[ncrossan]

Please review my *NEW SITE* - www.fitted-kitchens-uk.com

Please review my new site www.fitted-kitchens-uk.com. I would appreciate any critique, particularly concerning usability, images and navigation.
Many thanks
Natalie

[finbarr]

apologies but:

very dated designwise, code is a mess, shouldnt terms and conditions be on their own page, no thread running through the different sections, online shop looks completely different to homepage, navigation is almost completely lost.

All in all not good

[cam]

<h2 align="left" class="style39 style13 style13 style13 style42"> Why is buying a kitchen over the internet better for me? </h2>

I think that sums up the code.

Absolutely terrible site - design is all over the place & the code is worse.

You're looking at starting from scratch.

[nevali]

Amazing.

DreamWeaver script-junk, tables for layout, utter lack of semantics.

1997 called—they want their website back.

[cframe]

Off the top of your head, what does 'style13' do?

Now ask yourself if you'll remember that in a few weeks/months time when you come to update the site.

Try and go with class names that have some form of semantic meaning without being overly specific. IE; dont say something is 'green' in case you decide to change its color. go with somethign along the lines of 'highlight' then it's an easy job to a) remember what it does and b) change it at a later date and not have to alter the html

[ghetto elvis]

Here are my thoughts:
there is no clear design.
it seems from what you have presented to your client that it is disorganized. that is all code im not an expert on. here are some simple suggestions to organize it better.
- all buttons with the black gradient should be together maybe in the 1st left column.
- all the text about fitted could go in an iframe in the center column.
- colonial and burbidge kitchens could be a button as well as FAQ.
- then it will look more designed and orgainzed.
- dont show the table border either. yuuuk!
- update your © copyright
- i cant stand the generic blue link color.
- you have the index-follow in your tag so you dont need your index.html to be so text heavy chilll!
design is a good idea!

[davidvesty]

WOW - I bought a copy of dreamweaver so now I'm a designer. BAH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mx]

Originally Posted by ghetto elvis

all the text about fitted could go in an iframe in the center column.

Disgraceful code advice. 3 Demerits. Now go and stand in the corner and think about what you've said.

[B-B]

Nevali has basically summed up this site design in one sentence.

Originally Posted by nevali

1997 called—they want their website back.

Absolutely dated design with no structure for thought, this was not a well thought out design and it’s clearly reflected this in site.

The site banner for me is screaming awful taste and this is site for decking out kitchens and the banner isn't even conveying a sense of style!

What chance does this site have to actually functioning correctly? = The answer none.

Purple-ish/Pink navigational buttons in tiresome rectangle fashion is just so poor taste for something that is supposed to be supporting design around the home.

The site has no structure and since structure is base of any solid foundation you need to seriously consider scrapping this site and either implementing a ready-made site-design which you can use thru a CMS or paying for professional designers to make a decent site for use.

[datahound]

I can see you have put a lot of work into this site, these guys are a bit rough I feel.

No it is not great design, yes you have a long way to go to get to an acceptable standard.

Yes you would probably be better off paying a designer in the short term as this site will not attract business or do you justice (if the site looks old fashioned and amateur what will the kitchens look like?).

Keep at it though, practice makes perfect. Perhaps start again. Look at other sites in your industry. What makes them look good/or bad. Incorporate what you learn in version 2.

[mx]

Hi Natalie

The main issue with your site is that it lacks a structure of the content, which is marred by inconsistant navigation. and no, a dropdown menu does NOT cut it!

If you haven't got the UI fundementals right then the dated and unfocused design and poor code are merely asides.

However, as datahound said, it does look like you've put alot of time and effort into this site and for what I'm presuming is a first attempt, you could of produced something far worse. Stick with it, take all the experience you've gained from make this site, and really think about making a site that reflects the quality and usability of the product your selling.

Good luck!

[pgo]

Originally Posted by cam

I think that sums up the code.

Absolutely terrible site - design is all over the place & the code is worse.

