Novice Review of Beach Lifestyle & Forums
URL removed on request
Review by xanaftp
First Impressions:
One of the tests I do for first impressions is called the "10 second test". In today's modern world, websites only have several seconds to attract their users and convert a guest view into an action (such as registering). The 10 second test is meant to help you analyze the strengths and weaknesses in impressing that user within the first 10 seconds they see the website.
The results of the 10 second test are as follows: The 10 second test was very successful. Within the first 10 seconds of skimming over your website, I knew right away what your forum was about (beach enthusiasts). I also saw not one, but two call to action buttons (register and sign up now). The theme and styling is simple but sleek and attractive. And the colors and images are representative of the subject/genre of your website. I also like how you have at the top a very brief version of the "about us"; many forums neglect this, which is unfortunate because it's a critical part of attracting users in those first 10 seconds. The only change I would suggest from the 10 second test is to make sure your call to action buttons are consistent. I'm sure register now and sign up now both do the same thing... so I'd suggest they say the same thing as well if that is the case.
The rest of this review was done more thoroughly and not part of the 10 second test.
I honestly don't have much more to say. Your forum is very simple, yet attractive and about a topic that many people can enjoy and participate in discussion with. I do find it a little odd that the search bar dangles from the menu bar. But given that hovering over it drops open some more options, the dangling can be considered an intuitive indication that more options will show.
I'd suggest editing the terms page to include your forum rules as well. That way, there is extra exposure for them. Speaking of rules, I like how simple they are. Though, you do probably want to be careful; short/simple rules can lead to ambiguity in some cases. For example, nudist beaches are pretty popular... and I see nothing about pictures nor content relating to nudism. So I'd recommend stating your stance on content and pictures from nudist beaches being submitted on your website. Please be aware that in order to comply with Forum Promotion rules, in order to continue to receive services from FP, if you allow nudist pictures, they must be restricted to registered members of 18 years or over.
Thing you liked best about forum: The forum is simple, easy to use, and attractive.
Thing you liked least about forum: It lacks content, but that could easily be improved with more users and activity.
You have a nice forum about a popular hobby that many people share. With some more content and possible other avenues of activity, I think your forum could potentially be a nice spot to go to for beach enthusiasts.
