tayla
Ok guys I've never built a DJ site from scratch have you?, as I've never had the need for one in the past I've just never bothered, but recently I thought what happens if that source suddenly dries up, no one can contact me unless they know me which in turn means extra nights propping up the bar.
This is where I thought why not make a project of it on the forums, a work in progress if you like, so guys like me and others who know their sites aren't right but are to embarrassed to ask for help can get all the help and expertise from the VDJ community.
Now it's help, expertise and guidance from you guys that is going to make this project work for everyone, not dumb one line comments like "that's crap" which I hope the mods will remove as soon as they see them. (thanks in advance)
So, I came across this site offering hosting and a site builder for free, great, this will do, as the domain name I wanted was already taken. Most likely at the end of the project I will come up with a domain name that will be .co.uk and reflect what is close to my needs, but in the mean time you can check what I've already started at...
http://www.digitaldjs.weebly.com/
and check out the main site out just in case you want to start your own site there as well.
You've had a look, now what do you think? the gallery and custom videos will be completed later, so what else do we need to do.
Here's the header...
I'll be adding some of my flash videos to the site later, not sure if I would like links to youtube, can't make my mind up about them. Plus does swf files and links to youtube slow the search down for your site.
Another part of the site where a lot will be stumped and confused will be here..
what are all the key words and phrases that should be inserted here so the site has the best chance of being found by google and the other search engines.
As always your expertise and honest criticism will help me and a lot of other guys.
And don't forget if you already have a site and need help or advice post your questions here.
Cheers
This is where I thought why not make a project of it on the forums, a work in progress if you like, so guys like me and others who know their sites aren't right but are to embarrassed to ask for help can get all the help and expertise from the VDJ community.
Now it's help, expertise and guidance from you guys that is going to make this project work for everyone, not dumb one line comments like "that's crap" which I hope the mods will remove as soon as they see them. (thanks in advance)
So, I came across this site offering hosting and a site builder for free, great, this will do, as the domain name I wanted was already taken. Most likely at the end of the project I will come up with a domain name that will be .co.uk and reflect what is close to my needs, but in the mean time you can check what I've already started at...
http://www.digitaldjs.weebly.com/
and check out the main site out just in case you want to start your own site there as well.
You've had a look, now what do you think? the gallery and custom videos will be completed later, so what else do we need to do.
Here's the header...
I'll be adding some of my flash videos to the site later, not sure if I would like links to youtube, can't make my mind up about them. Plus does swf files and links to youtube slow the search down for your site.
Another part of the site where a lot will be stumped and confused will be here..
what are all the key words and phrases that should be inserted here so the site has the best chance of being found by google and the other search engines.
As always your expertise and honest criticism will help me and a lot of other guys.
And don't forget if you already have a site and need help or advice post your questions here.
Cheers
Mensajes Sat 22 Jan 11 @ 7:51 pm
SuperAceMan
Tayla,
First off, let me tell you how attractive the site looks... you're off to a good start!
As for the Meta Tags, this is actually simpler then it sounds. Meta Tags are used by search engines to basically categorize and file your website in search engines like google. Think of your website as a song in your VDJ database. Adding information to "your song" in the ID3 tag such as, year, genre, BPM, key, etc. makes it more search-able in the database.
So what you want to do with your meta tag info is think of how people will search for you and how people search for your type of business. You just want to add as many key words as possible, separated by commas. The more information the better!
This is an example of a meta tag just from picking through your website:
dj, disc jockey, digital, mobile, disco, video, roadshow, weddings, birthday, north east, firetext, england
You should add as much info as you possibly can. So when someone enters "mobile digital dj" in a google search, you will be near the top or at the top of the search results, regardless if they're looking for your service or trying to break into the digital dj world themselves.
Being highly searchable with a professional looking website will keep you in the game for a very long time.
I have backgrounds in graphic arts, marketing and internet technology. Feel free to PM me if you need anything.
Hope this helps. Good luck with your venture.
Adam
First off, let me tell you how attractive the site looks... you're off to a good start!
