GCU Forum - Nasser asked: feedback on new look for site

Ernestine_131365

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Re: Nasser asked: feedback on new look
Reply #15 - Aug 12^th, 2008, 9:16am

Hey All!

Great suggestions gals! (So where are they guys?. . . Tom? haven't heard from you! Wink

)
It gave me an idea: I'm no "webbie-techie" but I am a graphic designer and thought I might try my hand at a "screen shot" of the "visual" of a home page idea incorporating some of these ideas. . . maybe put a link so others can look and put it their ideas. Any other designers interested in collaborating on something like this? Time is at a premium for me right now, as I'm sure it is with all, but I just thought if we could put our ideas "on paper" (well "online" - I'm using "old school" terminology Wink

) so the "powers that be" can SEE what we're talking about it might give things a little jump-start Cheesy

.

Ernestine

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Linda D._131645

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Re: Nasser asked: feedback on new look
Reply #16 - Aug 12^th, 2008, 12:07pm

I think it would be nice to have the cards shown bigger, everywhere,... as barbara mentioned...

Quote from barbara_133221 on Aug 12^th, 2008, 2:10am:

Card size another thing embarrassed

: Cards shown on the homepage (and not only on the homepage)should be bigger, the size is too small, it looks sort of stingy and does not grab the attention!! This concerns all pages. Lots of fine details get lost because of the smallness of the size. Each card looks like a postage stamp.

and I like these ideas that nicole mentioned too....

Quote from nicole_133673 on Aug 12^th, 2008, 7:19am:

More graphics are needed, maybe change the homepage with the seasons, not drastically something like a few autumn leaves and then maybe a wintry look for the end of the year, keep it fresh and new. .......

Halloween is coming up why not add a "NEW for Halloween slideshow" or a what's new section for weddings, baby, whatever the current thing is.

Bigger images are a must for the bigger monitors that are out now.

The changing homepage idea would look really impressive as it would keep it fresh and always new. People like new things. And bright colors too!

These are simple ideas that would really go a long way to spice up the site I think.

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barbara_133221

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Re: Nasser asked: feedback on new look
Reply #17 - Aug 12^th, 2008, 12:09pm

Hi Eugenia, didn't mean to hurt you, embarrassed

I really love your designs and cards and all 3 birthday cards featuring candle,cake,confetti are nice.

But if you see it from a prospective customers point of view - if you enter thru GCU's homepage and not thru googling a card - then you see 3 practically identical cards and you sort of think: isn't there some birthday design other than a painting of a cake,candle,confetti, ? Most new Customers don't know about all the different cards here, their first impression is from the homepage, and if that does not look attention grabbing, some will not feel like checking out more on the site.
A site needs variety, different subjects, different styles. every customer has a different taste, from retro to funk, traditional to graphic, vector to photographs etc etc and we have all sorts of styles here on GCU to cater to those tastes. What I really like about zazzle and etsy are all those new items, all those styles, it always changes, it's never boring....
Sorry again, it was not meant personally. kiss

and I really like your card!
cheers, barbara

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nicole_133673

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Re: Nasser asked: feedback on new look
Reply #18 - Aug 12^th, 2008, 1:02pm

Quote from eugenia_131318 on Aug 12^th, 2008, 9:13am:

OUCH! that hurt!

I can only reiterate what Mindy has said in the past - people don't buy cards from the front page they come in from search engines. My best sellers are not the ones featured on the most popular, so I am living proof of what Mindy said.

Now I am all for changing the front page etc and if it wasn't 2 in the morning I might have something to add but right now I am feeling too sad and tired.

Eugenia, You know I am a big fan of yours Cheesy

and I hope that my comments on the most popular cards did not offend you as my opinions had nothing to do with who or what was featured. I don't think I offended you but just in case I am sorry. I know you work very hard on your designs and they are very good so don't be sad.

As for the hardly anyone starts at the homepage part. Well why not? I think people should WANT to go there (as well as to our stores, don't get me wrong.) Look at iTunes, you login, see the first page and are excited to see what is new, what is coming up, an article or two about the bands and singers.

