talkmagic.co.uk

Hiya Guuys, im starting out properly this Xmas for gigs etc. i used to do alot of childrens shows with my friend Tom but felt that close up was better suited for me.

i have just published my first proper website.

I'd be really grateful if there is anyone who can give me feedback positive and negative.

im really not sure if its OK to post this type of post in this forum, if not please remove and let me know.

i am certainly not plugging my site (It would be a bit pointless plugging to hundreds of magicians!)

the link:

www.witnesstheimpossible.co.uk

Many thanks

James

P.S i know the vid at the end is a bit crappy but i only uploaded it to make sure it works.

Dressed to suit the occasion James will ‘walk about’ and ‘table hop’, performing a selection magic to dazzle and entertain you & your guests and will give you a night you’ll never forget

Just thought I would point out, you forgot a word, I'm thinking it is the word 'of' between selection and magic.

I think it is pretty good overall. I am always hesitant to critisize the content on web pages such as yours, as I would do things differently, highlight different aspects but that would be my style. If it is working for you then fantastic.

Like I said, looks good to me, Good luck with it.

Okay, I will say one thing. On your events page would it be possible to add some actual names of the events you have performed at rather than just the type? Get permission from somebody you have worked for in the past and ask them for a quote of how you did. Just a blurb, such as "James performed at my function and he was fantastic, my guests were thrilled" Doesn't have to be fancy, just to let people know that you actually have performed for companies, individuals, etc, see what I'm saying?

Just a thought.

I like it. I quite like how you've not gone down the usual route of having photographs of yourself showing a spec a trick, although I'm inclined to agree that some quotes wouldn't go amiss

The video didn't work for me, but then again I have Flash disabled, so it might just be me

You also have a possessive apostrophe on the Events page ("Birthday's"), and I've noticed you used 'i' instead of "I" and '&' instead of 'and', but those latter two aren't big problems. The lower case i's might even be good, since it's in a message from you

You might want to work a bit on search engine optimisation. Just small things like putting keywords that you want to be found under inside the page titles and headers without going nuts about it, and using proper headers rather than just using larger text (I don't know how that's done in iWeb, but I guess you can).

The text on the Bio page could do with not being an image either, to help both with people who use text only readers (they exist ) and further help with search engine optimisation. Although I see why you did it, the use of another (non-standard) font works. Maybe putting the text inside the 'alt' attribute (it might be called "Alternative text" or the like in iWeb)


This is all just small criticisms, your site is really good as it is

Just a word of advice, I think your pictures are a bit one-sided. You offer services for weddings, corporate events, business meals and church, but you only seem to dress like a hip hop dude. I wouldn't want somebody with a cap and saggy pants to my wedding. I think you need to add pictures, not overfilled with Photoshop effects, showing that you fit to different events.

You have seven pics of you plus a video, but the customer doesn't know what you look like after viewing the web pages, to take a decision for his event.

Another typo, plural of Party is Parties, rather than Party's .

Looking at it from a website point of view there are a few things I would change.

Photo's:
All the photo's appear to be taken with a Mac camera with filter or they've had a filter added, I'd get rid of this on the initial picture at least. I like to see what I am buying when looking at a product and as a performer for hire you are selling youself as that product. One thing that might be nice is to put a split picture in with you in different types of dress code, one of you casual in your street/normal gear and one of you smart in the type of thing you'd wear to a formal function. This doesn't need to apply to all the pictures just the initial one, seeing as some people will simply bounce away from the site if they are not interested by the first image they see. Let them see you can fit into any occasion with the first picture they see opposed to waiting for them to read it on the third page.

Text:
The Bio page is well done on first impression, not sure if you want to make your birthday public knowledge or not. The bio page is also seems to be written in part in Times New Roman font, when the other pages are Sans Serif? font (I am not talking about the hand written image). I don't personaly suffer from this but I've been told Times New Roman can be hard on the eyes when used on a website and the contrast with the background may make the Times New Roman section of the bio unpleasant to read for some people.

