Howdy Shawn,
My first review for a while, so you'll bear with me, won't ya?
====================================================
Review template by BC, 'nit-picky' reviewer of the year
====================================================
Browser : MSIE 5.01
OS : Win95
Browser resolution : 1024X768
Speed : cable
====================================================
Disclaimer : these are all purely suggestions and you don't have to act on them if you don't wish; however, the suggestions I have below are aimed at increasing usability and the design of the site, with the ultimate result of being a site to return to for a visitor.
====================================================
<--- problem areas
<--- great work
1.
Initial impressions : nice color theme, reasonably clean. I usually don't agree with frames, but they're reasonably appropriate for this site, particularly in view of the Flash navigation bar. It's a bit plain, but it will do.
2.
Very good Flash bar. I was about to say "Why not use JavaScript" but then I saw the hidden sub-sections. Technically in terms of usability it's not the best way to present information, but it will do for the site. I hope you have navigational options for those who
don't have Flash......
3. Centered text doesn't look very nice on the first front page - leave it all as left-justified and enclose it in a table so that it looks neat
Do it like you've done with the Corporate profiles, but left-justify it. This also goes for the Corporate profiles page. It should actually look like the 'Customer Service Tips' page - replicate that look for the rest of the text on the site.
4. With the image maps of the US and Canada, you might like to take it a step further and do colored outlines of the particular regions.
5.
Products --> Grocery Department --> Quality Garlic - that red and gray table clashes badly with the rest of the site. Choose some slightly more neutral colors that suits the rest of the site as well.
6. Currently a lot of the site looks really empty without overview/filler text - I'm sure it will look better when it does have the text.
7.
I see you're using YABB for the msg board - great choice. It's a wonderful board for small-to-medium size boards. I highly recommend adjusting the board colors to suit the rest of the site (including the general grayish-blue).
8.
Make your navigation consistent. When you click 'Information About Site' it not only reveals its sub-contents, but it also brings up a new page. The other buttons which have sub-sections don't do this. Make it one way or the other.
9. With the Contact Us page, I suggest you add some targeted questions (e.g. instead of having a general 'Comments' box, have a few questions to try and identify the demographics of your visitors and try and get as much detailed info as you can from them to answer their questions).
Overall : generally speaking, it's reasonably clean and it works quite well. However, it doesn't quite have that polished professional feel.... It feels rather plain.
Have a look at
http://www.greengrocer.com.au/ (one of the most popular greengrocer sites in Australia) and you'll see what I mean. That site exudes professionalism, but at the same time a touch of friendliness. (I'm not actually asking you to destroy and start again, I'm just suggesting you have a look to get a feel for what other competitors (direct or indirect) might be doing).
Hope this helps.
.
to be honest
Linear Mode
