I recently redesigned my portfolio, HannahWarmbier.name, and knocked a big chunk of my prices off for the holidays.

 

I really need opinions on everything on my website. I'm trying to get more business because I have lots of free time and I need to start saving for college. Should I merge the "services" pages into one? Is the stripe background too... annoying? Do you have any recommendations for a free/really chrap billing and invoicing script/application I could use?

 

And I realize it's been a while since I've posted here. I miss the community.

Quick thoughts:

 

- I don't think you really need to offer 50% off. I don't think it'll make that much difference in terms of getting clients, as your prices are very low as it is. You'd be better off simply promoting yourself more in the outside world. Don't rely on your website alone.

 

- The portfolio items are very similar, and they're all kinda fun designs. There's not really anything there that would attract a business client, and they're the biggest market. How about developing some business-type sites for inclusion in the portfolio? Doesn't have to be hugely corporate-looking, you could aim at the mom'n'pop niche.

 

- While I quite like the informal tone, at times it just doesn't come off as business-like enough. Businesses are the bread and butter of freelance design, so you realy need to get the right balance here. Decide what demographic your aiming to hook as clients, then write for them. Don't try to just wing it.

 

- Not sure if it's the same over in the US but here, when you're listing education and work experience, you put the most recent things first.

 

- re the services bit, I'd shorten the two sections and combine them. The seperate glossary doesn't really work, as it means changing between pages to see what things mean. How about putting it in a sidebar in the services section instead?

Hi

 

I echo the words above.

 

However, I love the way you are selling yourself via your words.

 

Take a bow and have a lovely Xmas.

Thanks for the feedback!

I rearranged the resume and combined all of the services pages into one lovely service page.

I am doing more for marketing, especially locally. I'm planning on putting flyers up locally and ordering more business cards to give out.

It might be old age but the stripey background really does my eyes in, and whilst you have your own unique style, which is fantastic, it might not be to everyone's taste. If you really wanted to appeal to a larger audience I'd tone down the style but I realise this is your style so instead rather, I'd push your services to your peers/network. Have you tried Facebook/MySpace/LinkedIn etc? By the way, your prices are ridiculously cheap! Don't under-value yourself!

I have the low prices to start out with, and when I get a little more business I'll start raising them. It doesn't feel right to charge a client high price when I don't have that much experience freelancing.

 

I'll do something about the background, I know it's a little wonky.

Although the background is a bit of a killer on the eyes. The website as a whole does look lovely. I like how you've made it seem quite playful and girly yet professional. Good job.

I rotated and lightened the background, how is it now?

I would make the banner text smaller, add a swirley design next to it (top right)

 

Add some curves and circles etc to balance it a bit

Wow.. your prices are very low!

Wow.. your prices are very low!

 

Yep, while its great that your able to offer the services at this price.

 

It makes people wonder that if its that cheap, there must be a reason.

 

I'd suggest at least doubling your prices if not more, at least that way when you do get a client its a bit more worthwhile and also allows you to really put time into the project.

I raised all web design prices (original and holiday specials) by $50.

Very sexual! love the colour

Uh, thanks!

Just uploaded new design and edited packages and pricing.

HannahWarmbier.name

Your thoughts?

If you compare that to the first one, what things do you think are better and worse about it?