Home Page and Usability (7/10)

1) Does the home page clearly articulate your goal? (1)

Your goal is to sell your woodworking. Make that more clear by presenting more visuals on your home page. Add a single button that best calls users to action (e.g. show now; view all products).

2) Does the home page clearly anticipate the goal of your target user? (1)

Think about what your user wants and give benefits that your target user would be thrilled about. One idea would be to showcase your work on your homepage and make your current deals front and center.

3) Is the layout of your home page organized to clearly direct the user to the most relevant information? (1)

Each page of your site should organize the information in a way that is easy for the target user to navigate to the information they need. Think in terms of what your target user wants to find first, second, and third.  Add a "products" heading so users know where to go next.

4) Is the navigation simple, clear and organized? (2)

As much as possible, keep navigation all in one area to make it easy to find.  We generally suggest fewer navigation pages, and your site clearly presents the information in a simple, expected way. This lessens frustration with your site. You can probably eliminate the "home" button since users anticipate that clicking on your logo will bring you back to the home page. Also, you don't need a gallery page if you have product pages for each of your products with corresponding images.

5) Does the footer contain the most important links and information for your user? (2)

Your footer contains important information that will improve both SEO and your user's experience on your site. Consider also adding a call to action of some sort, such as a contact form.

8) Is the content search engine friendly? (1)

Add pages for every type of product. Especially a page just for doors. This way each page can rank for specific key words.

By focusing your content on important keywords, you increase Google's ability to present your site in a web search. Choose keywords based on your location, target market and what your intended audience is looking for. Note: we have industry leading tools for researching additional keywords for your business.

9) Is there ALT text in use on the images? (0)

Google doesn't see images as we do and needs alternative text to be able to read them. Giving each image an alternative text description that include your keywords will increase SEO.

10) Is the language and terminology appropriate for the audience? (2)

Making sure your writing is applicable to your target audience will help them find you and build your credibility. The site provides clear information for users to find what they need.

11) Is there a call-to-action on each page? (2)

Each page should present the user with a clear action point. This gives more opportunity for interaction with your business. The "call us today" fills that purpose. Consider also include a contact form as a part of the footer as an easily-accessible way to contact you. If you would rather people ordered directly on the site instead of calling you, you will need that functionality added to the site and a new call to action.

12) Is content updated frequently? (1)

While not all content needs weekly updates, adding new content shows Google that your site is active. Blog posts are an excellent way to stay active, or a social media feed.

13) Are social media links up-to-date? (1)

Keep social links and accounts updated to show users that your site is current and build credibility.You use both Facebook and Twitter; consider updating Twitter more frequently. Your social media feeds are buried on the bottom of the contact page – consider highlighting by giving stronger placement.

14) Are the major local listings accurate and consistent? (0)

When your business is represented accurately across the major local listing websites, Google can more accurately find and index your business, putting it higher in search results. Your business is new enough that it is not listed on any local listing sites.

15) Does the website pass Google's mobile-friendly test? (2)

Your site has a separate mobile view, and is seen as mobile-friendly by Google. Google looks for sites that are optimized for mobile users and places more importance on those sites.

16) Is the site responsive? (0)

Responsive websites are far superior to those with a separate mobile view. Responsive websites seamlessly adapt to every device. A responsive website is easier to manage, provides consistency in user experience, and is indexed better by Google.

17) Is the logo used consistently? (2)

The logo is the primary visual face of your business. Users expect it to be used consistently across the website and link to the home page. Your logo meets both of these expectations.

18) Is there an established color palette? (2)

Having a color palette that is used consistently across the site makes it easier for your users to find information and unifies your brand. Your color usage is consistent and matches your logo.

19) Are the fonts used consistently and is there a clear level of hierarchy? (1)

Your target audience can find your information more quickly when they recognize patterns in how the information is displayed. You have set rules of when to use a font, size, color, and style (bold or italic), which helps users know what to expect when they encounter content. We recommend using no more than three distinct fonts throughout your site. Readability is another thing to focus on. Consider adding 1-2 more distinct typefaces to the site to help create hierarchy.

20) Do the images accurately represent the brand? (1)

Every element on your website that the user encounters should support who you are and what you do. Icons, photographs, and illustrations should match your brand. Think about the photography used in headers as an introduction to what you do. Users should get a pretty good idea of what you're about by looking at the images on your site.

21) Is there a favicon? (1)

The favicon in a small 16x16 pixel image (often a logo) that is displayed in the web browser's address bar or next to the website's name when it is bookmarked. While a small visual element, it helps users find your page more easily. Matching the favicon to the logo will increase brand recognition.