Can you give me a critique on my website please?

[Deleted11391]

Hi Guys,

I have spent several years researching, writing and publishing a book which i am extremely passionate about.

It may not make me rich, or indeed get me onto the fastlane, but it was a personal goal of mine to publish this book and for that im extremely happy to have done it.

I am now at the stage where i have a website up and running to help me market and sell the book. After all, it would be nice for as many people as possible to be able to read the book!

The Few That Do

I would really appreciate if you could take a few minutes to take a look at the site and let me know what you think.

If there is something you feel i could improve, please say. Im open to constructive criticism!!

All suggestions, and feedback would be MOST appreciated.

Many Thanks
Brian

 

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[JEdwards]

Cool deal. Looks good. Not much I would change. You need to give away some free copies with promises of a review.

 

[Deleted11391]

Thats a good idea Jack, i had thought of doing that offline, but hadnt thought of putting that onto the site as such.

Will scour the net tonight to see if i can swipe some good examples of people offering this type of offer on their site.

Cheers!!!

Brian

 

[TK1]

Copy James Altucher and you will be our next fastlane success story

'If you manage to give away 10,000 ebooks, you will sell 10,000 ebooks'

The Choose Yourself Era – How To Sell 300,000 Books Altucher Confidential

[url]http://www.jamesaltucher.com/how-do-you-make-money-selling-an-ebook-while-giving-it-away-at-the-same-time-for-free-with-a-special-offer/

Is it possible for you to make a living from your self-published books? Altucher Confidential
[/URL]

 

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[Skys]

In all honousty, It looks a lot like an advertisement for your book.

I rather see something like this: The Marshall Goldsmith Group | Executive Coaching

Great book, but his site is more about him, about what he does etc

Your site, it looks good, but it really looks like an ad.

 

[Deleted11391]

Hi TK1

Thanks for the links, interesting.

I had originally thought of giving away my book for free, just to try and get it into as many hands as possible

My main problem was that sometimes its as hard to "sell" FREE as it is to promote a cheaply priced product.

If i thought for one instant i could get my book into the hands of huge numbers of people, then the lack of a monetary return would be of no consequence to me, however im not sure that i know how to do this correctly and once its done.....its kind of a final thing.

Im not doing this to get rich.....i do however want to make sure that as many people as possible get to read and enjoy my book. Im spent a lot of time writing the book and it was always in the back of my mind to give it away once i had achieved my goal of completing it and publishing it.

My main problem was creating a platform to doing that in which the book would be appreciated, valued and acknowledged, rather than being dismissed as "not another freebie book"

I will review the James Altucher site in more detail shortly.....perhaps it will help trigger a brainwave!!!

Would love to hear MJs take on this also.

Thanks again
Brian

 

[AllenCrawley]

In all honousty, It looks a lot like an advertisement for your book.

Nothing wrong with that.

The Millionaire Fastlane: Crack the Code to Wealth and Live Rich for a Lifetime, by MJ Demarco

 

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[Milkanic]

Honestly, it looks cheap and gimmicky. Leave the red text and large call of action arrows to male enhancement pills.

I'd personally go for something more like roryvaden.com

 

[Deleted11391]

Point taken Skys, and you are totally right.....

The book was the only thing i had in mind when i was creating the site, hence why it appears like an ad for the book.

Thanks for the link.

I suppose what i really want to achieve is for the "Book" to be well known and read by as many people as possible.

Thanks for your comment though, appreciated!!!!

 

[Skys]

Nothing wrong with that.

The Millionaire Fastlane: Crack the Code to Wealth and Live Rich for a Lifetime, by MJ Demarco

I would never had bought MJ's book if I first had found that website instead of where I bought it. There is for sure something wrong with that.

 

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[Deleted11391]

Hi Milkanic,

Thats definitely a nice site you posted, and it is a great example.

