I am getting close to finishing my website, but would like some positive critisism on what I've got so far......

I haven't "submitted" it yet, Godaddy told me to wait until I have pretty much all of my info before I submit to the search engines.

.....so if the link doesn't work, please copy/paste to the web browser....

www.sweetsalvationcakes.com


Thanks guys!

ps. One thing I realize, is that I don't know how to get all the funky numbers off the pictures.

Anyone?

Nice site. Do you have any wedding cakes or do you just offer special occasion cakes? Good Luck!

I really don't like the entrance page. It really irritates me to have to push that and wait for another page to come up. I just want to got to the home page. I really don't like the cross in your name. Do you only specialize in celebration cakes? Are you licensed?
I think your cakes are o.k. I would try to get some syrofoam rounds to build up your gallery.

It's very nice!!
I can only guess that you uploaded the pictures from your computer to your new website?? Before moving my pics, I right click on the picture to pull up the sidebar of options, click rename, then I type in the new name or backspace to leave it blank. Hope this helps. GoodLuck!

I think your site is nice. My suggestions would be to incorporate some kind of cake picture or graphic in your logo, or at least put a cake photo up at the top of the page as your cake pictures are lower on the page, or "below the fold" as they say. I also have to agree that your flash landing page just adds one additional click to get to your site, I'd get rid of it if possible--it also doesn't convey anything that let's people know that it's a cake ordering site.

Good luck in your endeavor!

Jana

I think your off to a great start! I love the idea and the message of your entry page, but I also agree that it's an extra click that most people would rather bypass. I like the cross in your logo, but that is probably going to be personal preferance. (i'm not trying to start a debate or a bashing, only giving my opinion )
I hope you do well.

Teri

I started my career as an IT software developer which included creating web sites so here are a few pointers based on the rules I was taught to follow:

I suggest removing those pictures from the home page. The home page needs to fit a standard computer screen so that the user can see all the links and information without having to scroll the page.

The same goes for your products page, it is too long again and the first thing the user sees is pricing rather than your products. Try to segment the information as much as possible so that you don't end up with long pages.

Since you have an about us link, I also suggest keeping the text on the home page more succint and moving the information such as quality of ingredients to the "about us" page. You can also create an ordering page where you can place payment information, the notice that people order in advance, etc.

Whether you want to keep the introductory screen that loads before the home page is up to you. They are very popular these days but some people don't like them. In the corporate world they are certainly a no-no. If you wish to keep it, I suggest changing it so that it says something more about who you are. Looking at that at the moment tells me nothing about what sort of business you are.

Lastly, I would suggest looking at page layout of other, especially high-end bakeries. You don't need to copy their designs, colours and all that but you can copy their page structure. These people have usually paid a lot of money to professional web developers to create their pages which means that all the golden rules of good web design are followed.

My last tip: keep it simple and try to make it as easy as possible for a client to find out what they need to get a cake from you.

OK, I am putting my soapbox away now

Good luck, I wish you every success.

Wow Lekoli
I am going to copy and paste all that info so if I ever need it i'll have it!

Thanks...even though it wasn't intended for me

I think you did a great job and are asking good questions, and you will probably learn a lot from others here. I think your cakes look wonderful, and I love the cross. That is a personal preference for you, and I wouldn't remove it. It is who you are!

I hope it all comes together nicely for you!

HI. I looked at your website. I really liked it. I'm not a religious person, but I really liked the name, and the logo. I think the 3 cakes on the home page would be great under your gallery page. I would suggest deleting this statement on page 1. As a reader, it almost gives me the feeling that I'm going to get your VM (and you are trying to prepare me). You could leave that info on your outgoing greeting instead.

If upon calling you receive voice mail, please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible. Thank you!

I like your colors. Pink and white are a great choice. I agree with the other members that a picture or clipart of a cake on the home page is key. Good luck with everything.

I think your website looks nice. I agree about the voice mail thing though. Most people know if they get voice mail they should leave a message if they want a call back anyways Also, on your home page, you say "by appointment only", but then you say your hours of operation are 9-5. That's very confusing.

You guys are awesome!

