Website Up - Thoughts and Critiques?

I took some time this morning and did some revamping, based on last night's feedback. I'd appreciate any new thoughts and would love to know what you think of the changes.

I'll continue to update the photos both in the gallery and on each page.

Thanks!

http://www.davisautodetailing.com/index.htm
 
you might want to look at how you pictures are showing up. Home page has a pair of legs under the car, also check out your second page. :-)
 
jwellsii said:
you might want to look at how you pictures are showing up. Home page has a pair of legs under the car, also check out your second page. :-)
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I'm betting you're seeing a cached version of the background image. What browser?

I'm assuming they don't look like the attached for you? home page and detailing page.

Thanks for your help!
 
davisautodetail said:
I'm betting you're seeing a cached version of the background image. What browser?

I'm assuming they don't look like the attached for you? home page and detailing page.

Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...

No they didn't look like that. Firefox
 
Pretty nice! I'm a developer too. Nerds rule! Check out my site if you like.
 
TundraPower said:
Pretty nice! I'm a developer too. Nerds rule! Check out my site if you like.
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Really nice site. I seriously considered going that direction with the "shiny" look and the high end cars, but thought I'd try this branding approach first.

I love your site, you did a great job, and it really looks professional.

My daughter is a total nerd too! We actually went to a "nerd prom" on Saturday night...see attached pic! I invented a "gangsta nerd." :props:
 
davisautodetail said:
Really nice site. I seriously considered going that direction with the "shiny" look and the high end cars, but thought I'd try this branding approach first.

I love your site, you did a great job, and it really looks professional.

My daughter is a total nerd too! We actually went to a "nerd prom" on Saturday night...see attached pic! I invented a "gangsta nerd." :props:
Click to expand...

I appreciate that very much. It still has "issues". My folks live in Billings MT. OMG I think a nerd prom night is the best idea ever! :righton:
 
davisautodetail said:
Great advice, and I'll definitely take it. I'll get some pics in front of the shop detailing, another good idea. Probably ought to get some detailing an RV as well.

I'm just finishing one of the cars that I'm doing a "dealer prep" on. I actually bought it, did a full cylinder head/timing belt job, pdr, wash, wax, seat repair, etc. plus new tires, windshield, etc. It'll make me some pretty good profit, and the before and after pics are killer (I'll put the afters up later tomorrow, assuming it's not snowing. ;->)

I definitely agree with the monkey comments, I can still accomplish my branding ideals, but by moving him up and to the left of my logo (actually then making a logo out of him with the words.)

I can use that space better to make the pages wider, and add more pictures, as well as video, as you described.

Again, thanks so much, this has been really helpful!
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I like the changes but have a couple more recommendations.

1. Not a fan of stock photos like the orange car replacing the monkey. Just use a car you've detailed then change it as you work on different cars until you get one that represents your market. If you're limited on photos just go take a picture you can use. Be creative and don't include identifying criteria like license plate or one off special features.

2. Delete "Deler Prep" it's the same work you'd do for a customer. It show cases your work, which btw is great!

3. All the pics are of the same car, headlights, interior, exterior. If that's all you have to go with fine. I don't need to see both right and left headlights to see a difference especially if it's the same car. I'd recommend posting up 2-3 different cars if you have them to start. I think many go nutts in this area IMO not needed.

4. Your work shop is awesome. Most would likk for it. You could use some detail banners. Maybe trade services with a sign shop in your town. Then use their car in your photos. You want your shop to look like more than a place you work on a car for a hobby.

5. About Me photo casual is good but most won't know that a polisher slung over your shoulder. Looks like you're going hunting. Why not a self portriat sitting next to a car with the polisher out in front of you and your reflection in the side of the car?

6. I still think most Detailers could benefit from a magnetic license plate cover up for use when the photograph their cars. The license plate cover shold have your logo, business name and contact phone. Like a business card but easy to read.
 
rmagnus said:
I like the changes but have a couple more recommendations.

6. I still think most Detailers could benefit from a magnetic license plate cover up for use when the photograph their cars. The license plate cover should have your logo, business name and contact phone. Like a business card but easy to read.
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That is a great idea! :dblthumb2:
 
rmagnus said:
I like the changes but have a couple more recommendations.

1. Not a fan of stock photos like the orange car replacing the monkey. Just use a car you've detailed then change it as you work on different cars until you get one that represents your market. If you're limited on photos just go take a picture you can use. Be creative and don't include identifying criteria like license plate or one off special features.

