Critique my family muse

[silkyslim]

http://smoothmoveinc.net

I'm helping my family get into the 4hww. This is our family run biz. I know there is alot of work to be done.

We have a crew that does installations, but right now my Dad goes with them to supervise (60 hrs/week with traveling).

My Mom does about 30 hrs/week on bills, shipping/receiving, and acquiring jobs.

Where should we start with website design, automation of tedious tasks, internet advertising? Help!

[webgal]

The design could definitely use some updating.

So shopping cart software. ecommerce is the key word

Some here have used:

Wordpress + fatfreecart.com

For this, I would recommend yahoo stores. And hire someone from yahoo stores who specifically designs and codes for yahoo. A friend of mine owns 8 stores through them and when I had lunch with her last week, that's what she told me.

She's had one for 10 years. It indexes very well. It's not dynamic (programming code) but you can upload by using an excel spreadsheet.

[silkyslim]

thanks for the reply. I checked out the sites you recommended. I'm not sure where to apply WordPress. I thought that was a blog site.

[Sven]

Agree with webgal, website looks a bit old. Learn about wordpress or drupal for webbuilding.

You seem to run a high service level business, so doing the work for the client comes first. E-commerce is a bit far off, I think. No one will order a fitted bowthruster online. Well actually, I think that if you can simplify the data needed to give a quote you may be able to actually pull it off... If you can make a price list and put it in to a webshop, with EVERYTHING included... With dates, locations models etc. to choose from?

You may be able to use your website to keep info on system specs, so they can be checked on location.

If you have repeat customers you could keep track of them and their info.

Well, this is just to get the juices going!

Sven

[Drew Kime]

Quick changes you can make in the next hour:

Break up your logo. Put the boat and water in the top-left corner. Put the tagline and contact info across the top. That gets you about an inch-and-a-half more room above the fold for content.

Your tagline lists three things you install, but you've got three pictures of thruster parts. Show the other stuff.

The question "Why Do You Need A Thruster?" shouldn't be the headline. The answer to the question should be your headline. eg: "Fool-proof docking even in the tightest channels" "Safe docking even in bad weather"

Your other headline says it's the best investment, but doesn't tell me why.

I'd mention the tame savings more prominently.

[silkyslim]

Thank you all very much, awesome forum.

[BizMoney]

Silky,

I own 3 marine businesses, including a yacht dealership (AdvantageYachtSales.com). We are doing 2 bow thruster installations right now. If there is some way we can work together, PM me.

Doug