WTI.. Page:
I consider myself young enough to be down with the TLA's (Three Letter Acronyms) but I was wondering what is that page?
I think the word "Witness" alone as the title of that page on the navigation bar would have a bit more impact, you could then have "The Impossible" as the page heading. The video seems tempramental when it comes to loading, not sure if that's the coding of the site or my browser making it play up.

Disclaimer: Please note these are my personal opinions and may not apply to the majority of people or even anyone but me.

Change the video to one which doesn't make you look like Boy George. While culture club may get played by a lot of weddings DJs I doubt many people want him at there wedding. As has been said a lot more on the events page. That's the page people are going to check. It should have more details of what you do and feedback from clients.

The site looks OK and should help bring in business for you.

The only real weak spot is the video which seems to show an Erdnase Colour Change and then another nearly identical (but not quite as good) Erdnase Colour Change. Not sure that it adds much value to the site as whole TBH.

SmallHands wrote:The bio page is also seems to be written in part in Times New Roman font, when the other pages are Sans Serif? font (I am not talking about the hand written image). I don't personaly suffer from this but I've been told Times New Roman can be hard on the eyes when used on a website and the contrast with the background may make the Times New Roman section of the bio unpleasant to read for some people.

The font used is Cochin, default in Mac OS but not (as far as I know) in Windows. To be expected, he did use Apple software to make the site

Using Times New Roman is generally fine. I've used it. It's a safe serif font (and using a serif font in this case is the right thing to do, sorry). The number of fonts (four) on that particular page can be questioned though, but it's not a massive problem

Guys i really appreciate this feedback - its excellent thank you all so much.

Let me mention a couple of things:

Pictures - you're right (most of you) I am having a photo shoot soon to have photos of me (like someone said) in different dress; suit, smart casual, 'Jeans and hoodey - on the street' type thing.
I'm also having some done this weekend as im out and about in town so there are going to be a few 'action shots' from Pubs/Clubs/Bars and the Like. - So the pictures WILL be updated with better / more profession / less 'hip hop'.

Fonts - again, correct im going to go back over the whole site and keep the fonts the same (apart from on some bits OFC). i dont know why one of the text boxes on the BIO page was showing as an image - i need to look at that.

Video - Again, this is a temporary video to make sure it works really. i am going to have people (Person) film me this weekend to see if we can get some nice footage, and again at the end of the month for a Wedding i'll be at with a friend. The colour change is just repeated again in Slo-mo, it will be gone soon.

SmallHands i like what you say about having 'Witness...' Then '...the impossible' instead of WTI - im going to change this, thank you.

Quotes - Yep again i have a friend looking to find a book we had FILLED with quotes, as soon as we have that I'm going to put some up - i think thats a great idea.

Search engine optimization - Im not so sure i understand how to do this bet (I'm very new to websites etc and this is my first proper 'not free' site) could someone just explain what i need to do? I cant change the domain (well i COULD but i reeallly dont want to) Do i need to change the home page so it says 'James Horwood Magician' perhaps? would that help?

Typos - I'm going to re-read the whole site and get that sorted (I had noticed a couple - thanks)


Events - Yes i think adding the names of Events would be really good - Thanks for that suggestion bmat

Thank you all VERY much for your feedback i appreciate it all (Apart from the Boy George bit) but i can take that with a pinch of salt. (Not Boy George - im not taking him anywhere )

one final question:

Does it look too 'Cheap' Like it is obvious it was done on iWeb? or even a free site?

thanks

J

magicj wrote:Does it look too 'Cheap' Like it is obvious it was done on iWeb? or even a free site?

Hell no. iWeb is an ace site builder. Apple are some of the best in the business when it comes to website design, if it's in iWeb you know it'll work.

I only recognised it was built using iWeb because I viewed the source code

Hello James,
I have just picked up on your thread regarding your new web site and asking for opinions. Very brave of you to do this. I have read the replies and you have received some first class advice on many aspects. I will also comment on some points that come to my mind. I would mention that as soon as I read your posting I realised that you are a young person (Certainly compared to myself). The ‘Hiya Guuys’ certainly puts you into a certain age range. Therefore before even looking at your site I could visualise the style it would be in.

