SlideShowPro for your portfolio?

[CaptainsLS]

Does anyone use this application for displaying their photos? I think it looks very professional and is easy to use, never mind keeps things organized. Although turning all of your images into a flash slide show rather than a pop-up in a new window removes your ability to add tags to the images. It also removes your images from google searches. Is the trade off worth it?

[CaptainsLS]

Well….. that’s interesting. There are two open threads that both relate to the ability for potential clients to seek out your company through the internet. With no responses, I’ll assume no one understands some of the more complex issues with web navigation; thus neither does my competition! I think I know where I’ll be putting my advertising dollars, lol!

[custom patios]

Does anyone use this application for displaying their photos? I think it looks very professional and is easy to use, never mind keeps things organized. Although turning all of your images into a flash slide show rather than a pop-up in a new window removes your ability to add tags to the images. It also removes your images from google searches. Is the trade off worth it?

Chris are you talking about the style of viewing in a website? Like the way a portfolio is displayed? For me, I would not use that particular application. When building my site I took a look at a lot of photography websites and how they chose to view their portfolio. The main thing people want to see on a landscaper's website is pictures; and they will have to be done right. What better way to explore your options than revel a photographer's website? Many are similar to that app you are talking about. Better though.

I think if you plan on using your website as a visual show stopper, then a slide show is fantastic. I believe there are other viewers available that dont impose restrictions such as tags, or its invisibility to search results. The big draw back I see is the inability to jump around from photo to photo. Where a viewer leaves you watching more of a film strip, a basic viewer with pop-ups is much quicker. I like the fact that you can have a layout of thumbnails to choose from. just my opinion though.

If you wanted to show your website as an aid or educational purposes, displaying certain photos for the purpose of a particular paver, color or pattern, then I myself would stay away from a fancy viewer.

I can tell you though, when I have the money to do the fancy portfolio show I would like on my site, its going to happen.

[stoneguy]

I have to agree with custom.

I had to wait to see images not cool.

Plus those are completely invisible to mobile phones or ipads.

Most importantly SEO tags. You loose a lot more than you gain.

Trust me, i'm an SEO dork

[OutdoorOasis]

Our new website is now about 90% complete. There are still some items to be added but would really like to hear some feedback on what we have out there. Be easy on the pictures, we have to get a lot better at setting up the photos for a more professional look.

www.youroutdooroasis.net

[stoneguy]

Things are looking good.

I like how you advertise. Sometimes it give people the nudge they need. I especially like how its subtle.

Your form is great. The simpler the better the response. I have a long form on mine. I leave it there because I feel that f your serious enough you will fill it out. All my internet advertising landing pages have the simple form. The reason for that is it keep the sales flow going quicker. (don't bother looking for the form, i took it down to sync it with my CRM)

I don't like the set of picture on the products page because it makes you feel like they should be click-able (it is what it is). The portfolio itself is actually good. The images a readable by bots/spiders.

However, I looked at your image "alt" tags and they need to be revised. Use relevant keywords to describe your images on your alt tags

Great before/after section.

[OutdoorOasis]

Stoneguy,

I agree we just have not gotten that far with the site yet. Still a tough decision because you are trying to guess at what people search for when they do a google search for paver patios. I had a call the other day because a guy saw our ad in the yellow pages under patios. He explained to me that his aluminum patio that runs along the side of his house had been damaged during the recent storms and he needed for us to look at it and write up an estimate to repair/replace the patio. My first question to him was, "so you have an aluminum deck on the side of your house that has been damaged?" The response. No. I have a patio that caved in from the weight of the snow and ice and need to have it looked at. He went on to say he parks his cars under it. So my point is that I have what I thought sounded like an intelligent individual asking me to estimate his patio repair which was really a carport attached to the side of his house that had collapsed. So what do you think people are searching for when they want a patio?

[stoneguy]

The key words are really basic. Just think of what your main offerings are. Remember that it's not just keywords, but key phrases as well.

Do you have a Google account? If so, have you ever used the keyword tool, it free and very powerful.

There are other useful tools that can also guide you in figuring out what words, keyword or key phrases people are using to find you.