As for the Meta Tags, this is actually simpler then it sounds. Meta Tags are used by search engines to basically categorize and file your website in search engines like google. Think of your website as a song in your VDJ database. Adding information to "your song" in the ID3 tag such as, year, genre, BPM, key, etc. makes it more search-able in the database.
So what you want to do with your meta tag info is think of how people will search for you and how people search for your type of business. You just want to add as many key words as possible, separated by commas. The more information the better!
This is an example of a meta tag just from picking through your website:
dj, disc jockey, digital, mobile, disco, video, roadshow, weddings, birthday, north east, firetext, england
You should add as much info as you possibly can. So when someone enters "mobile digital dj" in a google search, you will be near the top or at the top of the search results, regardless if they're looking for your service or trying to break into the digital dj world themselves.
Being highly searchable with a professional looking website will keep you in the game for a very long time.
I have backgrounds in graphic arts, marketing and internet technology. Feel free to PM me if you need anything.
Hope this helps. Good luck with your venture.
Adam
Mensajes Sun 23 Jan 11 @ 3:01 am
Simon Bailey
Like Adam, my background is in web design, graphic design and software programming and whilst Meta tags are important for SEO (Search Engine Optimization), you will find that the content is also as important.
Google has changed over the years and it's spiders (small applications that index websites) will look at the content of the pages and give more weight to the content than the Meta Tags.
One trick, many years ago, was to include all sorts in the Meta tags (including competitors tags), but with the inclusion of content spidering, Google can filter out tags that don't seem to fit - you will find it difficult to include competitors tag words in your content.
This also leads to a problem with Flash based sites, as Google can't spider the content of Flash sites - which is why you'll find that Flash sites have HTML equivilents (even if only copy based), to allow Google to index it correctly and give it it's true ranking. Oh and remember that iDevice users can't access Flash based content (unless jailbroken), but at least you don't have to worry about cross-browser compatibility with Flash.
There are many free items available to enhance your website (if you decide to go the "build it yourself" route), such as a free Flash MP3 player - http://www.flashmp3player.org/ as well as Flash movie embedding - handy if you include musical content that will get picked up by Youtube and flagged.
One thing to remember with having your own website (and I am so guilty of not doing this), is to set aside time, on a regular basis, to keep it updated and maintained - My site (www.bailey.dj) is an example of not keeping a site updated...builders houses and all that!
With all this in mind, I have found that, since I include my Facebook details on my flyers, cards, etc, I get more enquiries through Facebook than I do through my site.
Simon
Google has changed over the years and it's spiders (small applications that index websites) will look at the content of the pages and give more weight to the content than the Meta Tags.
One trick, many years ago, was to include all sorts in the Meta tags (including competitors tags), but with the inclusion of content spidering, Google can filter out tags that don't seem to fit - you will find it difficult to include competitors tag words in your content.
This also leads to a problem with Flash based sites, as Google can't spider the content of Flash sites - which is why you'll find that Flash sites have HTML equivilents (even if only copy based), to allow Google to index it correctly and give it it's true ranking. Oh and remember that iDevice users can't access Flash based content (unless jailbroken), but at least you don't have to worry about cross-browser compatibility with Flash.
There are many free items available to enhance your website (if you decide to go the "build it yourself" route), such as a free Flash MP3 player - http://www.flashmp3player.org/ as well as Flash movie embedding - handy if you include musical content that will get picked up by Youtube and flagged.
One thing to remember with having your own website (and I am so guilty of not doing this), is to set aside time, on a regular basis, to keep it updated and maintained - My site (www.bailey.dj) is an example of not keeping a site updated...builders houses and all that!
With all this in mind, I have found that, since I include my Facebook details on my flyers, cards, etc, I get more enquiries through Facebook than I do through my site.
Simon
Mensajes Sun 23 Jan 11 @ 3:59 am
andytaylor125
That design really does look great! Very professional.
I think I'd add a separate page for some of the different services you offer, and of course get lots of writing and plenty of photos on there. I just bought a new camera last week because the photos on mine don't look that professional at the moment.
