I am currently rebuilding my website and would love your feedback. I know what I like and dislike about sites when I visit them. I like good information,search buttons and photos. I also know my site could be improved. What do you like or dislike about websites when you visit them?
- pictures-lots or few?
- search button
- members only section
- about us page
- shopping page
- contact page
- FAQ page
I am also guilty of not sending out newsletters like I should…I know this because some of you email me and ask me ‘why haven’t I received an email’?
What do you like to have in a newsletter?
- upcoming events
- sale items
- videos
- private ‘member’ only section
- contests?
I also like contests. I do! I’m a sucker for a gift card or other prizes for answering questions.
In keeping with that thought I am going to give away three Jac DVD’s to people who leave comments below this post offering their insights. If you just post ‘hello’ or something…that won’t count but if you leave ideas you will be entered into a random drawing!
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I personally like a lot of pictures! There’s never too many, especially when explaining training methods. I also really like tips and trick pages, an advise type page. In newsletters I like tips and advise as well. I like limited buttons but drop down button menus are great! Easy to navigate. I don’t like the members only sections, I usually turn away from there, I’ll buy movies and products but I don’t like paying to see a website. I like your blog and site already, absolutely love the jac series.
I would love to see giveaways, along with training tips! New videos are always good too!
What for me personally is most important is that the content of a website is up to date.
The biggest problem I have with some sites is navigation. I hate it when I click on a link to another part of the website and can’t navigate the site from there, but this is not a problem on your site. I also like your use of pictures. There are enough pictures to catch my eye and keep me interested, but not so much that it looks like just a collage. I like the balance you have between pictures and text. Honestly, I can’t say I have any complaints about your website… keep up the good work!
Stacy, thanks for the opportunity to enter a contest. Yes, I like contests on Web pages. ;o) I like pictures and videos, but the pictures and videos should be primarily in their own gallery with a few in the articles. The reason being, I imagine a decent percentage of your audience is in the boonies with iffy and slow internet connections. I also love a FAQ page and search capability. You do a fantastic job Stacy! Keep up the good work.
I think the biggest thing to include is a menu at the side or top that takes you back to places you’ve been so you don’t have to back track and lose your place. Horse trivia for a contest. First to answer correctly would win. One win per month or two. Maybe a listing of other trainers who you like to watch. How about a page for amazing horses. When you find something on the web that absolutely blows you away you could put it on that page. Of course you and Roxy would be at the top of that list.
Hi Stacy, I must just say that I actually enjoy your website now so whatever you do will be great I am sure. I really, really love the training videos and discussions as I am not able to afford to go to clinics, I have been to one a few years ago so probably won’t get to another for quite some time. I am in my 50’s now and have been riding since I was 12yrs old with a few breaks from horses in that time as life got in the way. I still enjoy learning new techniques and ways of communicating with my horse so the videos are great. I thoroughly enjoyed the “Jac” series. I watch them over and over.
It would be great to know when you are coming to Canada as auditing may be an option. Thank you for taking the time to consider what your customers and followers are looking for.
I always see ‘whats new’ first, then I love training tips and reminders. Considering you never stop learning about horses. Those ‘nuggets’ you provide are very helpful. Something you learned that may seem small can be huge to me!
pictures-lots or few?- As someone mentioned above, I am a visual learner – like photos & videos.
search button – definitely – I use them a lot.
members only section no – everyone needs to see your information – great blog – love the section on training Jac. Best ever – so relevant to see all the steps it takes to get where you go!!!Members only feels like it leaves people out.
about us page – yes, always interesting – would be nice especially if it was kept updated.
shopping page – would love to see what products you really use and have easy access to them.
contact page – would love to have for questions.
FAQ page – would save you lots of time on the previous contact page.
I wanted to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed your blog, especially about Jac – it’s so relevant and so interesting, I hope that you don’t change too much.
