Website Review and Suggestions

**MysteryLeo** · 10-16-2010, 04:24 PM

So my buddy and I got really interested in news and how to better stay informed. We decided to start building site for topics we're interested in.

http://celeb.rawsignal.com/

We're pretty technical, and that's part of the fun of the project honestly. However, we're not sure if the design and layout is any good. We were going for a clean look that focuses on the news at hand.

Our old design looked like a link farm and was awful. We're hoping this is better, but not sure. What do you all think? Also, are there any examples of sites and layouts that have a better and more usable design look and feel?

Thanks for helping some n00bs

**DoomPirate** · 10-16-2010, 04:27 PM

I love the layout, but the top header and menu at the top need a better, more modern look.

**MysteryLeo** · 10-16-2010, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoomPirate

I love the layout, but the top header and menu at the top need a better, more modern look.

Thanks Pirate. I worked my butt off. Man I wish I saved a pic of v1, so everyone can laugh.

Yeah I've been getting a lot of feedback that the top is the biggest problem.

What does more modern mean?

**DoomPirate** · 10-16-2010, 05:09 PM

http://www.cnn.com/

I like how the menu and title are laid out on the cnn website. Cleancut.

That kinda look and feel for just your menu and title would make your site look as good and professional as the cnn website.

**EddieAee** · 05:07 PM

Your website is functional but the design isnt great. I do like your logo and that its colors tie in with you layout, that is nice.

Is there a reason you didnt link to the home page?

removed

**Knight13** · 10-19-2010, 03:01 AM

It is alright but their is nothing special about it, it is basically like every other news site i have seen, you need to do something to make it stand out.

**MysteryLeo** · 10-19-2010, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoomPirate

http://www.cnn.com/

I like how the menu and title are laid out on the cnn website. Cleancut.

That kinda look and feel for just your menu and title would make your site look as good and professional as the cnn website.

I think our menu system is very similar. Except they also shade the background. I'll update that soon to make you happy

Thinking about your input, I think the content above the menu needs to be improved to make it look more pro.

Not sure what specifically to do though . . .

**MysteryLeo** · 10-19-2010, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EddieAee

Your website is functional but the design isnt great. I do like your logo and that its colors tie in with you layout, that is nice.

Is there a reason you didnt link to the home page?

Wow. Good question. The homepage was launched after this post.

Previously it would redirect to a random channel. My girlfriend wanted all the news in one place, so I'm still working on it. I don't like the UX yet, so I want to bake it more and make her happy before checking with you guys to see what you think.

**MysteryLeo** · 10-19-2010, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knight13

It is alright but their is nothing special about it, it is basically like every other news site i have seen, you need to do something to make it stand out.

Kick butt relevancy? Unfortunately, news is news.

Justin Bieber beating up a kid is the same for everyone.

I'm focusing on making the UX good (or really good) and making the algo kick butt. I want you to be like wow, I don't know why, but I feel really satisfied going to this site.

Of course that means we'll be winning over one customer at a time. And hopefully they'll evangelize to their friends.

However, that's a work in progress. Even the algo is pretty good now, we have a backlog of ideas cooking up til Dec 1, that should make the site get better every week (yes we release weekly).

It'll be a tough battle, but if you can think of something that will make us stand out, I'm open ears.

**cindyfowler** · 10-20-2010, 08:30 AM

To be honest I like your site very much!It is clear and simple.

**Private-I** · 10-21-2010, 04:00 AM

it's nice enough. it does look a little like those adsense websites designed to get in the rankings and get clicks. not much information in the site apart from links out. I think you need some of your own content.

**vickiehoo88** · 10-21-2010, 04:30 AM

Your idea is very good and the content is relatively new, but the layout seems too monotonous and not be attractive.

**MysteryLeo** · 10-26-2010, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cindyfowler

To be honest I like your site very much!It is clear and simple.

Thank you. That's what we were going for. Clean, simple, and easy to use. Like facebook, but not awful UX like craigslist.

I'm wondering how to keep that sentiment, but prevent it from looking like a parked page.

**MysteryLeo** · 10-26-2010, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Private-I

it's nice enough. it does look a little like those adsense websites designed to get in the rankings and get clicks. not much information in the site apart from links out. I think you need some of your own content.

Maybe I should just remove all ads, until we get more of a reputation and traffic.

**MysteryLeo** · 10-26-2010, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vickiehoo88

Your idea is very good and the content is relatively new, but the layout seems too monotonous and not be attractive.

Do you have any specific feedback on how to improve that. That's the key sentiment I'm trying to fix.

Also, can you provide me examples of sites with a similar problem that have solved it?

**pageupseo** · 10-27-2010, 04:26 AM

I appreciate your work here but at the same time it needs improvement. I mean to say it could be more powerful or attractive.

**hitech4life** · 10-29-2010, 07:42 AM

it sounds good, i love it !

**MysteryLeo** · 11-13-2010, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pageupseo

I appreciate your work here but at the same time it needs improvement. I mean to say it could be more powerful or attractive.

any specific tips to do that? I'm thinking of themeing each category with colors.

same layout, diff colors.

is that what you mean?

**MysteryLeo** · 11-13-2010, 08:09 PM

Hey Guys -

I added some email and permalink buttons. I need to create a way to let people share, but I get the feeling things may be getting a little crowded.

Is it crowded or not?
http://celeb.rawsignal.com/

If it is any tips on how to uncrowd? Much appreciated.

**dagaul101** · 11-13-2010, 08:16 PM

Nice site, like that the content is immediatly available