There are a number of computer & web experts here and i could use some opinions/feedback.

I have just opened a website to start pushing my book & speaking about it.  The website is www.cantshaveinaminimart.com and I would like some feedback about the site. 

What am I looking for?  Things is needs or doesn't need.  Simple add-on's that would help the site.  Can you find it if you google or yahoo the site?

Thanks!

It looks nice on my browser, but technically it's ugly XHTML.

The W3C Validator Service flags a bunch of errors.

http://validator.w3.org/check?uri=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cantshaveinaminimart.com%2F

I guess that "Yahoo! Site Solution - galaga" just generates ugly code.
I'm stone-age, I like hand-edited code.

If the prupose of the site is to sell the book then, in my opinion, you should write more about the book on the home page and also  include a link to buy the book on the home page.

When people land on your home page the way it is now, most of them are not going to be sure what the site is about and many will simply move on before taking the time to click "services" to see that the site actually about and promoting a book.

Looked good to me, Shauna.  I agree that you need to promote the book more.

But all in all, good site.

Thanks, everyone.  I've taken your advice and made some changes.  Is it better?

@Renate - I don't know code, so I have to let the program write the code for me.

Why is the navigation to the right? Think top->down because that is how most people will logically look at the site. Move your pic to the about area (at the bottom maybe) and move the book up to where your pic is now. I hate the greenish color.

You may want to pick several small authors and Google them and take a look at their webpages for additional ideas.

You have a good start so do not get discouraged and, above all, keep at it.

Quote from: Syne on January 01, 2010, 12:32:52 PM
Why is the navigation to the right? Think top->down because that is how most people will logically look at the site. Move your pic to the about area (at the bottom maybe) and move the book up to where your pic is now. I hate the greenish color.

You may want to pick several small authors and Google them and take a look at their webpages for additional ideas.

You have a good start so do not get discouraged and, above all, keep at it.

Thanks, Syne.

I consider this a work in progress.  I'm of the opinion is that it is better to get something out of drydock than wait for the perfect whatever.

I suspect that the site will change bit by bit (or byte by byte) as I get more experience and visit more sites.

You have a good start and just a little bit more of  my opinion - I am not a developer, this is just from a marketing stand point. 

Get rid of some of the page links (or all of them) and incoporate that content into your home page.

Espescially get rid of the "Services" link though, or name it something else - your not selling services your selling a book. 

The way the services page is right now (the whole site really) - it is almost like the book is an afterthought and not really that important.

"Looking for a book on ->-bleeped-<-?" get that front and center and make that the focus of the site - that is why people are coming there in the first place, right? They are looking for a book on ->-bleeped-<-. You need to engage with them about the book a lot more.

If it were me I would keep the site focused on the book, and I would focus all my good content on the home page and keep them interested there.

People don't mind scrolling down a page if they are interested in what they are reading.

Thanks.  This is why I am after feedback.  All of it has been great. 

Besides the book, I would also like to do some speaking gigs.  I'm hoping that one will lead to another.

Here a tweak.  There a tweak.  Everywhere a tweak tweak! 

Shauna:

I agree, overall it is a great website.  I don't know about the ugliness of the XHTML code, I'll leave that to the experts, though I have hand coded a web page or three.

Putting a link to Amazon or where ever it is published would also be a good thing.

Let me know when your book tour starts!

-Sandy

Quote from: Sandy on January 02, 2010, 10:57:31 AM
Shauna:

I agree, overall it is a great website.  I don't know about the ugliness of the XHTML code, I'll leave that to the experts, though I have hand coded a web page or three.

Putting a link to Amazon or where ever it is published would also be a good thing.

Let me know when your book tour starts!

-Sandy

I think I now have a book link on every page.  Check it out and let me know.