When I visit a web site I like to look at the most current updates first thing! I am nosey, so if Popcorn sneezed I want to see it! Ha my next stop is always what’s on sale! Pictures are great also! More decoratively than as a feature I think. But I like reading.. I love the idea of a FAQ page. I always find the answers there. Am I asking obvious questions? Hm.. In a newsletter: I love all that’s listed!! And maybe a member of the month photo? Just a thought. Stacey you are wonderful and inspiring and I appreciate so much your closeness to your fellow horse people! 🙂
I enjoy websites with lots of pictures and minimal advertising. I don’t like the ones that are thinly veiled infomercials. A place for questions/answers is important. I enjoy your website, it’s one of my favorites and there’s not much about it I would change. Just keep it real, keep it relevant and accessible. 🙂
Definitely a search button for training ideas is necessary. I enjoy hearing what is happening in your life, along with the whys, if that is not too personal to share. For example, travelling with horses after selling your place… none of my business, but it may inspire others to embark on an adventure. I would like to know where you stop and what arrangements have to be made in advance. It intrigues me! So that is an “about us” page. “For sale” page, whether for training materials or horses. (Could be clients’ horses.) A “contact us” page, especially if you start training for the public again. A “schedule” page for things such as appearances or clinics. I really dislike a “members’ page”. I have bought DVDs from a trainer before he implemented this, but I won’t buy anymore from him now. (I dislike the idea that you can be in the elite group by buying your way in. Sounds like a corrupt government!) Perhaps money can be made by breaking training videos into small segments such as specifically teaching flying lead changes and another video might deal with fencing, or stops, or circles, or speed control, etc. then you could offer a package deal that includes them all. I have your groundwork video. A “FAQ page” could take the place of your blog. It could be solving problems such as my horse only wants to do large fast circles. Do you have exercises to help me slow her down? (At the Mane Event in Red Deer, Alberta, you demonstrated a pattern with five cones, that I use all the time for this.) Thank you.
An inviting page that shows exactly what you want us to know about you & your website.
A feedback page.
Trainer Quotes of the week/month/day depending on how often you can post.
Free give aways.
Of Course LOVE your Training & Motivational Videos
Easy access for the customer. :ie: Large Easy To Read Icons to click onto to find what you need
Photos, Videos, Products offered, Mission Statement or your story, Upcoming Events/Clinic Dates, etc
Keep up the great work Stacey you are one of the best out there. You have inspired me as a Professional Trainer along with many more. 🙂
Jacquie Coles
Angelic Horsemanship
Hello Stacy in reponse to your post my dislikes are members only page(s). I think the website should reflect off of a person’s life, culture, interests, with video clips & photos, a responsive wesite is a plus. Related articles are good, bkgrd style and graphics should be trendy and reflect ur image style. As for content layout ….. blog, reply, events, contact us, are all good tabs aswell
I dislike flashing/strobe pages/buttons, they are very tiring on the eyes. I love a about us page, link to horses, FQA page.
Pictures:
There are three kinds of learning types: visual; tactile and auditory. If you have an equal amount of pictures and words that help benefit the majority of the people out there, making your site more useful in general. I don’t like it however when there are too many pictures and no descriptions, it leaves the user to open to misinterpret information.
Organization:
When evaluating a site the biggest thing that catches my eye at the beginning is the over all organization of the site. Where information is and how easily found it is are the two main points. I know you have a great instinct for how things should look just from how to organize your blog posts so that should be hard.
Search Buttons:
Search buttons are great but only when they work well. Not all search engines are built the same, and some tend to misguide users. Some sited I have visited have the information I am looking for, but if I try to save time by searching, I actually come up empty handed.
As for specifics on the other pages, your website is on the right track as far as I can see, just keeping in mind to have everything up-to-date and not let it get static is the best way to go.
For example on your ‘Meet Us’ page there is a section on Newt, but he’s just a little wee baby, and has clearly grown up a lot, judging by your latest episode of Jac. I love hearing about the horses and their little quirks.
Newsletters:
Yes, Yes and Yes! To everything! The upcoming events is the biggest for me because you where up here in Canada and I had no idea and missed it! I only found out in one of the earlier episodes of Jac when you mentioned having been here, and Jac was off work because of it!
The next one is contests, because it’s as interactive as you can make the internet, also you could add polls, and mini surveys in there to keep people interacting with your site.
Sale items also great idea in newsletters because I also have missed sales on your equipment and DVD’s.
Videos absolutely! The more the better! Even if they are ones you found somewhere on YouTube and want to share!
The Member’s only section could be a great idea as well, you could offer exclusive deals for members, and special contests ect.
Hope this helped!
I mainly access the Internet through my iPhone and iPad which sometimes makes websites go wonky, so as long as you make sure they still work perfect for people like me, then it’s awesome <3
Your website is one of the better ones for content, ease of navigation etc. Just a few suggestions for “tweaks”.