Thanks for taking a look and helping me to be able to see with a different set of eyes! I don't have a clue as to what I am doing!

If anyone else has any suggestions, keep 'em coming.

Where are you located? If you are not near me I don't want to waste your time or my time calling. I think you need at least city and state. I can see if you are working out of your home not putting your full address. I tried googling the phone number to find it and all it gave me was your email addy. You can get house addys doing that now.
Mary

Let me state that it is not my intention to start a debate- simply offer my opinion/advice on the site

It appears that religion is a big part of the business. If that was intentional, then it might make sense to add a quote or something in the "welcome" box at the top of the page. This might help explain all of the church/religious references. While I noticed that this was on the "intro" page, the ONLY reason I noticed is because I specifically wanted to see what it said to provide you with feedback, otherwise I would have clicked right past before it even finished.

If the religous aspect was unintentional, then I'd try to keep the religious undertones to a minimum. You may have some customers that are turned off by the undertones, while other may find it offensive if they don't share your views. While it might be acceptable to you that your customer base is comprised of people who share similar views, you may need to be prepared to hear from the more vocal people with other views. I'd hate from you to get a nasty email just because you had your beliefs out there.

Again, I don't think there is a right or wrong way to do this, but it seems as though you were on the fence about how/if to include the religious aspect of your life into your business.

I love your site! And I understand that you are using your business to "further your gospel", so don't change anything there. My only suggestion is to get more pictures in your gallery, that's what people want to see. Good luck sister.
Cathy

Basically, I agree with the things that the previous posters have noted. On the Entrance Page, can you change the butterflies to a cupcake graphic maybe? And add "Sweet Salvation Cakes and Confections" to the center of the square. Something like that I think would be a better entrance into a cake website.

I definitely agree that you need a picture or clipart at the top of the home page. I also agree that you should definitely take the photos at the bottom of the home page and move them to the gallery. Also, when I open up your gallery page, it is titled "Menu". If the original link on the home page says "Gallery" then I would title that page "Gallery" as well. You never know...there could be some people that out there in Internetland that get confused by this.

Thanks guys!

For those of you who asked.......

I am licensed. I don't live in a real large area, and right now am mostly church supported. My husband passed away this time last year. So those who order from me, know me and my story. Jesus is a HUGE part of my life. Some people accept and some people don't, it's a choice. I understand.

The largest order so far was for my church, and was a total of 5 cakes.
4 8" cakes, and 1 10". I was so tired, but it went pretty well! ( I have 3 little ones)

I would consider doing weddings if contacted, but would of course be nervous about my first official wedding cake.

do you have plans for your about us page? id want to know more about you, like if you have a qualification, how much experience, like someone else mentioned, you could put ur more detailed bit about quality ingredients here. and have u noticed, u dont have pricing for a round cake in the price list?
the front page needs something cakey i think, when i search for cakes in a location, if the front page doesnt make me go wow, and there are other sites, i wont come back to that site till i get bored of looking at the others! a person actually looking to buy a cake might not have that much time to be browsing. with it being a religious front page, be prepared to accept some people may be put off. i think your logo is lovely though!
even if you dont have online ordering, it would be good to have an ordering page, to explain what payment you accept, and how to go about placing an order, like the deposit, instead of at the bottom of the homepage.
its a good website (especially since you think you dont know what you are doing!), the info is there, its pretty. i think building your gallery is a good idea though - if you dont have a wedding cake, christening cake, tiered cake, whatever in there, if people dont see examples of what you can do with cake, they might not feel its worth bothering to see if you can do their idea.
good luck!!!!
xx

I like your site. I am a christian and liked your logo and the twist on words ...I am Let There Be Cake...God created the world, I create cakes. Both are a part of me and my life. Your bus. is the same.
Even though I love the message I dont like the extra click on the first page. As for as your "Products" page maybe you can rename it "price" and also agree that you need a city and state on your contact page. Or near, list the biger city, and state.

