site is being re-launched!

[Anon3587x]

Hey everybody,

I made some improvements to my site. It's a work in progress, but everything is functioning well enough to start promoting.


Thanks Fastlaners,!

 

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[lilc800]

I would say work on the design... It could be better..

But I like what you have done though

 

[Anon3587x]

what would you recommend I add?

My sites load times are super quick right now and anything else just seems redundant, but I know not everybody shares my views on simplicity.

 

[kwerner]

As an advertiser, I wouldn't trust using your service because of the lack of a professional design on your website.

My point of view is that if you don't care enough about how your website looks, you're not going to care about how my ads look or where they're displayed.

Solution - run a website design contest on 99designs to give you site a professional look.

 

[77startup]

1. Congratulations for fixing the previous design and bringing your idea to life.

2. I don't think this website is going to make you any money, but I do know how to fix it.

Pm if interested and I'll run down some cool ninja tricks for you, no charge =)

 

[Kak]

My problem is that I looked at your site for a min or 2 and I still dont know what you sell and how it works.

I think you need to make it more clear to customers.

 

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[Anon3587x]

As an advertiser, I wouldn't trust using your service because of the lack of a professional design on your website.

My point of view is that if you don't care enough about how your website looks, you're not going to care about how my ads look or where they're displayed.

Solution - run a website design contest on 99designs to give you site a professional look.

I'll look into 99designs.

My job isn't to do the advertising personally, I am just putting the system in place that links like-minded people together.

Think of it like a dating site, match.com doesn't set up the dates, you do all that yourself. match.com just brings people together.

 

[Anon3587x]

My problem is that I looked at your site for a min or 2 and I still dont know what you sell and how it works.

I think you need to make it more clear to customers.

I'm going to make a new video and narrate exactly what the site does and doesn't do as my friend suggested.

 

[James Fake]

First, congrats on the actions you've been taking to always move forward..

I think design is a very important part of a website now a days; IMO, the most important aspect. Here's a big secret in design: it's not so much how great it looks (although that helps) it's more about 'does it look like it will work well' and 'easy to use'.

So IMO; design in the user experience and interface is what is the sub-conscious line between great sites and good sites.

For example; if you take a look at my 2nd thread on Freelanceful; almost every other comment is saying something like 'your design looks great'. Yes, the site looks good; but what they are really trying to say is:

"Your design is so great that it looks like your app will be be joyful to use" compared to using a frustrating design of other sites.

- James F.

p.s. - 99designs only gives you the psd templates for designing the site; they won't actually implement the design into your site as it is now. pretty big gap in steps there.

 

[Anon3587x]

I know my site is easy to use, because even my dad said it was easy which really speaks volume to me lol.

As far as I can tell, everybody who hated on the design didn't even register an account and look at the logged in interface which is where most of the site is anyways.

Even so, I did follow their advice and now I'm displaying the database on the index page with limits that push users to registering an account to remove the limitations. I think the database being on the index helps explain the site a little better and the database layout is cleaner than the 'latest listings' I had which made the page look somewhat sloppy.

Just to put this on the record, I purposely made the site so simple because I'm going for the 'google' approach. I've been playing with a few psd layouts since I posted this thread but it's not working out. It kills me to over complicate something, but then I remind myself the site isn't to please me, but to please the user-base.

Even with the disgusting layout that I had before, I still had a significant amount of people completely register for the site.

 

[Icy]

I know my site is easy to use, because even my dad said it was easy which really speaks volume to me lol.

As far as I can tell, everybody who hated on the design didn't even register an account and look at the logged in interface which is where most of the site is anyways.

I did, and the only thing that is different is that I now have an extra box just to change contact details, post ads, and some google ads. Nothing is different about the design\style.

Just to put this on the record, I purposely made the site so simple because I'm going for the 'google' approach. I've been playing with a few psd layouts since I posted this thread but it's not working out. It kills me to over complicate something, but then I remind myself the site isn't to please me, but to please the user-base.

Even with the disgusting layout that I had before, I still had a significant amount of people completely register for the site.

Simple doesn't mean not changing defaults. There is no contrast at all on the page except a big blue box which even the link to register in that is exactly the same as just the text.

There needs to be some contrast to guide the eyes. Why does it work for google? For the longest time they only had a search box. Thats all that was there, it was obvious what to do. They've now added a bar with some of their other more popular services. And notice the contrast between it, and the search function.

Leaving defaults doesn't make something simple.

Also, on the register page, the password fields should be changed to type password.

 

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[GlobalWealth]

I'm going to make a new video and narrate exactly what the site does and doesn't do as my friend suggested.

I wouldn't take the time to watch a video. It really needs to be very clear on what it is that you do. I had the same thought when I visited the site, "what does batads do?"

A video could be a supplement explaining/selling the service, but to capture to eyeballs, they need to know in 15 sec or less how they can benefit from your site.

 

[Likwid24]

All that info in the video needs to be put on the home page. The design is way too boring and really doesn't explain what you do too well. You have to realize that when people click on a page, they need to be wowed or their gone real quick. Since your site is for advertising, the one thing that you should be good at is ADVERTISING your site. I suggest you read a book called "Ca$hvertising". It should help you a lot.

