website help / suggestions please.

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alison	website help / suggestions please. I have at last got my website back up with some pages finished. Could you go and have a look, as I finish them and point out the glaring mistakes for me, and tell me what you think. Some of the pages aren't linked up yet. Not all of them are done yet. The first one is. http://www.mullacottfarm.co.uk/index.html
jamanda	We have spectacular view of coast and countryside. Needs to be "a spectacular view" or "spectactucar views."
sean	"spectactucar views."

*cough*

sean

the South Coast of Wales on a - clear day

Random hyphen alert.

alison

done, thank you.

alison

The comments from customers are directly out of the visitors book, spellings and all.

alison

http://www.mullacottfarm.co.uk/bed-and-breakfast.htm

sean

The comments from customers are directly out of the visitors book, spellings and all.

My friend Nick was in the band for the wedding mentioned in your testimonials. alison

On lundy, where half the people didn't get there, and they had to do it on the next day? sean

Yeah. He was stuck on Lundy overnight with no luggage. alison

We had the mother of the bride, all the flowers, the bridesmaid and the cupcakes. Unfortunately none of the friends and family thought they were important enough to give them their space in the helicopter! sean

What you have done so far looks good on my samsung 7inch tablet (just to let you know). vegplot

Put your contact information in the banner section of the pages. Search engines should show this information in the search results giving the chance for people to call without even needing to visit your site. Give it some zing to make it attractive and personal so instead of

'North Devon Farm Holiday - Mullacott Farm, Ilfracombe'

try

'For spectacular farm holidays on the North Devon coast near Ilfracombe. Call Alison on 01271 866877' bushcraftlife

Tiny suggestion. You have quite pale blue text on a yellow background in some places that some people may struggle to read. Otherwise, not bad at all. jamanda

We have our sausages made, from our own pork.

Is a bit clunky. 'Our sausages are made from our own pork.' is better I think.
I'm not sure about mentioning the food hygiene certificates either but you know your market better than I do.

Where you altered this bit you need to lose a comma put in a space .

"The sausages are made, from our own porkand the bacon" alison

Tiny suggestion. You have quite pale blue text on a yellow background in some places that some people may struggle to read. Otherwise, not bad at all.

I will make it darker alison

next page please

http://www.mullacottfarm.co.uk/cyclist-welcome.html sean

We offer a warm space in our hallway with heating to dry outdoor clothing and footwear. Bicycles can be stored in the barn adjacent to the B&B, where there is loads of space to lock bicylcles to pillars. There is a tap and hose near the men's / family shower for washing mud off bicycles, outside clothing, walking boots or surfboards.

I've removed some commas and extra spaces as well. alison

http://www.mullacottfarm.co.uk/families-welcome.html jamanda

The parents are free to arrange this via http://www.childcare.co.uk/ .

I would just say "Parents are free...."

nappy wahsing

tempory patience. - Temporary patients. alison

Thank you.

Next one.

http://www.mullacottfarm.co.uk/walkers-welcome.html sean

We must me notified the night before.

And take all the commas out except the one after boots.

We do not serve evening meals but they can be purchased at Cook Island which is about 1/2 mile away. Turn right at the end of the drive and it's by the roundabout. vegplot

Create a summary list of headings then link each with its detailed item. vegplot

If you want to be really clever structure each address in a microformat (semantic addresses and contact info). It's beyond most people but will earn so much kudos from search engines. alison

Create a summary list of headings then link each with its detailed item.

vp, which bit do you mean. Not sure I understand you. Mistress Rose

Overall I like the look of it. Tells you what you want to know and you can navigate round the site easily.

In spite of what is the 'in thing', we find our simple web site is liked by customers because they can find what they want without knowing a lot about IT. mark

Go into the header and change the document title from "Untitled Document" to whatever you would like to appear in your customers browser tab!

You might consider adding a favicon while you are at it. mark

In the menu "Cyclist welcome" would be better replaced by cyclists in the plural for consistency. alison

Mark, it is an award, so that is the title of the page. We have to have the details displayed, otherwise I wouldn't bother with half the info there. alison

In the menu "Cyclist welcome" would be better replaced by cyclists in the plural for consistency.

