comments & suggestions please

[taftech]

I have been working on http://www.wilmingtonncmls.com for awhile now, and though I still have alot of work I want to do to it, I wanted to get some objective feedback.

Please let me know what you like, what you dont like, and what improvements additions you think are needed.

Also, I could use some ideas for making the first page more welcoming.

Thanks!

[RESteve]

Just by looking at your front page, I see what you are aiming at. I think it's a bit cluttered so I would suggest breaking up the links with more content, and more call-to-actions. I'm afraid a user will see your site an immediately leave due to the abundance of links on the front page.

I would remove the zipcode? from the quick search and keep it simple with area names.

I like your listing detail pages, but would add a margin to push the listing detail from resting on the left page line there. (Seen in latest Firefox).

I like that you are focusing on the MLS search, but you may want to add more rich custom content for SEO purposes.

[taftech]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for taking the time to check out the website and reply.

I agree. I definately need to do something different with the first page. Good idea about removing the zip codes from the first page. I think I will do that.

I also see what you mean about having no left margin. I will fix that as well.

I am working on writing out some content for the main page to help with SEO as well as hopefully making it look a little better.

Thanks again. Let me know if you think of anything else.

[webmaster]

I would be very careful with that use of MLS in your domain name, especially since you are building your website to look like an actual MLS search. It IS an IDX search, but it is not actually the NC MLS - we have had many members boards take issue with the use of that phrase in their domain name, and yours may bully you into changing it, probably better to change it now before you put a lot of work into it.

Also, even if they are ok with it now, boards change their minds, NABOR in naples just did that a few months ago

[webmaster]

Incidentally it looks like we are working on similar projects, I had just asked for a review of our www.randbcoastalrealestate.com quick access to available inventory is definitly the way to go.

[u2man]

I would be very careful with that use of MLS in your domain name, especially since you are building your website to look like an actual MLS search. It IS an IDX search, but it is not actually the NC MLS - we have had many members boards take issue with the use of that phrase in their domain name, and yours may bully you into changing it, probably better to change it now before you put a lot of work into it.

Also, even if they are ok with it now, boards change their minds, NABOR in naples just did that a few months ago

The Charlotte mls board has been cracking the whip since the beginning of the year. Even in the ppc arena you can't use the word mls. They have also been reviewing websites and if you have mls in a "title tag" then that must be changed.....can't imagine what they would say about using mls in the domain name.

Be sure you're not doing a ton of work for nothing!!

[taftech]

Nice site webmaster - I like your front page, it has given me some ideas on some ways to improve mine. I also like your quick search. It seems to be pretty "smart" - could you explain the basics of how that was implimented?

Thanks also webmaster & u2man about the information on using "mls". I will certainly look into that.

[Boston Condo Guy]

The font used for the breakdowns (i.e. 28449 - Kure Beach) seems rather clunky and large - there is even one that word wraps on you. I like the functionality, it just needs some tidying up from an aesthetic perspective.

[rew leif]

I've got to agree with the comment about tidying up the visual aspect of your layout.

I think that part of the reason that things feel so crammed on your site is because of a lack of white space. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_s...visual_arts%29)

For example, on the 1st page of your site, the light blue content boxes (with the rounded corners) need to be spaced further apart from each other and from the edges of your content container margins. This will prob. require making them smaller.

The featured listings page and the search result pages need the same thing: some space around each light blue box.

The map search page looks all right.

Also, the map search graphic on the home page is very fuzzy and could use a border around it and an equal amount of spacing all the way around it (not just on the top and right sides). Try zooming in more on the map before taking the screen shot. See www.prescottscott.com or www.leecameronrealtor.com for an example of a more effective Map Search Call To Action.

I think if you use a bit more white space, the over all feel of your site will improve.

Hope that helps.

[taftech]

Thanks Rew,
I was actually working on a new graphic for the map search as I got your reply. Its changed now, but I might modify it some more. The yellow text might be a bit too bold. Thanks for your other suggestions as well. The blue boxes are actually an improvement on what it was when I first posted this. Before it was all white space and it looked rather drab. I may space them out a bit more though.