You're looking at starting from scratch.

God, that looks like what I have to contend with at work. Only worse.

[ncrossan]

Hi,
thanks for all your comments/suggestions, there's some helpful stuff. Will definitely bear it in mind, however, I should have mentioned that we are very SEO conscious and believe its important to have good design but avoid comprimising our rankings. We are aware of a lot of the design downfalls of the site but these are unavoidable due to maintaining our sites' high ranking in search engines. Do any of you have tips improving the site design-wise without comprimising the SEO?

[i3lance]

Unlucky Natalie,

You've unfortunately become the brunt of some accomplished designers hatred for bad code, poor design and an awful awful site overall.

However If what I suspect is correct (this is your first site, or your a beginner), keep your chin up, this forum can be quite unforgiving to newbies. We all must start somewhere. Take into consideration some of the constructive comments (datahound, max h)and rightly said re-create a new version AFTER looking at your competitors.

Looking at sites that give advice and basic tutorials on bettering your coding skills is an absolute must!! If you do not, all bets will be off on how long you actually last with dignity intact with a site like that...it is very very poor but its your first site (I hope) so mush on, you can improve...bigtime!...

...you had better for your sake!!

Good luck! (being nice today!)

[lyndon]

Originally Posted by nevali

1997 called—they want their website back.

If your concerned about your SEO you might want to take a look at the site again against some of the ranking sites for your keywords.

The phrase fitted kitchens appears 29 times in your visible text, which is extremely high compared to the ranking sites - twice in your header tags (old SEO wives tale) - and an amazing 119 times in your reference tags.

Compared to moben (#1 ranked site on google) the keyphrase fitted kitchens appears on your page a total of 160 times on your front page compared to once on mobens page. Whilst the word kitchen appears 230 times on your page compared to 8 on mobens site.

This is what a search engine spider will see:

Originally Posted by Lyndons Magic Search Engine Spider

Quality Fitted Kitchens from Fitted Kitchens UK Fitted Kitchens, Colonial & Burbidge Cabinets, Doors and Accessories from Fitted Kitchens UK one of the UKs foremost direct kitchen suppliers Fitted Kitchens | Colonial Kitchens |Burbidge Kitchens | Fast Door Finder | Fast Kitchen Finder | Terms & Conditions -- NAVIGATOR -- Frequently Asked Questions Fitted Kitchens Enter Store worktops Fast Door Finder Fast Kitchen Finder sinks taps towel rails Colonial Kitchens Burbidge Kitchens Worktop Information Radiator Information Sink & Tap Information Fitted Kitchens UK offers you the best prices for kitchens anywhere on the internet, now and at any time of year. At Fitted Kitchens UK you can purchase your entire kitchen online, we supply only the best quality products at prices you wont believe! Fitted Kitchens UK is one of the UKs foremost direct fitted kitchens suppliers. Fitted Kitchens UK supply kitchens from Colonial kitchens and Burbidge kitchens . Buying your new fitted kitchen from Fitted Kitchens UK avoids paying for a company’s expensive overheads such as showrooms, salesmen and advertising. Our service cuts out all these overheads so that our customers can avoid paying extra. You no longer need to trawl round endless stores but you can choose your dream fitted kitchen in the comfort of your own home or office. Fitted Kitchens UK will save you time and money through our selection of great value, top quality fitted kitchens. What could be more simple or straightforward? Our fitted kitchens are delivered straight to your home from the factory, cutting out the middleman, which usually incurs more extra costs. To make your life even easier, here at Fitted Kitchens UK, we can direct you to quality sites for all your sink, taps and flooring needs for your kitchen project. Why not visit www.kitchen-sinks-taps.co.uk and www.unicom-designer-radiators.co.uk for discounted, designer goods to compliment and complete your kitchen. Why is buying a kitchen over the internet better for me? Big savings through buying direct No showroom or advertising overheads Prompt, convenient delivery of all material The choice of kitchen companies is endless but not many can offer you discounted prices on top quality products. Let Fitted Kitchens UK do that for you today. Beware of cheap cabinets, there are a couple of ways that you can tell if the cabinets you want to buy are of good quality, read here for more information. In many houses, the kitchen is the heart of the home and one of the busiest rooms. The main function is food preparation. Besides this, the kitchen is a room where we all seem to gravitate towards, whether for a chat, to socialise or have a meal. (Information on Planning, Fitting and Installing your Kitchen...) Check the quality of our cabinets, there are a couple of ways that you can tell if the cabinets you want to buy are of good quality, read here for more information. Visit www.kitchen-sinks-taps.co.uk for our full range of stainless steel undermounted sinks... As the ‘hub’ of the home, a new fitted kitchen can be the most exciting improvement you could make, and planned correctly it will change your lifestyle. Whether your kitchen is a cosy family haven or an ultra modern show piece, Fitted Kitchens UK will have the ideal model to suit. Click here to see more reasons why you should buy your kitchen from Fitted Kitchens UK. Perhaps you are a minimalist with a liking for clean lines and stainless steel, or a more flamboyant type who would prefer our more intricate designs, (textures & colours in the kitchen). Either way, you won’t have to look further than Fitted Kitchens UK for your dream kitchen. With exclusive and individual styles to choose from, kitchens from Fitted Kitchens UK are totally uncompromised in design and quality. An array of styles provides that wonderful ambience for the ideal kitchen, in keeping with your design ideas. (see our great range of Colonial Kitchens) It is crucial that the right style is selected to compliment your home, lifestyle and of course taste. The size of the room and position of it in the home all add to the considerations that choosing a kitchen involves, click here for our help page on kitchen layouts. Keep in mind that contemporary styles can be timeless and the right choice will look great in years to come. Let our designers here at Fitted Kitchens UK help you make that exciting new addition to your home a reality. There are a few things you need to consider when planning your new kitchen. Why not take a look at our Kitchen Design Considerations page for more information. Also see our page on the top 10 common kitchen design blunders and our information on kitchen accessibility features. As you will probably only buy one or two kitchens in your lifetime, plenty of help and advice will be welcome (Approaching a New Kitchen Project). What with DIY programmes, an abundance of ‘Home’ magazines and forever changing trends swaying your decisions, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the choices out there. Fitted Kitchens UK will offer you indispensable advice on the best kitchen to suit your needs as well as fitting advice for the keen DIY types among our customers. Fitted Kitchens UK is one of the UKs leading direct kitchen suppliers. Buying your new fitted kitchen from Fitted Kitchens UK means the elimination of overheads and trawling round showrooms and you can be assured of