Here's the link for my mobile disco website, http://www.taylortaylordiscos.com it's different in style, but it might give a few ideas. I've just spent a bit of time updating it recently so I'd love some feedback on it too!
I think I'd add a separate page for some of the different services you offer, and of course get lots of writing and plenty of photos on there. I just bought a new camera last week because the photos on mine don't look that professional at the moment.
Here's the link for my mobile disco website, http://www.taylortaylordiscos.com it's different in style, but it might give a few ideas. I've just spent a bit of time updating it recently so I'd love some feedback on it too!
Mensajes Sun 23 Jan 11 @ 4:01 am
tayla
Hey guys, thanks for the comments and the private offers of advice on the project, but if we can I'll try and keep everything out on the forums so others can also learn from your input. I will take up the offer when I get to the really sticky bits... so thanks again guys.
@Andy your site in my opinion is looking good, but I would ditch the blurry photos and add more better images when available, don't matter in my eyes if snaps are a bit grainy but blurry is a no from me.
Ok, added another page "location" read somewhere search engines will also take a google map into consideration when judging your site, is this correct?. I've called the page "location" but if anyone can suggest a better tag for it I'd be extremely grateful.
To check the page over and what I have placed there go to http://www.digitaldjs.weebly.com/ Another thing I would like to ask is the choice of colours I'm using for the desk, is it ok or should I revert to plain old white.
Once we can agree on any changes for this page what other pages should I add, or not. What about a page for karaoke, text to screen, quiz nights etc.
Thanks as always for your input.
(Questions from others on their own sites are welcomed on this thread, we are trying here to get a basic guide that will help all users now and in the future.)
@Andy your site in my opinion is looking good, but I would ditch the blurry photos and add more better images when available, don't matter in my eyes if snaps are a bit grainy but blurry is a no from me.
Ok, added another page "location" read somewhere search engines will also take a google map into consideration when judging your site, is this correct?. I've called the page "location" but if anyone can suggest a better tag for it I'd be extremely grateful.
To check the page over and what I have placed there go to http://www.digitaldjs.weebly.com/ Another thing I would like to ask is the choice of colours I'm using for the desk, is it ok or should I revert to plain old white.
Once we can agree on any changes for this page what other pages should I add, or not. What about a page for karaoke, text to screen, quiz nights etc.
Thanks as always for your input.
(Questions from others on their own sites are welcomed on this thread, we are trying here to get a basic guide that will help all users now and in the future.)
Mensajes Sun 23 Jan 11 @ 10:14 am
tayla
Going to add these before I forget, is it worth adding a links page? and if so what are the best type of sites to link to...
Another thing, what do you think about setting up either a Facebook or Twitter page, are they really worth it and won't they be prone to "attacks" by competitors putting on wrong information onto the sites.
Once again comments always welcome and wanted.
Another thing, what do you think about setting up either a Facebook or Twitter page, are they really worth it and won't they be prone to "attacks" by competitors putting on wrong information onto the sites.
Once again comments always welcome and wanted.
Mensajes Sun 23 Jan 11 @ 10:46 am
SuperAceMan
The one thing that I think is a big seller is DJ profiles, including profile shots of the DJs.
It may not seem like a big deal, but really does bring alot of professionalism to your site.
It may not seem like a big deal, but really does bring alot of professionalism to your site.
Mensajes Sun 23 Jan 11 @ 4:02 pm
the SOUND INSURGENT
Heres ours, http://waxmuseumrecords.com/ , simple and to the point, nothing fancy. And theres a few tricks you can do with google to get your site out there. I'll type em up and send it to you.
Nice Looking So Far
Huey
Nice Looking So Far
Huey
Mensajes Sun 23 Jan 11 @ 4:16 pm
tayla
Ok, seems everyone is fine with the new addition of "location" so we can put that to bed, unless of course someone comes in and suggests a better phrase.
A small change on the Home page, from saying " No1 Mobile Disco..." which I think looks a bit naff, it now reads "Premier Mobile Disco..." Your thoughts on this, should I revert back to the old or stick with the new.
Before we go any further with the "pages" I think we should really tackle this section next....
