Critisim and Input - My first Website (since 1999)

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greggpb

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Hi guys ,

Just put up my first website since 1999( Frames and thelike) lol's..

I would love it if you guy could have a look and shred it, flame it, or add input....

http://freightman.test.afrihost.com/

* The first thing on my list is to find softer image for the front page.. like the one on services->warehouse


Many thanks
 
It's not that bad really...

Where's your pic?
 
That's terrible, do it again.



No seriously, not bad at all :)
 
nice and clean
But is it based off a theme? , having a look at the style sheet link, im wondering:p
 
its a mish mash based of 10 diff site's.. took the stuff i liked.... I know sort of what i wanted it to look like..
 
mmmmm it's not bad man, my style of design is a lil different from yours. it is nice and clean though
 
Also. I forgot to mention.. the base them has to take as little screen real estate as possible as the client zone if a fully functional app.
 
Well designed, the only problem I've experienced is that the Submit Buttons (Client Zone & Contact Page) is a little bit out of it's place. Just add some css to it to make it look as if it should be there.
 
Nice. Some pointers...

Why do you @import your CSS? It's slower than a direct reference... (just asking). Ideally you'd want to use a server-side technique to combine and minify them, IMO.

Use a CDN (jQuery, Microsoft or Google) to serve up jQuery. Chances are it's been cached on the client already. (See the HTML5 Boilerplate on how to have a local fallback)

Move to HTML5. By that I mean change your doctype and html names. Nothing else is necessary at this point, but it will smooth out the process. ;) (Okay, that's a personal gripe of mine)

Look into using microdata for your addresses, numbers etc.

Not sure why you have paragraph tags separated by break tags. Change your CSS to give extra space between paragraphs instead.

Logon (and any other page without children) - remove the left container or put something in it.


Out of interest, what were your tools? Very clean result, ether way.
 
That's what a corporate website should look like far as I'm concerned; uncluttered and easy to navigate. Also, a good move to have the contact details permanently displayed regardless of which page you're on.

A few things:

  1. Home
    1. With more than 35 years of experience, Freight Management is a leading provider of full-service customs brokerage, and global ocean and air cargo distribution.
    2. We specialize in... specialise
    3. Whether you are a first time importer or your company already has an established supply chain, we will provide you with the best customer service available and streamlined shipping solutions that can save you valuable time and money. Consider swapping the two last statements, something like: we will provide you with streamlined solutions ... money, backed up by the best/superb customer service.
    4. As businesses large and small realize... realise
    5. Add something to the tune of "Our services include:" or "We offer:" before listing them.
    6. Servicing the Western Cape, with a global network of agents. An owner-managed company with a commitment to service and quality. This sentence is rather cumbersome...
    7. At Freight Management we value integrity, honesty, efficiency and good business practices. With this in mind we strive to nurture business relationships that ensure the growth of both parties based on these principles. Either "With this in mind" or "based on these principles", not both.
  2. Services
    1. is what we're geared [-]up[/-] to do
    2. ... most economical way possible.We also understand ... Missed a space
    3. We also understand the complexity involved in the handling of certain documentation. We ensure that paperwork is handled methodically[-],[/-] and with care, and that sensitive supplier documentation is not passed on to the consignee, whilst ensuring that the correct paperwork is. is what?
    4. ... throughout South Africa[-], w[/-] With the introduction ...
    5. [-]B[/-]bonded and general cargo...
    6. We have 3 container bays all equipped with levelers
    7. Export of perishable perishables or perishable goods
  3. Company Profile
    1. 35 years' [-]of[/-] experience
    2. We speciali[-]z[/-]se in...
    3. As a family-run company, we value building relationships through good business practices above all else.
  4. Team
    1. I suppose Tommy's details will be fleshed out a bit, but as for yours...
    2. ... [-]k[/-]now turned his ...
  5. When clicking on either "Team" or "Policy" under "Company Profile" would it not be better to keep the links on the left visible?
  6. Under "Links" both entries are currently the same. Further, it is best to start the description with an expounding of the name if it is an acronym, ie. "The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is ..."

Might've missed a few... :o
 
Just a few points:
1. I agree with Raithlin about moving to HTML5.
2. Enigma's pointers about spelling, e.g. specialise i.s.o. specialize are a matter of choice - it depends if you want to go with USA (s) or British English (z).
3. A personal gripe of mine: why do you make your text so small - we are not all blessed with perfect eyesight!

