Honest Feedback Required

Having redesigned my website and hiring someone to implement my SEO and get the content up to scratch I thought I might have a bit more success gaining new leads. So far not a bite.

I would like some really honest feedback about the site and better still the services offered.

www.firstclassofficeassistance.com

Are these the sort of services you would consider outsourcing?

What kind of rate would you be willing to pay for such services?

And is there anything missing that you would like to see on the site that isn't there?

All advice is greatly received.

Many Thanks

Karen

I have had a look at the web site itself and there are a good few things that I would tidy up but nothing that will put folk off. I had a look at the SEO side of life and was not impressed but again that is something that will improve over time if you learn more about it and make the changes yourself.

Has the web site been up for long?

Worthing (I remember going there on a stress management course as part of my degree, a fight broke out :-) - we did not gel as a group :-) ) is close to one of the best local and vibrant markets in the U.K. - Brighton. I would make sure that I was well known there. There are plenty of low cost ways of getting your name out there.

To be honest, I don't get the feeling that the problem is with the web site. More that people aren't being pointed to the web site and, if that is the case, then you shouldn't rely simply on SEO.

Gary

Afternoon Karen

Your new site looking good

Adrian

Hi Karen, Do you know if your issue is visitor numbers to the site or conversion rate of the site?

Hi Gary,

The site hasn't been up long so it is really a work in progress and I do have someone working on the SEO, yet to see any results from them so may have to reassess that situation.

You mentioned low cost ways of getting your name out there, do you have any suggestions as I think being so close to Brighton could be an advantage.

Thanks

Karen

The issue is both really I think as there are not enough visiors to the site anyway but I haven't had one conversion from it either.

Hi Karen,

Overall the website looks fine, but I think the text on the home page could be stronger - what problems can you solve for your clients rather than what is a VA.  The comparison calculator just confused me.

Did your SEO people do any research on search volumes and are you getting much traffic from search? Your title tags could be stronger but a couple of searches (VA worthing and secretarial services worthing) did bring you well up page 1 on Google - I'd need to dig a bit deeper to see if it's a traffic issue or conversion issue.

A couple of niggles - I'd get a professional photo for your About Me page and if you are going to have a blog (and I'm a big fan of blogs) you need to write more than the "why use a VA" article that just about every VA has on their site!

Feel free to give me a call if you'd like a chat - I offer a free 30 minutes telephone consultation with absolutely no obligation.

Alison

Brighton is a very vibrant market. I sometimes think that, because of the location and demographics, they are almost an independent country. I like the place a lot. If I were you, I would have a lot of leaflets produced and distributed, both to the businesses and the houses (to catch the one man businesses). It is shanks pony but it works. Obviously the leaflets point to the web site. Advertise in the many church / parish magazines. They aren't usually expensive and they are read by a lot of people over a prolonged period. Get out and about with any and all network groups.

Being high on VA Worthing isn't as good as being VA Brighton, Brighton is where the business is.

Get on the various business directories e.g. Brighton online, many are free. The SEO guy should be doing this but check anyway.

Finally, an out of hours number would not go amiss.

Gary

Thanks Alison.

I might take you up on that offer.

I have been considering changing the photo recently, so I think that is something that is a must now.

I believe that the SEO people are in the process of doing research and reporting back what needs to be done and then they are meant to be implementing the changes needed.

I was in 2 minds about the comparison calculator, its meant to be an aid to help clients see how much they can save by hiring me, but I don't want to confuse potential clients so I may have to rethink it.

Thanks for all the advice

OK - if your visitor numbers are low then how do you know the site isn't working? As Alison says check if it is a traffic issue or conversion issue (you need to understand expectation here) - totally agree with the photo too - the one on your twitter account is much better.

Hi Karen,

I second Alison's comment that the home page needs to be a bit stronger. I would say, present actual client's problems that you solved.

As for the blog, you need to update it regularly with information that is relevant to your clients. It doesn't need to be VA related. On e-commerce sites, it takes people on average 10 visits before they finally buy if the cost of the product they're buying is over £45. I assume that, for sites selling services, it will take more than 10 visits to convince prospects to make contact. So, you want them to keep coming.

Additionally, you need to continually market your website. It could be through Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn. If you have a blog and you update it weekly, that will give you a reason to broadcast your website weekly. Social bookmarking websites are also very useful in driving traffic to your site.

Finally, if it's possible to book you online, then put a "book now" button with costs at the end of the service they can book online.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

Hope

Monitoring your site will let you know what changes you should do, what are the visitors clicking on, how long on your site etc. Things like do you need "find Us in your menu, just have that in your contact page. Better phot as mentioned. 

Comparison calculator, I got it but not immediately, make it easier to understand. Maybe have a video explaining the benefits of it. Or come text (short paragraph) 

Create an Opt-In, offer a free ebook report to build a list. Concentrate on providing value for them, not selling your services. 

Your on page seo could do with tweaking. Off page seo non existent. 

Generate good value content for your blog, tidy it up. Heading with a summary instead of whole article. Bookmark & ping everything. 

More appealing titles (buyer keywords)

Look at the keywords you are aiming to rank for. Are they buyer keywords? A lot of people just search without the intention to buy/take up services. 

You want people finding you with the intent to buy! (this helps conversions)

Ask what exactly are you getting for your seo services.

Hi Alison

I have had a very, very quick look at your website. 

I would be tempted to move your bottom banner up - because that is specific and points people off in the right direction immediately.  There are no calls for action in the hotspot of your website.  Your address is really prominent in the banner - I would lose that, because you are a VA and work remotely then you can make better use of that space.  I think there is too much on your page - website visitors scan they don't read.  So keep it punchy what, where, how and what's in it for them.   I don't think your photo's do justice to the site,  I would be tempted to get some professional relevant photos up there alternatively some bespoke slides would really add value (re: Dot Design) and help you communicate your key messages.

That's all for now.

Michelle

Hi Hope,

The book now button on the website is a fab idea, I don't know why I haven't thought of that before. It could only be for certain services but I am definitely going to look into it.

I have just started getting more involved with linkedin and joining groups. The problem with the blog is a big one for me as it seems if you look on the internet there are so many blogs dishing out the same info, finding fresh infomation and keeping it original is very hard.

You have all been great and given me a lot to think about.

Thanks

Hi Karen,

Your blog doesn't need to be original all the time. If you're using Wordpress, you can use 'press it' to re-post blogs that you really like and you think will benefit your prospects but make sure you acknowledge the author and create a link to the original blog. Alternatively, check out some business news sites and write your own analysis and post it on your blogs.

It's true there are so many information on the net, the trick is getting prospects to see yours first.

Good luck

If you need to bounce off more ideas just get in touch. The 4N forum is an amazing source of support.

Cheers.

Hope