Besides that, I think the idea is good. Don't give up on it!

 

[tincho1492]

Hi bateati,

As others members said, I think that you should work the design, and maybe the logo too.

Try to explain in a few words what your site offers and who you can help.

Personally, the logo "scares" me a little. I associate bats with darkness, but is my opinion and my perception. Maybe you can create a bat more "friendly"...

 

[900]

Not to sound negative, especially on my first post here, but I thought I'd offer some constructive criticism.

I'm certainly not an expert on the advertising industry, but ran a pretty large marketing team, so don't take anything I post as gospel, but some points that you can do more research from.

From what I know, it's a well established industry with its own way of doing things, including sales and procurement of ads (media buyers). Established may or may not be a good thing, and I'm in no position to editorialize there, but the sales methods and relationships built up in that industry seem very firmly in place, with the usual sales teams, reps, schmoozing, and the channels that exist for a lot of it (billboards, bus ads, TV, radio, print, etc.) are mostly held by various large media companies (CBS, Pattison, TV stations, YPG, media conglomerates, news chains, etc.) and they have their built their own channels.

Everything else out there in terms of marketing inventory is almost a rounding error in comparison. Even the small town newspapers are run by large corporations that fall into those channels.

That being said, it's not like that industry can't be disrupted. Google did it as 95% of their revenue is from advertising, but mostly by creating a new channel entirely that displaced some of the other mediums. Or the many dozens of web ad networks that have appeared in the last 15 years, some with huge success.

I'd recommend doing some more diligence and research in this industry.

Have you talked with anyone in the media/advertising industry to ask if this is something they'd want, or what their pain points are? Have you talked to any businesses that are buying advertising (not all do) and have you addressed what their current pain points are?

As I started with...

My first post, and it might sound like I'm just a naysayer, but I'd encourage you to talk to some potential customers that do buy advertising, and actively advertise, and some of the current providers and start learning how the industry works to identify opportunities.

Keep working at it!

 

[Anon3587x]

If my friend can knock door to door and sell a vacuum for 2,500$; I am confident this site could work, especially after the amount of members I already had sign up. I just have to keep adjusting as I go.

My only hardship here is building up the database with available space. If I can make that happen the cards will be in my table and I can see what works.

 

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[77startup]

I think you can compete with the big boys if you are able to lock down areas with proven traffic sources in places of boredom and prove it.

I'm very interested to see how it goes, keep us posted.

 

[Steven Williams]

I love this forum!

Your website is good enough, it's simple and easy to use...BUT I really didn't know why I should have tried your service over another service.

After reading your post I learned that you are actually putting people together and not actually doing the advertising. You need to make that very clear because when I saw your site I put you into the online advertising middleman category.

I think your idea can work. Just start getting users and get their feedback on what they like and dislike.

Keep taking the criticism because it will make you and your product stronger. I'm currently going through this right now with my online software product.

Its taken almost 1 year of trial and error but now that I'm actually worrying about clients not so much on the look and functionality my client base has been growing.

I've just been immediately fixing problems as they come up from actual paying clients instead of trying to anticipate problems.

 

[MediaBuyerScott]

Hey everybody,

I made some improvements to my site and I would appreciate it if you checked it out and offered suggestions. It's a work in progress, but everything is functioning well enough to start promoting.

My plan is to take over Las Vegas and get this city really using my site while making adjustments along the way.

In one months time my goal is to have 100 more registered members and 1 paying customer.

Thanks Fastlaners,!

Batads Advertising Agency, The Best Advertisement Company to Buy Ads and Sell Ads Online

I would take out the green houses at the top and shift the forms higher so they are above the fold, and it is more clear about what you want visitors to do.

Otherwise - it is simple and it works...but as always test, test, test.

 

[Anon3587x]

Steven Williams - Thanks for the feedback, I need to make it more obvious that I'm trying to create a advertising community for marketers and promoters. I'll be working all night adding changes and switching up the descriptions.

WealthMind - The landing page looks way better without the animation. Good call

 

[MediaBuyerScott]

WealthMind - The landing page looks way better without the animation. Good call

Awesome! Glad I could help!

-Scott Bradley

 

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[ManWithABeard]

I'm probably going to catch flack for this but I think the web design is quite fine. Though I am not an internet marketer or advertiser myself. My opinion is, as long as he has an "about us" page (which he does have), with a clear mission statement, potential customers you know what's up when they get there.

I mean, craigslist has a simple look and they seem do be doing quite well right?

anyway, just my opinion. Great job on your fastlane business by the way! Wish you luck on taking over Vegas!

 

[Anon3587x]

I'm probably going to catch flack for this but I think the web design is quite fine. Though I am not an internet marketer or advertiser myself. My opinion is, as long as he has an "about us" page (which he does have), with a clear mission statement, potential customers you know what's up when they get there.