Horse page should be easier to find, possibly as a sub-page under “Meet Us”. Love to read about the horses’ individual quirks!
Generally, things always need to be kept up to date. Updated info on new horses (Jac), Roxy’s passing and Vaquero etc. Info on the clinic page s/b revised now that you are no longer hosting clinics at your old place in Ohio.
Yes, everyone loves contests and winning stuff!
Generally, you do a GREAT job communicating with your “fans”. You have the website, blog and FB page. What would the purpose of the newsletter be? No sense duplicating or triplicating your efforts.
How about an index of the Jac episodes, so a person could more easily find a topic they’re interested in?
Definitely would like an easy to see, updated calendar/schedule to know where you will be doing shows/clinics etc.
You do a great job of communicating, and making your fans feel close to you. Don’t know how you find the time!
I like easy navigation and search buttons so if I want to look up something specific I can find it. Love pictures. I have to admit I don’t usually do “memberships”. I like your links from facebook to your website. About us sections are always entertaining and Contests are lots of fun! I guess my answer is the K.I.S.S. approach!
I think you should leave the DO NOT ENTER link!! I like the search option. And that the top posts and recent posts are so easy to find. I don’t always keep up with your blog, so getting the newsletters are helpful for me. It would be cool if they listed the upcoming events and sales on products you offer. I love contests too!! 🙂 I love pictures! Maybe have a gallery with pictures and some of you picture quotes. I like pictures in the blog posts too of course, but keeping those simple and easy to read is helpful. Maybe you could have some links to categories of your posts. Like Colt Starting and Questions Answered and have the posts you have written in those categories all filed in those links. Making it easier to find what we are looking for is always nice! I am thankful you do this blog and thanks for asking us our input!! 🙂
I think you should leave the DO NOT ENTER link!! I like the search option. And that the top posts and recent posts are so easy to find. I don’t always keep up with your blog, so getting the newsletters are helpful for me. It would be cool if they listed the upcoming events and sales on products you offer. I love contests too!! 🙂 I love pictures! Maybe have a gallery with pictures and some of you picture quotes. I like pictures in the blog posts too of course, but keeping those simple and easy to read is helpful. Maybe you could have some links to categories of your posts. Like Colt Starting and Questions Answered and have the posts you have written in those categories all filed in those links. Making it easier to find what we are looking for is always nice! I am thankful you do this blog and thanks for asking us our input!! 🙂
Maybe a list of upcoming events.
I like videos especially when they load on my ipad, as yours do. I would like it if you had a didi on each of your horses, present and past so we can get to know your horse family a bit better. Same goes with your family and their horse achievements however big or small, without infringing on your family’s privacy of course 🙂
I was reading through all the other comments. The difficulty about a website is if you are going through on a computer or with the phone. I love my computer but because of time I end up doing it on the phone. So keep it easy to access is nicer. Going back and forth thru many pages make it harder. I love youtube and I subscribe my favorites! That’s where I found you and Roxy.
A website should be not to busy and cluttered with extra designs, patterns, etc And I can not stand websites that start playing music as soon as you get on! Make sure the color for your word font stands out and doesn’t blend in with your background color. I’ve seen some websites/blogs where people use a beautiful picture for the background, then their words blend into the picture and you can’t even read what they wrote!
A website should be easy to negotiate through with buttons on each page(instead of having to go back to the home page to choose another page). Pictures (even photo albums to see progressions of things)~yes! I would say your website is easy to cruise through already. But yes, you could add some things; like you mentioned the FAQ is always nice and saves you from having to answer the same questions over and over. Videos are cool. I’m not sure I like the “member only” page, so of us just can afford to subscribe to stuff like that. Maybe have a “Tip or training idea of the week”.
Anyways, just a few thoughts! Thanks so much for sharing all you do!
God bless!
Hello Stacy in reponse to your post my dislikes are members only page(s). I think the website should reflect off of a person’s life, culture, interests, with video clips & photos, a responsive wesite is a plus. Related articles are good, bkgrd style and graphics should be trendy and reflect ur image style. As for content layout ….. blog, reply, events, contact us, are all good tabs also.
