My first paid web site

[Highlander]

It needs a lot of content added and I need to work on the graphics (I know photoshop but suck at designing) but this one is a paid gig.

I used joomla 2.5. Things that will be added (as the owner wants to spend money) a forum, an online registration module and ecommerce. I'm open to suggestions as well.



http://www.medicalrepu.com/

 

[gui_tarzan]

Designing websites is not an easy thing to do so I give you kudos for doing something like this. Please take these as constructive criticism, my sites are far from perfect.

That said, my first impression of the site is that it looks a lot like the ones you get put on when a domain name no longer exists. You know the ones I'm talking about, the "parked domain" pages.

It's clean, organized, easy to navigate. Those are good things. There are a handful of little nit-picky things that drive me nuts but most people wouldn't notice them. I think it's a good start, but I think there is room for improvement as far as what the eye sees when someone clicks on that page. One of those things is at the top of the browser window it displays the title of the page but nothing about the company, not even the name. That would be nice to have.

I assume the "Medical Rep U" was their idea? I have no idea what that means. I get an idea once I'm into the site but to be honest with you I would likely skip over a name like that if I were browsing for a specific site.

 

[ItalianCustom]

I agree with above.. I dont design websites but I do browse the internet alot. I would change the background to something darker.

Im sure I could think of others, give me time..lol

 

[Highlander]

Thanks for the insights and I agree. I've asked the owner for more content. There was another site up I built using the CMS provided by his host and believe me, this one is tons better but I know it needs work. But when the client says "ok build me a website" and then doesn't respond to requests to meet to discuss look, templates colors, sends you crap for graphics (you think mines bad?) it's not fun, lol. I've done this more to learn joomla than anything else. (the lay out is the default joomla modified for content and artwork)

I will keep working on it and will try to get "the boss" to approve color changes.

BTW, Medical Rep U was his idea. Visually its terrible. Medical Rep Institute or something similar would have been a lot better.

 

[jmatkins]

Cool so far, I wish you luck. I know of another place in Mass that is doing this but it is a 6 month course into Medical Industry. Not sure how much you can really get in in 2 and half days.

 

[LittleMoe]

I don't know anything about designing sites, but like ItalianCustom said, I do visit alot of them !!! Overall i think you did an awesome job !!! The two things that stick out to me are the colors and the picture. The colors are too generic for me, doesn't stand out all, and the picture has nothing to do with the subject matter of the site.It should be a pic of the facility, or something medical, let the pic tell half the story instantly !!

Just my two cents ......

 

[orangedog]

off to a rockin start!

if the name is supposed to be an abbreviation, I'd expand it on the page.

Medical
Representative
University

looks WAY better than

Medical
Rep
U

If I were spending money and saw a place called Medical Rep U I'd pass on it, immediately.

and if there is a logo, like a school crest, I'd go with that instead of just the name typed out - as long as the name is still clearly present.

Just my $0.02 - happy to offer more after I spend more time with it.

ps - my qualifications are the same as others... not a website builder, but spend plenty-o-time on sites.

 

[RaschNuts]

I am not an expert but I am in school for web design so far I am about 6 classes deep and they all have focused on design, color theory, typography etc...

Not taking into account the content and name and just looking at the layout. I think its on the right track but can use some tweaks. I would put the navigation bar underneath the banner for ease of use for the user having it closer to the content. The navigation bar on the left is taking up space that isn't necessary, I would remove this entirely or put this secondary navigation on the bottom of the page.

For the Login I would maybe look at putting it in the navigation bar on the right in the empty gray space if you can, or maybe top right just under the navigation bar and banner.

For the content and color I agree with what has been said but Understand if the information isn't being given to you and the client is providing you with info its tough to do. I would suggest to them about changing the name to Medical Representative University Like suggested before and have them on top of each other. Then where you have Welcome to - you can just put MRU or spell it out completely.

After those changes I think it would improve the site substantially.

Again just my .02 as I am learning.

 

[Highlander]

Again, thanks for all the ideas. Unfortunately. Medical Rep U is it for the name. (we had the conversation about it on our first meeting) Problem is - he like it. One of the first pieces of advice I gave him was, web site should be designed for the target audience. To many poorly designed sites exist because it's "what the boss likes". I'm fighting the boss likes it battle, lol.

Menus - good suggestions. I'll look at tweeking them.

Logo - he has a logo he designed. (need I say more?) I suggested having a pro do it but he likes his. He hasn't emailed it to me yet.

Thanks guys!

 

[LittleMoe]

Almost sounds like you need a new client !!! lol

 

[ItalianCustom]

Yeah. My designer friends have fought that battle. Bottom line is you may have to be firm with him, yeah hes paying you but your name is on it too

 

[RaschNuts]

Ya it's tough I haven't delt with this yet. But you would think the reason they are paying you is for your expertise, they should listen to your advice.

My tatto for example I have my ideas but he's the expert on what will look good and work so I listen to what he says.

I guess that's just the tough part in creative work.

 

[Highlander]

ok, I made a new banner graphic. (still not good but better) I'm having trouble moving the menu, when I edit the css it stops showing the banner.

Anyway, thanks for comments. don't want to drag this out in the forums but I'd appreciate tips via pm from anyone that wants to chip in. I'm going to move on to the content and get it looking better.

 

[USCG Cigar Newb]

Sorry I am no computer wiz, but I know a good looking website when I see one. Great job!

 

[LittleMoe]

That looks much better !!! GREAT job !!!

 

[Alwayslit]

nice!!