I had originally planned for the website to be a simple one page long sales letter, and then it gradually expanded to several pages on a menu driven website template. I then based my home page loosely on that of www.doubleyourdating.com

I felt that the current format for the sales page helped engage the reader, and whilst it may be classed as "tacky, or cheap" the formatting is based on tried and proven websites which do ok!

It all comes down to personal taste i guess, would really appreciate more feedback on this.

Thanks for your comments though and the link!

Brian

 

[AllenCrawley]

I would never had bought MJ's book if I first had found that website instead of where I bought it. There is for sure something wrong with that.

Fair enough but why? What is it about his site that turns you off? Surely it's not just because it's a site dedicated to promoting his book? Are you suggesting book sites should be more stealth in their approach? If so, I certainly don't agree. Brian can or maybe does have a personal branded site like the one you linked to that also has info about his book but I think it's a good thing to have a site dedicated to the book itself.

 

[Deleted11391]

Hi Allencrawley,

Yes you are right, i had planned for this book to be used purely to promote the book.

I was going to use another domain name brianmcshane.com to promote myself.

I also have about 20 other goal setting related domains which can be used to promote other products etc..

Thanks
Brian

 

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[Skys]

Fair enough but why? What is it about his site that turns you off? Surely it's not just because it's a site dedicated to promoting his book? Are you suggesting book sites should be more stealth in their approach? If so, I certainly don't agree. Brian can or maybe does have a personal branded site like the one you linked to that also has info about his book but I think it's a good thing to have a site dedicated to the book itself.

I am not sure. It's maybe because in the 'beginning' of the internet, a lot of those sites that looked like promotion where scams for viagra and such. So, maybe somehow I relate sites like that with a bit of a scam.

Are you suggesting book sites should be more stealth in there approach? If so, I certainly don't agree.

I was not suggestion anything. Brian did not ask for suggestions. It might be I wish to read why I should read his book. Not to sound harsh, but what makes him an expert on his subject? Why should I listen to him?
With a marketing-look like he has on his site, it just feels a bit like he needs all the marketing, because his content might not be strong enough, or his qualifactions might not be strong enough.

In no way I am trying to insult Brian. That's my point, I don't know. So, when I enter a site like his, I wish to know. As a customer, and a addicted reader, I always seem to get hooked by somebodys expertise, or because lots of people praise him.
If you read 'ca$hvertisement', you understand why that is.

 

[Milkanic]

I felt that the current format for the sales page helped engage the reader, and whilst it may be classed as "tacky, or cheap" the formatting is based on tried and proven websites which do ok!

It would be interesting to do A/B testing on this type of website vs. a more polished "corporate" look. I would personally never buy anything off a site that looked like this but I've been wrong before.

 

[Deleted11391]

Those are valid points Skys and i can see what you mean about the need to display credibility and proof.

I decided to go down the route of a long copy sales letter, so a lot of the credibility and indeed my story is wrapped up in that.....and also in the content of the 2 free chapters i offer.

I have some good feedback on both amazon.co.uk and amazon.com so perhaps i should create a menu option for "Reviews" and include those on my site also.

By the way....i know you werent insulting me and i appreciate all comments both good and bad!

All comments are taken in a constructive fashion!

Milkanic, i will take your points on board and will look into how i can maybe do this perhaps as an alternative version of the site.

Thanks
Brian

 

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[JasonR]

I think the site looks nice, and is typical for the home page of a book. More than likely you'll sell more copies elsewhere (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.).

Can you provide a background on yourself, your successful businesses, etc. that qualify you to write a book like this?

 

[Deleted11391]

Hi JasonR,

Thats a good question....

Ive tried to be 100% honest when putting content on the website, you wont see any outrageous claims, however i can state that i have achieved a lot of success by using the contents of this book.

My story and expertise are probably best shown in the part of the sales page under the heading:


“So Why Should You Listen To Me?”

By now you are probably saying,” this sounds great but who is this guy and why should I listen to a word he’s telling me?”

Here are just a few quick reasons why you might want to hear what I have to say….