As you all know this is the heart and soul of any site, it's what makes you get those all important visitors coming to your site first and up the rankings in a google search.
two places I have found that may help are...
https://adwords.google.com/o/Targeting/Explorer?__u=1000000000&__c=1000000000&ideaRequestType=KEYWORD_IDEAS#search.none
Just type in a keyword say "mobile dj" or "wedding djs" and look at the results compared to other keyword phrases.
http://www.google.com/insights/search/#cat=3&geo=GB-ENG&date=today%2012-m&cmpt=q
Found this very interesting page to search through, looks like for our industry everyone that is planning an event or party for the coming year will be searching for a DJ in the month of Febuary with another peak round about May.
So lets get down to the nitty gritty and lets have the words for the right boxes which you feel would get the most hits from google.
Aceman can we look at that suggestion for profiles nearer the end of the project, as I would like to see some traffic hitting the site, which I'm hoping will start in a few weeks or so from now.
Huey your google search words would be of help round about now if you could
Got a question you need to know about your site or building one, ask here, there are some experienced people waiting to help.
Once again thanks for the input people.
A small change on the Home page, from saying " No1 Mobile Disco..." which I think looks a bit naff, it now reads "Premier Mobile Disco..." Your thoughts on this, should I revert back to the old or stick with the new.
Before we go any further with the "pages" I think we should really tackle this section next....
As you all know this is the heart and soul of any site, it's what makes you get those all important visitors coming to your site first and up the rankings in a google search.
two places I have found that may help are...
https://adwords.google.com/o/Targeting/Explorer?__u=1000000000&__c=1000000000&ideaRequestType=KEYWORD_IDEAS#search.none
Just type in a keyword say "mobile dj" or "wedding djs" and look at the results compared to other keyword phrases.
http://www.google.com/insights/search/#cat=3&geo=GB-ENG&date=today%2012-m&cmpt=q
Found this very interesting page to search through, looks like for our industry everyone that is planning an event or party for the coming year will be searching for a DJ in the month of Febuary with another peak round about May.
So lets get down to the nitty gritty and lets have the words for the right boxes which you feel would get the most hits from google.
Aceman can we look at that suggestion for profiles nearer the end of the project, as I would like to see some traffic hitting the site, which I'm hoping will start in a few weeks or so from now.
Huey your google search words would be of help round about now if you could
Got a question you need to know about your site or building one, ask here, there are some experienced people waiting to help.
Once again thanks for the input people.
Mensajes Sun 23 Jan 11 @ 7:39 pm
the SOUND INSURGENT
Our keywords consist of the town were from, each groups name, the sites name, record, dj, hip-hop, midwest, etc, etc, etc........
Huey
Huey
Mensajes Sun 23 Jan 11 @ 8:42 pm
discofiesta
I got a question if you build a website on facebook do you have that option on meta? So that search engine will pick then up? I wanna build my own as well, any suggestions on where for free hosting? Thanks..
Mensajes Mon 24 Jan 11 @ 2:11 am
tayla
Free hosting as well as site builder is available on the site I'm using as the project model discofiesta www.weebly.com you can then add your own domain and still have free hosting on the site, plus for a little fee you can have extra functions on the site each month as well.
Ok, sorted out the gallery section, I've put on a few pics there, see what you think http://www.digitaldjs.weebly.com/ any comments or suggestions on the gallery section let me know then we can put that to bed as well.
Next up is to tackle the SEO section. Suggestions from experienced people always appreciated.
Ok, sorted out the gallery section, I've put on a few pics there, see what you think http://www.digitaldjs.weebly.com/ any comments or suggestions on the gallery section let me know then we can put that to bed as well.
Next up is to tackle the SEO section. Suggestions from experienced people always appreciated.
Mensajes Mon 24 Jan 11 @ 5:56 pm
SuperAceMan
superaceman wrote :
dj, disc jockey, digital, mobile, disco, video, roadshow, weddings, birthday, north east, firetext, england
dj, disc jockey, digital, mobile, disco, video, roadshow, weddings, birthday, north east, firetext, england
I am quoting myself since I already offered this information in my earlier post.