For many years I did wear an agents hat, booking mainly magicians and associated acts. Looking at the publicity matter – or lack of it – of many acts I would soon know if I would be prepared to book this act. Looking at your Home page I would at once say that I would never book you. I realise that sounds very harsh so why do I say this right away? Mainly the photograph. As an agent wanting to book a good close-up magician for a Lady Snobbs 65 birthday party, I would certainly not offer this as a suitable act. Ask yourself whether your Home page would appeal to the upper middle classes.

I am well aware that as a youngster you wish to promote that you are young, fresh and talented but you must remember that a great deal of the work available for close-up magic is booked by middle-aged to older people. The MD’s of companies etc. and of course agents. The first thing on your home page they would want to see is an attractive and smart young man that would fit into their planned occasion. I frequently say that this initial photograph need not attempt to show any magic at all. Just a very smart portrait type shot.

I also think that the wording could be improved a great deal. For instance, do you need to say your actual age? (“He is very young dear, do you think he will be any good?”) Why say where you are from to start with as that might put some folk off thinking that you live too far away? Those details can come later after the viewer has developed an interest in your offerings.

Your ‘Bio’ page. I think the full word of Biography might be more appropriate. Again the photograph leaves a lot to be desired as well as the wording. Think, “Will people really be interested in all that waffle?” I for one certainly haven’t bothered to read it all and I am interested. The script in the ‘handwriting’ style is not so easy to read against the black for older eyes.

The Events page. Again another photograph that can only be described as an amateur product. You first task is to get some really good live action photographs taken at various events and – if possible – different performing outfits to show variety. Pictures speak louder that word especially if the words are a load of waffle. Now don’t get me wrong, I do know and appreciate that getting these photographs is not an easy task but in my mind quite essential.

You ask “Why not have him at your – Christmas party etc.” (Where was the ‘?’ mark?) You are asking a question that some may well give you an impolite answer. Have a positive remark about really having you there. ‘Fire Magic!’ “Oh Cripes” many will say. “He will burn the Bl**** place down!” By the way, I would mention that your Public Liability insurance might not cover anything relating to fire. You have got insurance I hope?

Your Contact Page. Well, just what can one say about those photographs. . . . .? Need I comment further? You only give a mobile telephone number! Even in these days there are many folk that will not make contact because of the extra cost of mobile calls. Have a landline and then it can be diverted to your mobile number.

Your ‘Witness’ page. Seems an odd title, however. Even you agree that the video is, well . . . not the best. I have already commented on the problems in getting still photographs and the situation is perhaps harder with video. These day people are more and more expecting some video clips on a web site. A first class video on the Home page is a good attention getter.

I know you might find the above a little harsh and if you want to reply then please send me a Private Mail through this site. Oh . . By the way . . I do know the ‘Tom’ you mention.

Cheer up

Mark,

thank you so much for this post - really appreciate it.

Im going to take this advice on board - for sure.

I've replied to your PM.

Cheers

if you want me to, i'll tart it up and code it properly for you (free of charge) just pm me to discuss.

james

As a designer by profession, I'm seeing a few problems with the site - none of which are difficult to rework.

I can see you're going for a minimal approach here, and oftentimes, I like that. However, for a monochromatic site to work, any and all visuals need to POP. First and foremost, I think you need to rethink photography.

Black and White photography is some of the most beautiful imagery you can come up with. Considering your site is all black and white, your photos need more contrast - and definitely need to be sharper and more professional. These look more like candid shots taken with the average digital camera. That's all well and good for candid shots, but this is a business site, and your visuals need to represent that.

I also think you need to revisit your choice of fonts. Your headings are a bit on the dull side, and lack sophistication. If I see a website called "witnesstheimpossible", I have a number of things in my mind before I get to that page. None of these things come across when I get there.

Along with font - as has been mentioned, your actual content needs work, as well. Others have already given good advice on this, so I won't just pile on.

Think about cohesion and consistency. If you click from one page to the other, while at first glance the site seems consistent, there are shifts in text layout that break up the flow from one page to the next.

While I think you have a pretty good start, there is some room for improvement. I'd be happy to offer any assistance, if you're interested.