I have carried out years of dedicated research solely on the topic of goal setting. At a conservative estimate I’ve spent 2500 hours (and counting!) researching every aspect on the topic of goal setting. When friends and colleagues were out partying…I studied.

I have read hundreds of books, e-Books, reports and courses on the topic. In fact I have dedicated a whole room in my house to storing goal setting and personal development products!

I’ve attended a huge number of goal setting seminars, boot camps and workshops spending many thousands of dollars in the process. I’ve been exposed repeatedly to the most powerful and effective goal setting techniques and strategies ever created.

I have personally tested all these goal setting techniques and I know which work and which don’t. More importantly I know why they work…or don’t work. I’ve learned all this stuff the hard way….so you don’t have to!

Goal setting has become a huge part of my life and has enabled me to fulfil many personal goals and aspirations such as:

Completing 2 marathons (the first with less than 3 months training!)
Discovering my life purpose and passion in life.
Managing a 7 figure business for 3 years.
Starting my own successful business.
Becoming a published author
Mastering the art of speed reading
Tripling my personal income.
Becoming hugely more productive
Eliminating my personal debt

I then go on to tell of how i developed the contents of the book and what makes it different to those which already exist on the market.

I guess where i may be lacking is showing how others have excelled using my book, rather than displaying my own successes.

Hopefully that will come once the book begins to get a few more sales under its belt!

Hope this helps!

Thanks
Brian

 

[cilaes]

At the very least, move your opt in above the fold. Maybe use the same opt-in style of your about me page? It attracted my eye a lot more. The main page definitely doesn't get me flowing and ready to navigate the site. It's so much easier to just leave immediately. How are your bounce rates? Opt in rates?

My $0.02 - (12+ years in design/dev experience, 4+ internet marketing / sales page design / conversion split testing)

 

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[Skys]

Those are valid points Skys and i can see what you mean about the need to display credibility and proof.

I decided to go down the route of a long copy sales letter, so a lot of the credibility and indeed my story is wrapped up in that.....and also in the content of the 2 free chapters i offer.

I have some good feedback on both amazon.co.uk and amazon.com so perhaps i should create a menu option for "Reviews" and include those on my site also.

By the way....i know you werent insulting me and i appreciate all comments both good and bad!

You take feedback very well.

 

[JasonR]

If you do end up giving out free copies for a review, please consider me. I read fast and write well.

 

[Skys]

Hi JasonR,

Thats a good question....

Ive tried to be 100% honest when putting content on the website, you wont see any outrageous claims, however i can state that i have achieved a lot of success by using the contents of this book.

My story and expertise are probably best shown in the part of the sales page under the heading:


“So Why Should You Listen To Me?”

By now you are probably saying,” this sounds great but who is this guy and why should I listen to a word he’s telling me?”

Here are just a few quick reasons why you might want to hear what I have to say….

I have carried out years of dedicated research solely on the topic of goal setting. At a conservative estimate I’ve spent 2500 hours (and counting!) researching every aspect on the topic of goal setting. When friends and colleagues were out partying…I studied.

I have read hundreds of books, e-Books, reports and courses on the topic. In fact I have dedicated a whole room in my house to storing goal setting and personal development products!

I’ve attended a huge number of goal setting seminars, boot camps and workshops spending many thousands of dollars in the process. I’ve been exposed repeatedly to the most powerful and effective goal setting techniques and strategies ever created.

I have personally tested all these goal setting techniques and I know which work and which don’t. More importantly I know why they work…or don’t work. I’ve learned all this stuff the hard way….so you don’t have to!

Goal setting has become a huge part of my life and has enabled me to fulfil many personal goals and aspirations such as:

Completing 2 marathons (the first with less than 3 months training!)
Discovering my life purpose and passion in life.
Managing a 7 figure business for 3 years.
Starting my own successful business.
Becoming a published author
Mastering the art of speed reading
Tripling my personal income.
Becoming hugely more productive
Eliminating my personal debt

I then go on to tell of how i developed the contents of the book and what makes it different to those which already exist on the market.

