Box Building #2: New Website

sweet. congratulations on the move. the site is has good content, text content is good, and navigation is easy, but it seems a bit flat and there seems to be too much additional content on the page that takes away from focusing the potential client to the actual product (top headers, top menus, side menus, side advertisements, bottom text, etc…)

this is a design concept, so not something that changing one thing would really make much of a difference, and I know how those hosting services work by providing you with a template that mostly puts you in a set look.

for what it’s worth – it’s better than many other woodworking sites I’ve seen, and the above comments are nothing more than observation with a hint of points of improvements :)

-- ㊍ When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

Considering the limitations of a free template, I think it looks pretty darned good. Naturally, they aren’t going to make it look fantastic, because they want you to upgrade.

I’ll be interested to hear follow-up from you to see what kind of interest you generate.

One piece of constructive criticism: I’m thinking that folks interested in shelling out for a quality box are going to want a peek at the inside, even if there is nothing particularly special in there.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

Nice look to the content and if I may add my 2 cents worth—along with what the others have said if at all possible a breif description of materials ussed and size would be something that I personally look for—again just my opinion

-- Jeff - Bell Buckle, TN

I have been working on this same thing myself. I have been thinking of starting a website but have not had the time to do it yet. What I did do was make a facebook group for my boxes and that has keep me steady. It is great just starting out, but I will need to branch out soon. Thanks for the info on how you are trying to market your boxes. The shared experience in all aspects of woodworking is what makes this one of my favorite sites. I look forward to seeing how this works out for you. Here is the link to my facebook group if you would like to check it out. http://www.facebook.com/groups/213408222025323?ap=1

-- JoeyG ~~~ http://www.facebook.com/JHGWoodWorks

Congrats Kent.

-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker

Kent, i think its a good format. I will be interested in hearing how well it does. Good luck.

by the way, How is the hand doing?

-- RKWoods

Great start Kent, look forward to how things go with your new site. I agree with Charlie and Jeff on the inside views and wood types / sizes. One of these days I will make the time to try this kind of venture…..

-- Gene, Majestic Eagle Woodworks, http://majesticeagleww.etsy.com/, http://www.flickr.com/photos/majesticeagle/

Thanks for the comments guys. I did get a llitle frustrated with the stock template. My intention was to start by spending as little money as possible. If it takes off, I fully intend to invest to make the site more what I want. In the meantime, some of the suggestions could be doable now.

Randy, The hand is healing fine, but with the severed tendon it is taking way too long. I’ve got a lot to do and can’t do anything in my shop yet. I still can’t play bass at church for a while either.

-- She thought I hung the moon--now she just thinks I did it wrong

I think the site showcases your boxes nicely. Spend later when the $$$ come rolling in. Just remember you must drive traffic to your site. They won’t get there by themselves.
As a start I suggest you put the site address in your signature, instead of (or in addition to) ”* The goal is——-More tools!”

Wow!! You certainly have been busy!! Those are some good looking boxes. Good luck. I am sure they will do well.

-- Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful- Joshua Marine

Kent: The site structure looks fine. I felt the picture of the boxes were a litle flat.

Good luck.

Looking really nice, wish you luck.
Congratulations!
Best thoughts,
Mads

-- Mad F, the fanatical rhykenologist and vintage architect. Democraticwoodworking.

Real nice site! I wish you luck.

-- Chuck