2. Delete "Deler Prep" it's the same work you'd do for a customer. It show cases your work, which btw is great!

3. All the pics are of the same car, headlights, interior, exterior. If that's all you have to go with fine. I don't need to see both right and left headlights to see a difference especially if it's the same car. I'd recommend posting up 2-3 different cars if you have them to start. I think many go nutts in this area IMO not needed.

4. Your work shop is awesome. Most would likk for it. You could use some detail banners. Maybe trade services with a sign shop in your town. Then use their car in your photos. You want your shop to look like more than a place you work on a car for a hobby.

5. About Me photo casual is good but most won't know that a polisher slung over your shoulder. Looks like you're going hunting. Why not a self portriat sitting next to a car with the polisher out in front of you and your reflection in the side of the car?

6. I still think most Detailers could benefit from a magnetic license plate cover up for use when the photograph their cars. The license plate cover shold have your logo, business name and contact phone. Like a business card but easy to read.
Click to expand...

Really awesome feedback, I hadn't thought of a lot of this!

Photos are a bit of an issue for me currently, just not enough cars completed that I took good pictures of. I plan to rectify that this week, and continue to add photos as they are available. You're right on all accounts there though.

On #2, are you talking about the photos page or the detailing cars page? I was thinking I might be able to differentiate myself by offering a service for people wanting to sell their cars, but needing some dealer-type work. Those services are for the customer, not dealers, just so that's clear (maybe it isn't.)

I'm going to spend some time tomorrow getting my shop a bit more organized, so that I can get some better pictures again with cars in there. Signage is on the list. I'm thinking of just an old-looking long sign to go under my Washington Gasoline sign, like you'd see on an old gas station (which my shop is modeled after.)

Thanks again!
 
davisautodetail said:
Really awesome feedback, I hadn't thought of a lot of this!

Photos are a bit of an issue for me currently, just not enough cars completed that I took good pictures of. I plan to rectify that this week, and continue to add photos as they are available. You're right on all accounts there though.

On #2, are you talking about the photos page or the detailing cars page? I was thinking I might be able to differentiate myself by offering a service for people wanting to sell their cars, but needing some dealer-type work. Those services are for the customer, not dealers, just so that's clear (maybe it isn't.)

I'm going to spend some time tomorrow getting my shop a bit more organized, so that I can get some better pictures again with cars in there. Signage is on the list. I'm thinking of just an old-looking long sign to go under my Washington Gasoline sign, like you'd see on an old gas station (which my shop is modeled after.)

Thanks again!
Click to expand...

Your a programer I'm a semi professional photographer, jack of all trades master of none. I take more of an artistic view than most. #2 was on your Photo Page, sub-title Dealer Prep. I'd say its common sense to us detailers a fully detailed car will fetch more at sale or just sell quicker. Dealers don't want to pay for this service they just want more money. I'd say off hand you'll have more private customers paying $100-$200 to detail their cars than dealer work to enhance a resale. Always sell to the majority.

Watch the small things when photographing cars. Where shadows fall. What reflections are seen. Use polarizer filters to reduce glare. Pay attention to the ground. How many times do you see a freshly detailed car photographed over a puddle? Car looks like it's leaking not attractive no matter what the shine looks like. If the car can not be moved consider the old realtors trick wet the entire pavement to show reflections and the "wet" look. Pay attention to the background. Consider a back drop cloth hung from a pvc frame to clean up the back ground. I don't mind photoshoping something out of a picture that couldn't be avoided but never recommend digitally saturating or enhancing the photo. They always look fake and the purpose is to display your work. I think Mike posted an "How to Photograph Cars" thread. Do a search. I totally get being new and not having a ton of photographs. Youll get there 5-10 different cars is all your website will need IMO. Start small you've got the white one. Photograph a clean shiny car and use it to demonstrate a point. Even one with hoffific swirls or Rids it can demonstrate why detailers are needed. Just don't claim you detailed a car if you didn't. As your work portfolio expands use it instead.

jwellsii thanks for the props partner. #6 is a no brainer. Just print one from your computer, laminate it and add magnets or strap to attach. I'd rather hire an airbrush artist to make one professionally. They use license plate blanks as a canvass and good ones do killer work. If you want to stand out it's the attention to details, everone does the major thing right.

Kevin, as long as you're open to the ideas I'll keep em comming. The advise is free so now you know the value!
 
I think you are headed in the right direction. I think moving the monkey into your logo works. Also seeing a car on your homepage is a big improvement, like someone else said just keep "upgrading" the photos as you get more and more cars.
 
Love all of the advice, keep it coming. I need to do some better photos. Winter here is a challenge, melting snow every where. I found some pics of some earlier details that I can use from the summer, so that'll help, but I need to watch for the little things for sure.