I guess where i may be lacking is showing how others have excelled using my book, rather than displaying my own successes.

Hopefully that will come once the book begins to get a few more sales under its belt!

Hope this helps!

Thanks
Brian

Do you also coach people 1 on 1? Do you do public speaking on the subject?

 

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[Deleted11391]

Hi Cilaes

I will be totally honest....i just copied the home page layout of the Official Double Your Dating | David DeAngelo's Double Your Dating site.

I dont have any web design skills whatsoever, so just chose a site design i had heard converted well.

Regarding bounce rates and opt in rates, i have already installed google analytics but havent a clue on what i should be aiming for or monitoring im afraid.

Regarding the opt in style of the home page, i also had slight doubts about this all along. Can you suggest a better layout that you find works well at conversions?

Would really appreciate it!!!!

Thanks
Brian

 

[Deleted11391]

Hi Skys,

I havent coached anyone 1-1 as yet, but have done several offline one day workshops

Unfortunately these were not recorded.

The coaching and mentoring aspect is something that really appeals to me, as i have created a lot of worksheets, exercises and templates to help compliment the book.

I am currently creating a 12 week mentoring program for those who want to receive assistance in implementing what is in the book, and who want to be kept accountable.

Brian

 

[Skys]

Hi Skys,

I havent coached anyone 1-1 as yet, but have done several offline one day workshops

Why haven't you?

 

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[JasonR]

Hi Cilaes
I will be totally honest....i just copied the home page layout of the Official Double Your Dating | David DeAngelo's Double Your Dating site.

Thanks for the honestly, I love it. I have read some of David DeAngelo's stuff; he's a good writer and marketer. I have always wondered how much he actually makes selling his dating advice (and some of his stuff is regurgitated into new material).

 

[Deleted11391]

Hi Skys

The reason for the delay in doing this was because I was wanting the book to get a bit of traction, so that i could then use the positive feedback and response from this to help promote the 1-1 coaching aspect.

I guess i was wanting the testimonials from the book to add extra credibility to both me and the book.

As i say, im currently creating the 12 week mentoring program as the feedback from those who have bought the book so far has been everything i had hoped for.

Hopefully this will be up and running in the next week or two

Thanks
Brian

 

[cilaes]

Regarding the opt in style of the home page, i also had slight doubts about this all along. Can you suggest a better layout that you find works well at conversions?

I can't suggest a certain template, because I don't necessarily deal with pre-made templates. I can tell you that the main thing you need to think about is how easy it is for your end user to accomplish what you want them to do. From when I first land on the site, I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do! I'm guessing you want me to A.) buy the book or B.) at least read the first 2 chapters, right?

Well... you have 1 link in the navigation that says "Buy this book", even when going to that, there's only a few blue links. It's actually hard for me to get to somewhere where I can finally just press "BUY" and it be on the way to me door/kindle/etc. And I'm sure you're losing business in that process.

Second off, if I wanted to opt in to your mailing list and get the first 2 chapters, I have to scroll down. As an end-user, I'm lazy. I have been given no reason to scroll down other than some bold sans-serif font and a small description "above the fold".

I did scroll down and opt-in myself so that I could give further feedback. Utilize that auto-response! Don't just throw an attachment in there, that's another chance to sell them on your book. Assuming you've written your copy, it looks pretty good! I'm sure you could throw together a great e-mail to follow up with a user opt-in. They're obviously already interested, which means they're extremely targeted at this point.

Feel free to contact me if you're interested in some outside help. Your will to take action has earned my blessing.

 

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[TK1]

PS: I liked the old site version better, like 1 month old when you just signed up over here. Do you have screenshots of the old one?

 

[Deleted11391]

The site has been like that since I joined TK1, so not sure what you mean. I don't have access to any of the older versions unfortunately.

There was one older version but it was quite similar.

http://thefewthatdo.com/home-page/