'm so young and have not taught a class yet and I don't want to come across as inexperienced because I'm very knowledgeable and don't think that it will really matter..But of course, moms might very well take that into consideration when hiring me (and rightly so...) *sigh* things to think about...

[Kacy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruzandoula Hi Kacy! Thanks for the reply. OK- more graphics. I am very familiar with istockphoto.com (I've used it before for this project and other projects as well) so I will look for other photos to put on the website... I'm kind of scared about putting info about me on my website. I'm so young and have not taught a class yet and I don't want to come across as inexperienced because I'm very knowledgeable and don't think that it will really matter..But of course, moms might very well take that into consideration when hiring me (and rightly so...) *sigh* things to think about...

Hey, ya gotta start somewhere, and I'm sure people will realize that! I know what it's like to be young and inexperienced, but your heart and your compassion will shine through it all. You don't necessarily have to put anything extra personal on your site - just maybe some stuff so people can get to know you before contacting you, ie: why you got into the field, some of your hobbies, etc. Whatever you're comfortable sharing. I love reading all about people on their sites - it's usually the first place I click on! My 'about me' page is here if you need ideas.

[cruzandoula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kacy Hey, ya gotta start somewhere, and I'm sure people will realize that! I know what it's like to be young and inexperienced, but your heart and your compassion will shine through it all. You don't necessarily have to put anything extra personal on your site - just maybe some stuff so people can get to know you before contacting you, ie: why you got into the field, some of your hobbies, etc. Whatever you're comfortable sharing. I love reading all about people on their sites - it's usually the first place I click on! My 'about me' page is here if you need ideas.

I love your website! And I love your 'about me' page- it is so personable and warm, I see what you mean about putting content on that helps people "get to know you." Off to go see what I can come up with...

[Kacy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruzandoula I love your website! And I love your 'about me' page- it is so personable and warm, I see what you mean about putting content on that helps people "get to know you." Off to go see what I can come up with...

Thanks! It can be pretty hard to write about yourself, but I think it's really worthwhile in the end. Good luck - you can do it!

[b'earth angel]

I think that the site looks great. I like the colors and the background. You might consider adding another homebirth link too. .

[fearlessbirth]

I do think your site is beautiful but agree with Kacy that your logo as a header, some photos and an 'about me' section would be great! When I first started as a doula I also worked in an office so I had lots of time and resources to make all my business stuff look awesome! Once upon a time I even had a really cool website. When I met with potential clients they'd ask how many previous clients I had, and when I told them only 1 or 2 or 3, they were really impressed that since I was so 'new' I had all these 'fancy' business things and didnt' appear to be a newbie. I guess I just 'acted' like I was seasoned (although I was really just eager) and my confidence showed. I then had 6 clients in 6 months!

[doula Michele]

I agree with everyone.
More pics on the front page to give people a feel of what you do, just by looking at the pics.
I also always go to the about me section. I want to know who the person is. It does not matter to me what they are selling on their site, I want to know who the person is, and that determines if I want what they have.
More links to homebirths too...the first thing i noticed was that UC appears to be the only option.

[earthgirl]

What they said. Also I don't like the word "foment"...it seems an archaic word. (that could just be me, I am weird about words) But I love the colors and the simplicity.

[cruzandoula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by b'earth angel I think that the site looks great. I like the colors and the background. You might consider adding another homebirth link too. .

OK- I added some more links to the homebirth section (some of the other categories too).

Quote:

Originally Posted by fearlessbirth I do think your site is beautiful but agree with Kacy that your logo as a header, some photos and an 'about me' section would be great! When I first started as a doula I also worked in an office so I had lots of time and resources to make all my business stuff look awesome! Once upon a time I even had a really cool website. When I met with potential clients they'd ask how many previous clients I had, and when I told them only 1 or 2 or 3, they were really impressed that since I was so 'new' I had all these 'fancy' business things and didnt' appear to be a newbie. I guess I just 'acted' like I was seasoned (although I was really just eager) and my confidence showed. I then had 6 clients in 6 months!

I don't think I can do the logo as a header thing with my website unfortunately, but I will be adding more pictures....

[cruzandoula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kacy You may want to add some information about you as well

Ok- so I added an about me page- actually I used the format you had on your website and transformed my former "What We Believe" page...Made loads of other changes as well and am still making changes... (www.morningstarchildbirth.com)
I do want to add a picture of me on the about me page but I need to find one that I think is acceptable!
Thank you so much everyone! My sis also had some suggestions which I am working on right now...

[Kacy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruzandoula Ok- so I added an about me page- actually I used the format you had on your website and transformed my former "What We Believe" page...Made loads of other changes as well and am still making changes... (www.morningstarchildbirth.com) I do want to add a picture of me on the about me page but I need to find one that I think is acceptable! Thank you so much everyone! My sis also had some suggestions which I am working on right now...

Good job! I definitely think it makes your page more personable and "you".

[doulamb]

Love it!!!

[cruzandoula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by doulamb Love it!!!

thanks!!