quality, cut price fitted kitchens at the end of our straightforward, simple and direct process. When your decision has been made, your kitchen is then delivered straight from the factory, all at direct discount prices. What could be easier! Click here to take a look at our kitchen slideshows, we are sure you will find a kitchen thats right for your home. Colonial Fitted Kitchens Listed below are the Colonial Fitted Kitchen ranges that we supply... Castille Buttermilk Castille Oak Castille Pine Mayfair Gloss Celine Cream Knightsbridge Cologne Beech Cologne Cherry Cologne Maple Cologne SwissPear Cottage Cream Shaker Maple Decor Beech Decor Cream Decor Maple Westminster Ash Gloss Coffee Gloss Cream Gloss Latte Gloss White Shaker Beech Shaker Cherry Shaker Natural Oak Urban Cream Tempo Cream Tempo Gloss Tempo Maple Burbidge Fitted Kitchens Burbidge have a wide selection of kitchen styles to suit any home, for ease of reference the ranges have been grouped into four distinct categories; Listed below are the Burbidge Fitted Kitchen ranges that we supply... VINTAGE URBAN CHIC CONTEMPORARY COUNTY The vintage selection incorporates ranges that capture the best of a traditional English styled kitchen to that of a French country farmhouse, reflecting traditional rustic styles oozing with charm and character. A blend of cutting edge ultra modern slab door designs, encompassing a simple chic style to suit any minimalist looking kitchen. Adapting a mix of timeless shaker designs that are utterly modern and stylish in their appearance, providing an exquisite range of various styles to choose from. Sophisticated designs and subtle styling create a warm array of kitchen designs, giving a rich blend of country styling while also combining a mix of classical and contemporary styles encompassed under the county range. Amberley Pippy Oak Hoxton Light Walnut Portland Cream Bloomsbury Alabaster Arundel Natural Oak Opus Wenge Zamora White Buxton Alabaster Warwick Vintage French Oak Sorrento Natural Maple Zeit Peach Skin Beech Cambridge Alabaster Lansdowne Natural Oak Lansdowne Natural Maple Newport Natural Oak Waverley Cream Fitted Kitchens UK - Frequently Asked Questions Q. How much do your kitchens cost? Q. Do you fit kitchens? Q. What kitchen accessories do ‘Fitted Kitchens UK’ supply? Q. Do ‘Fitted Kitchens UK’ have showrooms? Q. What geographic areas does Fitted Kitchens UK cover? Q. Why should I choose Fitted Kitchens UK? Q. What is ‘Fitted Kitchens UK’s’ "style"? Delivery Q. Do I have to arrange my own delivery? Q.How is the product shipped? Q. How can I check on the status of my order? Q. Are there any shipping costs? Q. What do I do if I receive any damaged cabinets? Q. What is the delivery schedule? Q. How do I order? Q. How long will I wait for my order? Q. Can I specify a delivery date & time? Q. Can you deliver to another address? Q. Whats involved with taking delivery? Cost/Payment Q. What are your payment terms? Q. How much will my kitchen cost? Q. What is the average cost of a fitted kitchen? Q. What kind of return can I expect from refitting a new kitchen if I sell my home? Q. How competitive is your pricing? Q. What is your returns policy? Warranty/Guarantee Q. How long do you warranty the material? Doors/Worktops/Installation Q. What is the difference between full overlay, traditional overlay and inset doors? Q. What is the difference between framed and frameless cabinets? Q. What kind of worktops do you offer? Q. Is solid surface indestructible? Q. What about Granite Countertops? Q. What is the product made of? Q.Can you explain your blind corner cabinets? Q. What is a pre-assembled kitchen? Q. Can you help me design my kitchen? Q. Is it better to have a solid wood door instead of a vinyl/foil wrapped door? Q. Are your kitchens flatpack? Q. Can I put my fridge behind a furniture door? Q. What height are your wall units, as I want the maximum storage? Q. Do I have to purchase the entire kitchen or can I purchase only the doors? Q. Where can I get info about high-end worktops? Getting Started Q. What is the procedure for getting started and getting a quote? Copyright Unicom © 2005 Fitted Kitchens

This is called keyword stuffing, also known as search engine spamming.

Anyway, could go on all day but Ive got work to do.

Just my $0.02

Lyndon

[nevali]

Originally Posted by ncrossan

Hi,
thanks for all your comments/suggestions, there's some helpful stuff. Will definitely bear it in mind, however, I should have mentioned that we are very SEO conscious and believe its important to have good design but avoid comprimising our rankings. We are aware of a lot of the design downfalls of the site but these are unavoidable due to maintaining our sites' high ranking in search engines. Do any of you have tips improving the site design-wise without comprimising the SEO?

A modern, standards-based design with separation between semantics, behaviour and styling is a search-engine's friend. (If the content speaks for itself without styling, it speaks for itself to a search engine).

Most of the design downfalls in the site are actively harming your SEO.

[ghetto elvis]

<iframe id=hi MAX H name="indexiframe" src="homepage.htm" width="800" height="700" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" topmargin="0" leftmargin="0" horizontalscroll="no"></iframe>

[ncrossan]

Most of the design downfalls in the site are actively harming your SEO.

Thanks for your comments. Could you elaborate on the above?