GCU can learn a lot from sites like these even though they have nothing to do with cards.

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Janie_133125

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Re: Nasser asked: feedback on new look
Reply #19 - Aug 12^th, 2008, 2:00pm

I'd like to see a weekly or monthly special posted on the homepage. I wouldn't want the new cards added/cards waiting for approval area to disappear, but it may be better suited for the artist area. I'd like to see seasonal art on the homepage in place of the little girl. The developer should be able to have these swap out each time the page is refreshed so that the customer gets a new look when sent back to the home page.

On another note, I'd like to be able to direct my customers to my page and have them to be able to only search in my store if they wish. Of course, with a link to the home page within each page of my storefront. Right now if someone were to search for "Christmas" in my store - the search would encompass all of GCU. I don't mind my customers purchasing from other artists, I would just like the opportunity to make the sale first. If I don't have what they like, of course, I would expect them to keep shopping.

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Linda D._131645

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Re: Nasser asked: feedback on new look
Reply #20 - Aug 12^th, 2008, 3:21pm

Quote from Janie_133125 on Aug 12^th, 2008, 2:00pm:

I'd like to see seasonal art on the homepage in place of the little girl. The developer should be able to have these swap out each time the page is refreshed so that the customer gets a new look when sent back to the home page.

Yes, that would be great!

And I just wanted to note that I personally don't think there's anything *wrong* with GCU's main page, but since everyone was discussing it and wants ideas.. I thought I'd input mine. errr.. I mean... agree with other's great ideas! Grin

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Delores_132508 Gold Member artist Posts: 978	Re: Nasser asked: feedback on new look for site Reply #21 - Aug 13^th, 2008, 7:56am Just adding my two cents in here. There's been some great suggestions. Two of my favorites are to have a seasonal changing of the homepage along with larger images of the cards shown.
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Gina_133039

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Re: Nasser asked: feedback on new look
Reply #22 - Aug 13^th, 2008, 9:32am

Afternoon everyone... The little girl, though she's sweet, really doesn't add anything to the home page. Maybe place a seasonal card in her place that is a clickable link that would take the clicker to similar seasonal or holiday cards. There is some sort of holiday or event each month, some are obscure, but if there were a card there, folks might scratch their heads and say "hmmmm... never thought about sending a card for that" - click. Have a great one, all

gina

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Nasser_16

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Re: Nasser asked: feedback on new look
Reply #23 - Aug 14^th, 2008, 3:27pm

Denise, thank you for starting and managing this thread. We appreciate all the help we can get

Ernestine, great idea of sketching out a screenshot. That would help visualize it for everyone.

Very important to keep in mind the following:
- Currently, the majority of shoppers are coming from search, not homepage or artist storefronts. As the GCU name becomes better known, the homepage will play a bigger role.

- The homepage will be completely overhauled at end of year. All we want to do right now are some simple improvements for the interim.

Couple of suggestions:
- Check out the big image on BigDates.com as a replacement to the GCU little girl drawing image. It automatically changes with the seasons and holidays. My suggestion is to leverage that work since it has already been done.

- Create two rows of auto populating images. One for new cards as they're being approved, other one yet to be determined.

Rest of the gang, great comments and suggestions. We appreciate it.

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Linda D._131645

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Re: Nasser asked: feedback on new look
Reply #24 - Aug 14^th, 2008, 4:17pm

Quote from Nasser_16 on Aug 14^th, 2008, 3:27pm:

Couple of suggestions:
- Check out the big image on BigDates.com as a replacement to the GCU little girl drawing image. It automatically changes with the seasons and holidays. My suggestion is to leverage that work since it has already been done.

- Create two rows of auto populating images. One for new cards as they're being approved, other one yet to be determined.

I think the BigDates idea is great! Nice summery image up there right now.
And the new cards idea too.. great exposure for them!

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nicole_133673

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Re: Nasser asked: feedback on new look
Reply #25 - Aug 14^th, 2008, 4:20pm

Quote from Nasser_16 on Aug 14^th, 2008, 3:27pm:

- Create two rows of auto populating images. One for new cards as they're being approved, other one yet to be determined.