I like your colors and over all site. I need to revamp mine. it was a cut and paste quick thing but i am in need of something nicer.
keep up the good work and remember you dont need to change who you are to get business. God will bring you business BECAUSE of who you are. Those who are "offended" need not to visit your site or order from you. Just like I woulnt go to a store or a movie that offended my beliefs. There are all kinds of businesses for all kinds of people. Thats what is so cool about it, there is a place for eveyone
Your place will be a perfect fit for many and a chance to share your story. It is also a great example to those around you and your kids! They will see that mom didnt change who she was to plese others or get business but instead you trusted in Jesus and He provided for your needs.

good luck! and Merry CHRISTmas!

I really like your logo. Did you do it, or hire a professional? I always like the look of professional logos...not to mention, it is really clever.

Like everyone else, I would recommend removing those pictures from the home page, and keeping your 'home' to a screen.

If you did that all on GoDaddy...I am impressed. Their site is not the easiest to work with. I would recommend buying a program down the road, b/c it may give you more options. However, if you like working with it....then stick with it.

I used to use GoDaddy and when I upgraded to a MAC I got the free software, to which I made my site (just piddle around kinda of stuff).

Great Job!

I basically agree with what everyone else has said. I like the basic design of the website. I also would suggest hiding the jpg file name or making one that applies to the cake above it. You are obviously a religious person, I would not change that. You do need to add where you talk about your ingredients on the products section. And add something about your life and how you got your start and basic info on the about us section. I think that it would be beneficial for your business if you add some sort of cake clip art or picture to the home page and if possible that page that opens up before your home page. It does not lead one to believe that they are at a lovely cake website. You are doing greatkeep up the good work!

A special thank you to my Sisters who are as bold as a lion, but as gentle as a lamb.

A fellow CCer did design my logo. I think it is FABULOUS, though it looks as though it has nothing to do with cakes, I know. A little secret (but obvious).....in actuality, this all has nothing to do with cakes. The cakes are just a tool that God has given me. I don't have a clue what He is doing, but I am trying to embrace this dance, in step with Him.
I know He has a plan, though I liked my plan far better.

I need to add to my "about me" page. Just haven't gotten that far yet. I will switch my product info to the product page, and change to Pricing. What else could I add to my Home Page? I feel as though it would be kinda bare.

* Maybe limit it to one pic on the home page?
* Figure out how to change the jpg thing and rename it.
* I plan to add a verse, though am not 100% sure which one I like best.

I am with what others are saying. I like your logo though...don't take out the cross! The intro page took a while to load, so you might want to look into that. You should add a verse under the "welcome" on the pages (in that little box-it looks empty!) Also, your menu order needs to be changed around. Maybe-Home, About Us, Prices (instead of products), gallery, and the reviews. Also, I would add a little info to the About us page....who you are and why you do this!

Definitely remove the voicemail message, as well as the pictures....only since I was critiquing your page, did I notice what forms of payment you accept....otherwise, I wouldn't have even seen it!

It's a good start though! Good luck!

Okay, I cleaned up the front page a bit, I think this looks better.

*I still have a lot of "wording" to do with the site though....

*I think all of my tabs say Pricing now, and moved payment information off the front page.

*I don't know how to change wording in the web browser though.

Should I break up info on my Pricing Page? I can add a few more pages if needed. It does seem a bit long.


Thank you so much to all of you! I really appreciate your help!

As a former legal secretary for a business litigation attorney, I would be very careful about using the word "Guaranteed" anywhere. What is delicious to some is not so yummy to others. You could get hit with false advertising.

As far as the religious overtones, that's a personal choice. This time of year we always hear the "freedom OF religion not the freedom FROM religion" argument because some people get offended hearing "Merry Christmas" or seeing a Christmas Tree.

Good luck in your endeavor. It takes guts and grit. I'm happy to see someone moving forward with their dreams.

As a confirmed atheist, all the religious stuff would be a major turn-off for me. However, you obviously have lots of support on that front, so take no notice of me!

Good luck with your business.

Well I look at your page I am confused with the cross. I think your cross is fine somewhere else on the front page, just not in your name. I look at the page and think this is some organized religious site, not cake. Sweet Salvations doesn't remind me of cakes. Cakes and confections and cookies are light pink and small.
I think you will have a great response with your church ladies and neighbors, but not for the mass who do not know who you are.
Cakes on your business name needs to be bigger. Maybe then a cross would be o.k.