I mean, craigslist has a simple look and they seem do be doing quite well right?

anyway, just my opinion. Great job on your fastlane business by the way! Wish you luck on taking over Vegas!

I did some major design changes last night. What you see now is completely different than what it was yesterday morning.
But thank you !

 

[Kung Fu Steve]

I came up with the idea as I walked into a barber shop and noticed the barber had business cards by his cash register for other businesses.
The purpose of BatAds.com is to put a system in place making connections like that more possible. To help people form mutually beneficial relationships.

After all this time, this has made the most sense to me.

Please don't take this the wrong way, but "Bats" has nothing to do with mutual marketing.

I think if you changed the name, you would help define the service at the same time.

If you could get my cards and advertisements in the local businesses around my school - that is something I would pay for. I could do it myself but I don't have the time for such an endeavor.

"Mutual Marketing" or "Cross Promotions" something along those lines.

 

[Dutchy]

Plus, it makes people think, what the hell is a batad?

Very true!! Got me interested

 

[fast_track_chaz]

Clicked on your BLOG link at the bottom and got an error message. You might want to check that out.

 

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[77startup]

After all this time, this has made the most sense to me.

Please don't take this the wrong way, but "Bats" has nothing to do with mutual marketing.

I think if you changed the name, you would help define the service at the same time.

If you could get my cards and advertisements in the local businesses around my school - that is something I would pay for. I could do it myself but I don't have the time for such an endeavor.

"Mutual Marketing" or "Cross Promotions" something along those lines.

I thought the same thing and saw a major brand lift opportunity by changing the name. Unless there's a big interesting story behind the name that WILL be explained it just doesn't increase the companies value or relevance IMHO. It made me feel like "Wow that's different" but not "wow these guys are going to get me an ROI increase!"

 

[Davidla]

In the beginning I thought you were talking about online advertisements (and I thought, why will this be better than BuySellAds?). I suggest making it clear the ad spaces are not online.

It took me quite a while to understand the idea, but I like it.

The business card example is good. So are the billboards in the video.
Using a graphical explanation can do much better than words in this case, and will contribute to simplicity. (the current "advertise here" pictures made me think of online ad space - like the "advertise here" slots on blogs).
I think you can get the entire idea explained intuitively in one diagram, painting the idea rather than telling a story about it.

Also, I felt too much "shouting" at me (as Steve says). A lot of : "The best, your number #1, Batads, Batads, Batads" etc.

I think concentrating more on getting the idea explained rather than branding at the moment would be more beneficial.

A few thoughts about the video:

- Try front page placement
- Couldn't understand the it when it was in embedded form (and I use a 22' screen). This is how I usually watch videos, and rarely encounter a problem. I would reshoot with zoom on important parts.

 

[Anon3587x]

I made that video two days ago and it is already outdated due to the feedback I've been getting.

When I get all the other little bugs and oddities sorted out I'll re-make the videos

When it comes to explaining what my site does, I run into problems because it is for people who are buying advertising space, and selling advertising space. I try not to make an explanation one sided because I do not want to scare off somebody on the other side of the spectrum.

Through all this, I've learned design and proper descriptions of the site are just as important as the site itself. .

I really appreciate all the feedback everybody. I'm adjusting as we go along and your comments have been extremely helpful.

 

[RollsRhys]

Heyas! Congrats on getting your new website off the ground and out there. There have been a lot of comments about the website interface itself, so I'm going to focus on an aspect that hasn't been touched yet: the aspect of "branding".

As someone who is firmly planted in the realm of advertising and graphic design, I see the importance of brand on a daily basis. The brand you create permeates your product and/or service starting with the logo and running all the way through the way the copy is written on your web pages. Brand dictates the overall style, feeling, and experience that customers get. It tells your customers who you are.

Think of the brands used on a daily basis. In my case I can name the brands that are sitting on my desk at this very moment: Vizio, Logitech, Pottery Barn, Microsoft XBOX, Apress Publishing, Tommy Hilfiger, Sharpie, amongst others. All different types of products represented by a strong brand.

The best example that I've seen on these forums so far of a truly branded experience is JamesF's Freelanceful. (Freelance Web Designer and Web Developers for Hire at Freelanceful.com) Everything, right down to the way the logo reacts when it's moused-over on any page other than the index is branded. This is an excellent example of branding an experience for a user. And when customers have a great experience using your product or service, they make a connection between your brand and overall good experiences. And if your brand hits the right mark with the people you want to attract, then things can really start to take off.

Also in this market, the power of a strong brand can mean the difference between success and failure.

Check out some of these successful brands that occupy the ad and communication field you've entered:

They may be in a different niche or market than you, but they occupy the same overall world of communications. Also, these brands each says something about themselves. BBDO: Structured, Ogilvy: Classic and Creative, Shine: Cheeky, Interesting...

Currently, I don't get anything from the BatAds brand, other than it might have been rushed. Harsh, I know.

Alas. Stuff to think about! I hope it's useful. I'm building a brand for my fastlane business as we speak. After this long post, I think I might be posting some thought process threads and share with you all what I am doing as I build my brand.

Stay hungry.