Well that is certainly a very good start! Cheesy

Please don't think we are complaining about anything, just pushing around some ideas, kind of like one man's trash is another's treasure type of thing.

As always I am very happy here and thanks for listening!

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Tammy_131374

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Re: Nasser asked: feedback on new look for site
Reply #26 - Aug 15^th, 2008, 2:46pm

Some great ideas here. I like the rotating designs idea with an option to click on the features and go to the category page where different cards are available... One thing that I currently would like to see change is the cards that are featured on the sides of the all paper cards page-you can't click on one and go to it. You are sent to that section to browse...soooo frustrating. This would be a major help to the site!
As far as problem of new designs being seen- why not just have another category at the topof the pages by the free ecards, all paper cards. my favorite...& have an option for New Items- with a drop down selection for categories and then feature new cards for those categories- it would then give everyone a chance to be seen. That might be a simpler solution.
I love the little girl on the front, but I understand what you are saying- the space does need to be utilized a little better. lol
We should change our backgrounds etc. too on holidays- especially Christmas to give the site a Christmas feel. These are simpler changes that look nice and give the site a great feel. It might be nice to have a selection of premade templates for holidays for store owners to choose from to decorate their stores for Christmas and other holidays. That would be really nice.

Also have some templates available in differnt seasons, themes, etc.
I'll think some more on this...

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Ernestine_131365

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Re: Nasser asked: feedback on new look
Reply #27 - Aug 16^th, 2008, 8:15pm

Quote from Nasser_16 on Aug 14^th, 2008, 3:27pm:

Ernestine, great idea of sketching out a screenshot. That would help visualize it for everyone.

I've been taking in the input and will have something soon!

Quote from Nasser_16 on Aug 14^th, 2008, 3:27pm:

Very important to keep in mind the following:
- Currently, the majority of shoppers are coming from search, not homepage or artist storefronts. As the GCU name becomes better known, the homepage will play a bigger role.

Do you mean GCU search or general internet (google, msn, yahoo) search? I would hope that the home page will play a bigger role! A place to start ones search. A place where shoppers can get the "low down" on the site, all the great options. . . a bright, user friendly, (let's keep working on an optimum search tool! Cheesy

) seasonally updated page that would be the FIRST place folks go when they want to buy GREAT paper greeting cards. You say: "as GCU becomes better known" . . . . I think a great "landing place" for GCU. . . GEARED TOWARDS SHOPPERS would actually HELP GCU become better known. There could be links from there for new artists to set up stores.

Thanks for listening to our suggestions!

"E"

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Teri Francis_131425

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Re: Nasser asked: feedback on new look
Reply #28 - Aug 17^th, 2008, 2:17am

First of all, a big THANK YOU to Denise for starting this thread, and also to Nasser for his encouragement and continued support of discussion and input from us! Grin

Thanks to everyone who has posted as well ... all very good points and valid points have been raised.

I agree that the old home page served it's purpose in attracting artists and sellers to GCU ... but it definitely needs updating to be more attractive and convenient for the customers.

While working on a layout design for one of my clients, I toyed around what *I would love to see* on a new GCU home page ... (Ernestine, I'm just getting caught up on the forum and I didn't realize you were also working on one as well -- hope I didn't step on your toes!) Anyway, this is a very rough sketch of what would be on my wishlist for the new Home page ...

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeqffl4/gcu-rough-1/gcu-rough-rev3.htm

The main gist is that the areas that will be of most interest to our shoppers should be encompassed within the "envelope" (i.e. what's seen in the top of the screen before having to scroll down) ... the most searched categories bold and clearly accessible to the shopper, the login link, intro to GCU blurb, -- and most importantly ... both what's NEW, and what's HOT.