I would have older information & training tips easily available. When I first got my horse I visited your page. At first glance I thought it was all to advanced for such a new rider. So I left and searched through older articles that were easily googled. This information may have been available on your site but for a new overwhelmed horse owner I may have missed it.
i do like some pictures but not tuns faq page is good also like search buttons for easier navigation
User Friendly! Easy navigation is a must, without too many pages to search for info you need (ie, catagorize subjects easily). Pics are nice too!! And tho I know having members makes money for you, I always feel I’m missing something important because I just can’t budget the “member fee’s” of all my favorite trainers (one I followed cut off everyone who wasn’t a member, that hurt). Another very popular trainer I like has SO MANY articles on his/her site that it is hard to find just the one you think you need! (again, catorgize to make some sense!). I also Love sales items and Contests! whoo hoo! Something free you say? 🙂 I always enjoy a news letter also. It shouldn’t be too long but should contain training information, but also tell something fun about your life as well– that keeps you real to us who may never actually meet you! 🙂 Hope that helps!!
I definitely like an “about us” section, and in particular, a “horse section” so we all know that horses involved, even those no longer with us. Contests are always fun, even it’s just trivia and there’s not a huge prize involved. I’m not big on “members only” as it’s more passwords and ID’s to remember, as if we didn’t already have enough of them.
I particularly enjoy the training information, and with that a “search” box really helps. Perhaps I am looking for a particular tip you shared but can’t remember when I read it. I’m involved in training my OTTB in low level dressage and training issues and communication with my horse is of paramount importance to me.
Thanks for asking us for feedback!
Marge
I like easy to navigate pages. I like lots of pictures,contests,training info,a product page,also like an email to be able to email questions etc. 🙂
I like pictures as long as they load quickly! I also prefer dynamic content, otherwise I have no reason to check-in regularly. By this I mean: a place where I can find the latest news (and latest newsletter in .pdf to download, and archives of same would be nice) including upcoming events; maybe some brief, training tips or quick (under 1-minute) video clips/tips from you demonstrating something about tack, training, showing, or even product info or demos of items you sell; and a reader-driven library of brief Q & A’s on training. Hope something here is helpful to you, Stacy.
I love your website. I love the daily updates I receive via my email so that I can keep up with your progress with Jac; your road trip adventures; reader’s questions and problems. Please keep the shopping tab available. I have several of your Weaver headstalls and bits that I love using. The reins have a great soft feel. I have limited data available per month, so I am way behind on watching the Jac videos. But it leaves me excited for a new month of data and a couple more progress videos. I recently acquired a young mare who has given me some unusual issues. I have used some of the things I learned from watching you and Jac to help me with this mare, Tess. I has been a tremendous help.
Back on topic, I like the Members section. Especially the contests! I would like to see information about upcoming clinics and locations. My ultimate goal is to attend a clinic with you one day! I love the way you approach training and I laugh out loud at your sense of humor!!
Newsletters are hard to do because of the constant need for info to put in it. I have done a few newsletters on a monthly basis and it is tough to keep it up over the months. I think the blog might be a better direction to go. Also I love hearing about your horses; Popcorn, Jac and whether you still have Kernel.
Very informative I have liked some of the other trainers that post – then unliked because you are the only one not trying to sell me something you give all info not half ,then push a sales pitch for us to buy something to get none of the rest of the info ?thank you for that web site looks great .
I like websites that are easy to navigate, search bars that I can type a few key words and find what I need. I love newsletters with the highlight topic in the e-mail subject, it draws my attention to read the main article and the rest of the letter/email. Information/Information/Information. . the more the better 🙂
I did go on your website trying to find previous video diaries, and couldn’t find all of them (could be user error too). So my suggestion would be an archived section, as an easy way to find old videos and articles.
I love pictures, but agree that they clog up the computer.
Love, love your videos!
Really the only thing I’d work on is the shopping.
I like the earth tones. Home page should be uncluttered, one or two photos. Keep your logo and the “do not enter” section. 🙂 Search box, definitely!! Links to videos, photos, blog, shopping, “about us,” contact us, FAQ, Upcoming events, “Giveaway of the month.” No need for e-mail newsletters when people can subscribe to your wonderful blog! 🙂
Lots of pictures, especially if demonstrating a concept it would be nice to see step-by-step photos if there is no video. I like the layout of your website and find it easy to navigate and love the pictures you post. What I would LOVE to see either on the website or newsletter (or both) are events at which you are scheduled to be — either competing or doing a clinic or just visiting, etc. A frequently asked questions section would be nice also which could then not only offer answers, but steer us toward what “shopping” item might help with the problem or issue addressed in the “frequently asked question.”