Otherwise: a good job.
 
alphabyte said:
2. Enigma's pointers about spelling, e.g. specialise i.s.o. specialize are a matter of choice - it depends if you want to go with USA (s) or British English (z).
Click to expand...

Two things:
1. South African English is more closely aligned to British English; Americans can't spell ( :D ) and thus using Americanised (or Americanized) spelling just comes across as unprofessional. :p
2. My suggestions aren't exactly limited to variations in spelling.
 
greggpb said:
Just put up my first website since 1999( Frames and thelike) lol's.. I would love it if you guy could have a look and shred it, flame it, or add input...
Click to expand...

Style and Layout
1) I like to overall look of the site.
2) The front page looks a bit truncated. There is a large gutter at the bottom.
3) Throughout the site, the font is too small.
4) The grey font doesn't provide enough contrast. Try using a darker grey.
5) Consider using color on your <h1>, <h2> etc. tags. Perhaps the same red that is in the logo.
6) On the services page, all of the links except warehouse link back to the same pager. That can be confusing.
7) I don't think you need to publish the link and quote disclaimers on the website.

Content
1) On the home page, it is not immediately clear exactly what the company does without reading all of the text. Perhaps subheadings, or quotes or something could be used so that you get the main message across in 10 seconds.
2) On the company profile, add more info. Maybe something on how the company was founded. Or how many employees it has. Or how it has expanded to serve more markets. I'm not sure, but right now it looks light.

Functionality
Make sure you check the inputs on the contact form (both on the client and server). Right now if I enter a fake email address (such as "Bob") it returns an error. And not just a message. I currently see the full path to the web page on your windows box.

As far as images, istockphoto.com has good images. If you are looking for free images, try sxc.hu.
 
First off I really want to thank's the guys for the comments and input, It really make proud to be a member of mybb


Raithlin said:
Nice. Some pointers...
Why do you @import your CSS? It's slower than a direct reference... (just asking). Ideally you'd want to use a server-side technique to combine and minify them, IMO.
Click to expand...
I all honestly I was oblivious to the difference.. I am going to do the research now...


Raithlin said:
Use a CDN (jQuery, Microsoft or Google) to serve up jQuery. Chances are it's been cached on the client already. (See the HTML5 Boilerplate on how to have a local fallback)
Click to expand...
cool Idea, it never even enterd my mind..

Raithlin said:
Move to HTML5. By that I mean change your doctype and html names. Nothing else is necessary at this point, but it will smooth out the process. ;) (Okay, that's a personal gripe of mine)
Click to expand...
I was worried about backward compatability with older browsers... but neve gave it huge amounts of thought.

Raithlin said:
Look into using microdata for your addresses, numbers etc.
Click to expand...

Will reeasrch this

Raithlin said:
Not sure why you have paragraph tags separated by break tags. Change your CSS to give extra space between paragraphs instead.
Click to expand...
Lazy coding.... will have to look at this..

Raithlin said:
Logon (and any other page without children) - remove the left container or put something in it.
Click to expand...

I have tried but the problem is the text moves over and it messes up my layout.. if you look at the Services->warehouse page I want to do somthing like that but need to find a bucnh of relevant images.


Raithlin said:
Out of interest, what were your tools? Very clean result, ether way.
Click to expand...

I used Visual studio express, notepad++, and Gimp.


enigma243 said:
That's what a corporate website should look like far as I'm concerned; uncluttered and easy to navigate. Also, a good move to have the contact details permanently displayed regardless of which page you're on.

A few things:

  1. Home
    1. With more than 35 years of experience, Freight Management is a leading provider of full-service customs brokerage, and global ocean and air cargo distribution.
    2. We specialize in... specialise
    3. Whether you are a first time importer or your company already has an established supply chain, we will provide you with the best customer service available and streamlined shipping solutions that can save you valuable time and money. Consider swapping the two last statements, something like: we will provide you with streamlined solutions ... money, backed up by the best/superb customer service.
    4. As businesses large and small realize... realise
    5. Add something to the tune of "Our services include:" or "We offer:" before listing them.
    6. Servicing the Western Cape, with a global network of agents. An owner-managed company with a commitment to service and quality. This sentence is rather cumbersome...
    7. At Freight Management we value integrity, honesty, efficiency and good business practices. With this in mind we strive to nurture business relationships that ensure the growth of both parties based on these principles. Either "With this in mind" or "based on these principles", not both.
  2. Services
    1. is what we're geared [-]up[/-] to do
    2. ... most economical way possible.We also understand ... Missed a space
    3. We also understand the complexity involved in the handling of certain documentation. We ensure that paperwork is handled methodically[-],[/-] and with care, and that sensitive supplier documentation is not passed on to the consignee, whilst ensuring that the correct paperwork is. is what?
    4. ... throughout South Africa[-], w[/-] With the introduction ...
    5. [-]B[/-]bonded and general cargo...
    6. We have 3 container bays all equipped with levelers
    7. Export of perishable perishables or perishable goods
  3. Company Profile
    1. 35 years' [-]of[/-] experience
    2. We speciali[-]z[/-]se in...
    3. As a family-run company, we value building relationships through good business practices above all else.
  4. Team
    1. I suppose Tommy's details will be fleshed out a bit, but as for yours...
    2. ... [-]k[/-]now turned his ...
Click to expand...