I would hope to see GCU keep what has worked well to this point, yet freshen and shake things up to give greater exposure to new cards and new occasions to send cards. Right now, on the current home page, the upcoming holidays list does not even direct shoppers to cards for that occasion or event. We could -- and in my opinion, we should -- have a rotating display of cards where each the "X" place-markers are on the draft I came up with. As for Featured Artist, personally I'm not all that crazy about the idea ... people just want to come in and buy cards, but it is a nice thing that makes people feel comfortable when visiting a new site for the first time. So, again, that could be something that rotates along the lines of what we have now. As for the suggestions of highlighting one Artist every week or day, I just don't see how that's realistic ... it would take years to feature each Artist, and that's just with the ones who are current. So, I tend to think that the current system of featuring the artists is more feasible and fair in the long run. But again, I stress that as a shopper, I rarely pay attention to things like that ... I simply want to come in buy what I'm looking for, and sign off to go do other things.

Okay, it's 4:45 am, so that's all I can coherently add to the discussion for now. But I toss up the ideas I came up with for further discussion. I hope it gives you some visual cues and sparks more ideas to share. Ps ... please excuse the squirrel! Was working on that photo for an update on one of my sites, so I plunked him into the GCU sketch for a laugh ... hmmm, there maybe a new card with Buttercup and his flowers coming soon, lol. Cheesy

BTW ... a bit off topic, but thanks GCU for all the nifty new features you've added! Love the new 3D look of the cards, and sooner or later I'll get around to trying out the new arrange tool. Kudos to you for all the tools you provide ... and most of all for listening to us!

-------------------------
Quote from eugenia_131318 on Aug 12^th, 2008, 9:13am:

Amongst others, it features 3 birthday cards all featuring a cake with candles and confetti in a square (nice cards, no offense, ladies, but very similar). I have often looked at those 3 cards and thought: paint a cake with candles and confetti and put it into a square and maybe you'll have the 4th most popular birthday card featurung cake,candle,confetti in a square ......

OUCH! that hurt!

I can only reiterate what Mindy has said in the past - people don't buy cards from the front page they come in from search engines. My best sellers are not the ones featured on the most popular, so I am living proof of what Mindy said.

Now I am all for changing the front page etc and if it wasn't 2 in the morning I might have something to add but right now I am feeling too sad and tired.

I'm half falling asleep, but I have to agree with Eugenia on this ... my best selling cards are NOT the ones that pop up now and then as most popular. Nor are they cards that have been seen "over and over" again. On a recent big sale, one card had only been up for a short time and did not have a lot of clicks -- another one had been up for almost a year and had no sales, compared to other cards in the same category with multiple sales and higher ranking. So, I believe that Mindy, Eugenia, Corrie and the others who have said this in the past are correct ... customers don't seem to be influenced by whatever may be deemed "most popular" ... they search for what they are looking for.

Please don't be sad, Eugenia. I like your cupcake

Big squirrel hugs to all!
Teri

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Ernestine_131365

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Re: Nasser asked: feedback on new look
Reply #29 - Aug 17^th, 2008, 8:02pm

Quote from Teri Francis_131425 on Aug 17^th, 2008, 2:17am:

I agree that the old home page served it's purpose in attracting artists and sellers to GCU ...
While working on a layout design for one of my clients, I toyed around what *I would love to see* on a new GCU home page ... (Ernestine, I'm just getting caught up on the forum and I didn't realize you were also working on one as well -- hope I didn't step on your toes!) Anyway, this is a very rough sketch of what would be on my wishlist for the new Home page . . . http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeqffl4/gcu-rough-1/gcu-rough-rev3.htm

No, Teri, my size 11's are just fine! Grin

Toes in tack! Wink

Actually what you have done is great! Tongue

I hadn't had a chance to get that far. I'd been working more along the lines of "the look" and graphics. I have Tuesday and Wednesday off with some more time to devote. Maybe this page you created could be a starting point to check out others ideas. Could you put an "active link" somewhere on your "rough Sketch" page that could link to the page I (as well as others so inclined) create?
Creative collaboration!

Ain't it great! Wink

"E"

Love your squirrel! "IDEA" (there's no icon for a light-bulb) Don't you think GCU should some sort of identifying icon or mascot? Hey Geico's gotten miles out of that little gecko guy! Wink

With all the talented artists on-board you'd think we could come up with a "card creature?' . . ."universe urchin?' I'm rambling. . . Shut up Ernestine!

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