With very little time to sit & read it’s a great help for me to see a visual example. IE: a small 2 minute video of GOOD & an equally short example of improper handling. Would love to see more contests to win a spot in a clinic for mentorship (with yourself♥ OR other professionals) … some of us oldsters never stop looking for ways to improve
For those of us in the country without the fastest internet connections websites that don’t take forever to load are a huge plus. I love contests and FAQ pages. I’d highlight sale items with links to your shopping pages. I thought your current website was nice.
When it comes to websites that I am visiting – the more the merrier! I am always looking for additional info so the more buttons, links, and photos the better. I really like lots of photos. First off they break up the words and keep the article interesting. Secondly they really help if you are trying to explain something. Nothing like giving written instructions with only one photo. Sometimes very hard to fully understand what is trying to be explained. For newsletters I think the amount and type of content depends on how often it is issued. I really like upcoming events to be listed, an educational highlight, and even some fun facts. Videos are also very important. They too can keep it interesting. They can be just for fun and educational. Plus people learn in different ways. Having pictures, words, and videos will really help to reinforce to the reader what is being communicated. Contests are always amazing!
•pictures-lots or few?….lots!! love pics!!
•search button…… yes.. in order by date/year
•members only section…. no…everybody is welcome
•about us page….. of course…we want to know as much as you are wanting to share…
•shopping page…. a must have!!
•contact page…. depends…
•FAQ page……yes….
•upcoming events….. yes
•sale items…..yes
•videos…..yes
•private ‘member’ only section….what for??
•contests?…. YES!
just make sure that it is as easy on you too!!!!
I love the valuable resources and information you post on your website and in the blog. Everything seems to be easily accessible. The pictures are a nice addition as well. One of my favorite parts is the list on the right side with the “top pages & posts”. That’s a great place to check for topics that I may have missed when I can’t check the site every day. I say keep up the good work! Your site is fun to visit and very informative!!
My daughter (9 yrs. old) met you at the Equine Affaire this year in Ohio, and hasn’t stopped talking about your work. She visits your site at least 3 times a week!
Search button – OMG YES X10!! haha Total pet peeve when there is a ton of information but no way to search!
Pictures – yes, lots! I especially love the option of clicking to get a larger version.
Shopping page – yes, of course TAKE ALL MY MONEY!!
For newsletters, it always nice to offer an incentive for people to sign up, so including special sales and upcoming events is a great idea!
Ease of navigation is generally my top priority, followed closely by pictures. 🙂 If a website isn’t easy to navigate then it doesn’t matter how many wonderful pictures you have; I can’t see them if I can’t find them.
I tend to like any sort of navigational menu that sticks on the page but allows the rest of the page to scroll. If I have to scroll up to the top of the page to navigate by the time I get to the top I forget what I was wanting to do anyway. Along with that, I generally like a faq page, some sort of search option, and a site map for ease of use.
About Me sections should be required on most web sites. I want to connect with you and trust you know what you are talking about. If I don’t know about you, I can’t connect.
Shopping definitely a plus, especially if I have that navigation menu readily available. So when I hear you talk about your DVD or I see a tool in one of your videos that I want to purchase, I can easily get more information and purchase.
There should be some way for people to contact you personally. Even if it’s an email address, you are a charismatic person and draw people to connect to you.
Members only sections are great too. It encourages community amongst your fans.
Newsletter –
Upcoming Appearances/Events/Shows
Sale Items
Featured Horse/Student/Experience
I wouldn’t have a members only section in a newsletter, but that’s just me.
Hope that helps!!
I like a lot of photos on websites, a lot of easy to navigate links to sub pages, about me (or about this site, about this organization…) pages, news for upcoming events/clinics, calendars of events (that’s a big one!), and last but not least- I always love it when a website has a theme. 🙂
Is there currently a search engine where we can look up questions that you have answered. Can the answered questions be organized in order by most frequently asked and by subject matter Thanks P.S. If you come to Pa for the summer where would that be?? Sent from my iPhone
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Real stories about real people you meet: Children who have overcome something and succeeded in the horse world. Bargain basement champions. Etc.