Stick to keywords that are both common and unique seperated by commas.
Mensajes Mon 24 Jan 11 @ 6:06 pm
tayla
cheers mate,
did you get a chance to look at this link...
https://adwords.google.com/o/Targeting/Explorer?__u=1000000000&__c=1000000000&ideaRequestType=KEYWORD_IDEAS#search.none
if you stick in keywords in the search box like mobile dj, wedding dj, djs, party dj etc it will give you the search results on those keywords and any that are near relevant to them.
let me know what you think.
I'll post a selection of what I will put in the meta box as soon as I can, then you guys can tell me whats wrong with the selections...
cheers.
did you get a chance to look at this link...
https://adwords.google.com/o/Targeting/Explorer?__u=1000000000&__c=1000000000&ideaRequestType=KEYWORD_IDEAS#search.none
if you stick in keywords in the search box like mobile dj, wedding dj, djs, party dj etc it will give you the search results on those keywords and any that are near relevant to them.
let me know what you think.
I'll post a selection of what I will put in the meta box as soon as I can, then you guys can tell me whats wrong with the selections...
cheers.
Mensajes Mon 24 Jan 11 @ 7:18 pm
SuperAceMan
Yes. I've seen it. Google AdWords is used more for advertising with those relevant key words. A business will get an ad down the right side of the search engine. You can ad this on at a later date.
Set up your key-words in the meta tags for now. Google will send spiders all over your website and re-categorize it for you after it's been on the web for awhile.
Are we ready for the next step yet?
Set up your key-words in the meta tags for now. Google will send spiders all over your website and re-categorize it for you after it's been on the web for awhile.
Are we ready for the next step yet?
Mensajes Mon 24 Jan 11 @ 7:35 pm
tayla
Thanks again Adam for all the advice, I was just about to head off to get some zzz's nearly 2am this side, but I certainly put the list up tomorrow morning for you to check out before applying it to the meta section,
Plus will have a couple more questions to ask as well.
One point I would like to ask before I do disappear is is it worth adding any text to the gallery section will that increase my google points, if it is better to add text what would you suggest.
Plus is it better to call it photo gallery or image gallery or ok as just gallery.
cheers.
Plus will have a couple more questions to ask as well.
One point I would like to ask before I do disappear is is it worth adding any text to the gallery section will that increase my google points, if it is better to add text what would you suggest.
Plus is it better to call it photo gallery or image gallery or ok as just gallery.
cheers.
Mensajes Mon 24 Jan 11 @ 7:46 pm
SuperAceMan
As far as your photo section goes, call it whatever you'd like! It's a matter of personal preference. I like "Gallery" myself, simple and professional. But you may like something different to be trendy or to stay true to the lingo of your culture and/or location.
As far as adding text to the images... the answer is yes. Something simple again like, 'New Years Eve at the Winchester Casino/Hotel' or whatever the location/venue might be. Those little spider bots love websites that are rich in text everywhere.
Every bit helps! The site is looking very nice thus far.
As far as adding text to the images... the answer is yes. Something simple again like, 'New Years Eve at the Winchester Casino/Hotel' or whatever the location/venue might be. Those little spider bots love websites that are rich in text everywhere.
Every bit helps! The site is looking very nice thus far.
Mensajes Mon 24 Jan 11 @ 7:56 pm
tayla
Cheers, thanks for the encouragement.
I was thinking more as a header to the page, seems like to much work for this lazy bones to individually tag each one... lol, will probably do it nearer the end though.
thanks.
(will post more tomorrow)
I was thinking more as a header to the page, seems like to much work for this lazy bones to individually tag each one... lol, will probably do it nearer the end though.
thanks.
(will post more tomorrow)
Mensajes Mon 24 Jan 11 @ 8:07 pm
the SOUND INSURGENT
Oh nice you even have a mobile version!! Looking good!
Huey
Huey
Mensajes Mon 24 Jan 11 @ 8:31 pm
tayla
cheers Huey
Mensajes Tue 25 Jan 11 @ 8:11 am