  1. @enigma243 I am really embarrised but the grammar and spelling error's.. it just plain unprofessional, I should have check that my self. 1000 thanks for picking them up.
    I tend to agree British is the way to go, much to bob's dismay.


    enigma243 said:
    1. When clicking on either "Team" or "Policy" under "Company Profile" would it not be better to keep the links on the left visible?
    2. Under "Links" both entries are currently the same. Further, it is best to start the description with an expounding of the name if it is an acronym, ie. "The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is ..."

    Might've missed a few... :o
    Click to expand...
    These are very valid and I will make the suggested changes.




    dkhaley said:
    Style and Layout
    1) I like to overall look of the site.
    2) The front page looks a bit truncated. There is a large gutter at the bottom.
    Click to expand...

    1)Thanks ;)
    2) Site was developed for a browser res of (1024X768) because of target client.. so if you shrink the screen it look ok.. I will need to figure out what to do on bigger screen.


    dkhaley said:
    Style and Layout
    3) Throughout the site, the font is too small.
    4) The grey font doesn't provide enough contrast. Try using a darker grey.
    Click to expand...
    Yeah that seems to be a common theme.. I tried to use the could fromt he logo excusivly.


    dkhaley said:
    5) Consider using color on your <h1>, <h2> etc. tags. Perhaps the same red that is in the logo.
    Click to expand...
    gonna give this a try..

    dkhaley said:
    6) On the services page, all of the links except warehouse link back to the same pager. That can be confusing.
    Click to expand...
    Yeah they ahould all be like the warehouse's page.. I have guys working on contect for the other links ....

    dkhaley said:
    7) I don't think you need to publish the link and quote disclaimers on the website.
    Click to expand...
    I tend to agree.. but the Cleint emails all have a link to these doc's and we are currently in a case where the customer claims they didn't see any of these doc's..


    dkhaley said:
    Content
    1) On the home page, it is not immediately clear exactly what the company does without reading all of the text. Perhaps subheadings, or quotes or something could be used so that you get the main message across in 10 seconds.
    2) On the company profile, add more info. Maybe something on how the company was founded. Or how many employees it has. Or how it has expanded to serve more markets. I'm not sure, but right now it looks light.
    Click to expand...
    cant agree more... need to gigure out what will look coll and keep to the theme. and find someone with a better command of the english language to check the copy.

    dkhaley said:
    Functionality
    Make sure you check the inputs on the contact form (both on the client and server). Right now if I enter a fake email address (such as "Bob") it returns an error. And not just a message. I currently see the full path to the web page on your windows box.
    Click to expand...
    Haven't event got there yet... will add validation..




    dkhaley said:
    As far as images, istockphoto.com has good images. If you are looking for free images, try sxc.hu.
    Click to expand...
    Thanks for the awesome link.....



    And again thanks guys very much for the input.... AWESOME..
 
Last edited:
Screen Size

Regarding my comment about the hanging footer and your reply about the screen resolution. You could try adding one of these to the css for the main content wrapper:

#mainContent { min-height: 450px };
#mainContent { min-height: 65% };

Obviously, you'd have to experiment with the values. The second one might be better, as it is relative to the browser resolution.

HTML 5
If you want to use the HTML5 sectioning elements (<SECTION>, <ARTICLE>, <ASIDE>, etc) check out www.modernizr.com. As long as you include the HTML5 Shim it allows older browsers to display the page correctly.

Modernizr also has some other benefits, such as the ability to detect certain HTML5 features, although you may not need this for your project.
 
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