Thanks again!
 
rmagnus said:
Your a programer I'm a semi professional photographer, jack of all trades master of none. I take more of an artistic view than most. #2 was on your Photo Page, sub-title Dealer Prep. I'd say its common sense to us detailers a fully detailed car will fetch more at sale or just sell quicker. Dealers don't want to pay for this service they just want more money. I'd say off hand you'll have more private customers paying $100-$200 to detail their cars than dealer work to enhance a resale. Always sell to the majority.

Watch the small things when photographing cars. Where shadows fall. What reflections are seen. Use polarizer filters to reduce glare. Pay attention to the ground. How many times do you see a freshly detailed car photographed over a puddle? Car looks like it's leaking not attractive no matter what the shine looks like. If the car can not be moved consider the old realtors trick wet the entire pavement to show reflections and the "wet" look. Pay attention to the background. Consider a back drop cloth hung from a pvc frame to clean up the back ground. I don't mind photoshoping something out of a picture that couldn't be avoided but never recommend digitally saturating or enhancing the photo. They always look fake and the purpose is to display your work. I think Mike posted an "How to Photograph Cars" thread. Do a search. I totally get being new and not having a ton of photographs. Youll get there 5-10 different cars is all your website will need IMO. Start small you've got the white one. Photograph a clean shiny car and use it to demonstrate a point. Even one with hoffific swirls or Rids it can demonstrate why detailers are needed. Just don't claim you detailed a car if you didn't. As your work portfolio expands use it instead.

jwellsii thanks for the props partner. #6 is a no brainer. Just print one from your computer, laminate it and add magnets or strap to attach. I'd rather hire an airbrush artist to make one professionally. They use license plate blanks as a canvass and good ones do killer work. If you want to stand out it's the attention to details, everone does the major thing right.

Kevin, as long as you're open to the ideas I'll keep em comming. The advise is free so now you know the value!
Click to expand...

This is all great advice. As a serious photographer myself I'd like to suggest that you crop the Jeep photos much tighter. When shooting still objects (like cars) I would suggest that, going forward, you shoot more tightly so that only minimal cropping needs to be done. Make the car the star of the photo.
 
1953hogan said:
This is all great advice. As a serious photographer myself I'd like to suggest that you crop the Jeep photos much tighter. When shooting still objects (like cars) I would suggest that, going forward, you shoot more tightly so that only minimal cropping needs to be done. Make the car the star of the photo.
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Tighter like this? Or is there something more artistic? I definitely need some better pics, and will take this to heart as I gather them.
 
TundraPower said:
Oh and by the way, don't forget to run the final version through The W3C Markup Validation Service

If there are any errors they will find it. Very useful for portability issues.
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Good advice. I did find a couple of things that I could address. The issue I've always had with the validation is that it errors out on stuff like the menu code produced by fireworks, and the code fb and twitter give for their buttons. It doesn't seem to do a very good job ignoring scripts, or part of them anyway.

I've always defaulted to manual testing across devices to make sure the thing works. I'd be interested in your take on how you deal with it.
 
davisautodetail said:
Tighter like this? Or is there something more artistic? I definitely need some better pics, and will take this to heart as I gather them.
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Yes, this is better. Here are a few more tips on your photo composition. Also, if you search, there are actually some threads here with tips on car photography:

  • Shoot from a lower perspective. Don't stand and shoot the car at eye level. Get low and shoot at an upward angle. That helps to make the subject appear bigger than life and gives it pleasing proportion. "Shooting lower" often gives a more pleasing perspective.
  • Shoot at more oblique angles rather than straight on (as in most of your Jeep shots). Some can be straight on shots, but try some creative angles as well.
  • You don't always have to crop to a specific aspect ratio (like 4x6 or 3x5 for instance). Go ahead and crop "free form" to best effect for composition. If a square image looks better than a rectangular one, then by all means crop it that way.
  • Shoot with a decent SLR camera and try some shots with a very narrow depth of field. Shooting at an aperture of f/2.8 or even bigger, will give the subject nice focus while giving the background that nice creamy blur (Google the word "bokeh" to learn more about this). Your current Jeep photos have a very wide depth of field which tends to de-emphasize the subject. Again, cropping tighter can mitigate this somewhat

I would suggest finding a friend with good equipment and a working knowledge of photography. Moreover, visit web sites like Road & Track and Motor Trend and even manufacturers sites like Ford or GM and just browse the photos you see there. Doing so will soon give you an idea of the best angles and tips for great car photography. Just try to copy the way they do it.

Putting in the extra effort to put some truly "jaw dropping" photos on your site might make a huge positive difference in customer demand.

Hope this helps, and best of luck.

Steve
 
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