TOPIC:

I'd like to have our website evaluated.
www.citymasters1.org/

Please advise

The first thing I want to see is a picture with the members that belong to your Club.
Second, some information, when you meet and where.
Third, maybe add a little color to the background.
Fourth, maybe you can convince some of your members to add their picture to "Meet our Members"
In my Website I like to give a link to the District Web site on the main menu at the left of home page.
I am sure you will get many other suggestions.
Congratulations because most of the Clubs that are not successful is because they don't have a Webmaster that cares, and you are one of the few that does! 1/2 of our members have joined our Club because of our Website, Aida.

Things I like:

1. Good info on Meeting Info page. Has google map.

2. Have some officers with bios on M.O.M. page... could use some more.

3. Good info on calendar

Areas for improvement:

1. Photo link on home page is broken.

2. Need photo of club members with smiling faces on home page.

3. Home page needs more content. What is unique or special about your club vs the others?

4. Put exterior photo of your meeting venue on Meeting Info page so people can find you easily.

5. Have all officers make their profiles public and include bios for M.O.M. page.

6. Put guest packet/visitor information and membership app in public downloads.

7. Color is too white. Add a *little* background color to match banner.

8. Is "CityMasters1" the club name or "City Masters 1"? Banner should reflect actual name.

9. You need some supporting webpages: FAQs. A Typical Meeting, a synopsis of Toastmasters Educational Program, etc.

A good start, though... Keep going!

Steve

Hello, Ingrid!

I realize you are just getting started, and I APPLAUD you for taking the time to do so. Remember, just a LITTLE BIT here and there gets you closer to your goal. So, don't feel you have to implement all theses ideas in one week's time. Take some time to PLAY around with the system, and don't get overwhelmed.

I believe, your original background was white. In my opinion, I believe the powder blue there now, will be too bright for most visitors to STAY there for very long. Some of the blue in your City Masters graphic might be a better choice. Here's what I do; I matched the colors from the banner at the top of the home page. There are a couple of different banners available. By incorporating THESE colors (or variations of them), it makes the entire website look more uniformed, and therefore easier to follow. The site I administer is not the end al, be all, but it serves it's purpose. Feel free to check it out to get ideas... heartoftennessee.toastmastersclubs.org/

Your current social media link is Smore. If you begin a social media account with either Twitter, or Facebook, your members can help you build an online social media presence. Then that social media will help you promote the website. This will make YOUR job easier.

As the others have mentioned, don't rely on the stock photos in the "Flying Accordion Tabs" at the bottom for your content. That's just something you want until you get your site a bit more built out. When you do get original photos of your club, don't forget to include one or two of people actually delivering a speech. "Action" photos show the club as engaged, and exciting.

Your "Newsletter" link is empty. You may want to remove it until you have one to post. If visitors click a lot of empty or dead links, they will assume the website has been abandoned, the club is in decline, etc., etc.

Remember, a little bit at a time will eventually get you there. Good luck!

Blaine Little, ACB

I just had my site evaluated and I really appreciated the perspective. Hopefully, I can provide you a bit of insight too.

I like the logo on the homepage.

I was thrown off by the "CityMasters1" name. I'm sure it is perfectly logical. Are there more than one of you in the area? Perhaps a bit of explanation to the name?

My site was like yours (white background) and at Blaine's encouragement, I changed it to the branded yellow. I really like it! I suggest playing around with it.

A suggestion I received was to put your location on the Home Page. This can clarify in what city/state/country you are located.

Well done with the meeting information/directions. I like the break-out of text.

Your "meet our members" only has 3 people. Is there an opportunity to have your members post more about themselves? Perhaps at least the officers.

On the calendar, the legend indicates all the items are "adminstrator added" and none are color-coded as "club meetings". I personally don't use the calendar, but it would be nice to match to legend.

I applaud your efforts to improve the site and look forward to seeing the next version!

Elizabeth