Whoops, just noticed, they ahve an "s" on the end.

Thanks. Treacodactyl

What Mark means is if you look at the tab when you open some of the pages on your website it says "Untitled Document" rather than something more helpful such as "Cyclists Welcome".

If you created a little icon, perhaps just he letters 'MF' in the font you've used for Mullacott Farm, and used that as the icon (just like BBC does) then it would be even more helpful for people who have multiple tabs open in a browser. sgt.colon

Just a couple of things.

Quote:

Emergency supply of medication

No full stop at the end.

Quote:

go to a chemist and ask to talk to the pharmacist it is confidential.

Full stop after pharmacist?

Quote:

When you see the chimneys, of the TIC

comma not needed.

Quote:

Information can be sent to just the leader, or multi sets of information to the leader

Singular or multiply sets of information can be sent to the leader. Personally I think sounds better.

You have web addresses on your webpage. Why not make them hyperlinks? It will be easier for people on tablets and phones and should also help with the search engines.

One last point and I'm never 100% sure on this but isn't a comma before an "and" and Americanism? sgt.colon

What Mark means is if you look at the tab when you open some of the pages on your website it says "Untitled Document" rather than something more helpful such as "Cyclists Welcome".

And doesn't info in the tab also help with SEO?

Haven't got as far as SEO yet, just trying to get the bare bones down.

They will be my next questions. Laughing

alison

Just a couple of things.

Quote:

Emergency supply of medication

No full stop at the end.

Quote:

go to a chemist and ask to talk to the pharmacist it is confidential.

Full stop after pharmacist?

Quote:

When you see the chimneys, of the TIC

comma not needed.

Quote:

Information can be sent to just the leader, or multi sets of information to the leader

http://www.mullacottfarm.co.uk/camping-site.htm alison

Once I have the basic text done, I am going to add hyperlinks to all images and links, where needed. vegplot

Create a summary list of headings then link each with its detailed item.

vp, which bit do you mean. Not sure I understand you.

Sorry it wasn't very clear. Does this make sense?

Code:

<ul>
<li><a href="#cycle">Cycle hire outlets and cycle repair / spares shops</a></li>
<li>Doctors</li>
<li>Dentist</li>
<li>Hospitals</li>
<li>All night Chemist</li>
<li>NHS Direct</li>
<li>North Devon Rambling Club</li>
<li>Train</li>
<li>Bus</li>
<li>Taxi</li>
<li>Ilfracombe Tourism</li>
<li>Landmark Theatre</li>
<li>Banks</li>
<li>Pay Phone</li>
<li>Post Office</li>
<li>Outdoor Equipment Shops</li>
<li>Other local businesses participating in the Cyclist Welcome Scheme</li>
</ul>

<p><a name="cycle">Cycle hire outlets and cycle repair / spares shops</a>
Details on cycle hire
</p>

alison

Would that be a bit like when you see FAQ or something, as a list, then as you pick one it expands with the text underneath it. vegplot

Would that be a bit like when you see FAQ or something, as a list, then as you pick one it expands with the text underneath it.

The example is much simpler than an expanding list but yes that's the kind of thing I mean. alison

http://www.mullacottfarm.co.uk/camping-site.htm alison

Going to be working on this a bit more today, so please be ready for more help needed!

Only posting now, so I can find the thread again. Laughing

alison

Next question.

Is there an optimum size for photos on a website, and if so, what would you recommend please? Barefoot Andrew

You'll be unsurprised to hear that it's not straight forward Wink

Consider my home page.

The main (left-hand) column was designed to be 625 pixels wide. Therefore, it would be pointless having images wider than this, and then artificially scaling them down with HTML width= and height= attributes.

My design allows for a 1 pixel border around pics, so the electronics image is actually 623 pixels wide, to allow for 1 pixel either side to make up the full width of 625.

So in one school of thought, you would size your pics to match your website design.

However...

What if you wanted to be able to click on a pic, and see a larger version? As in here for example - click on the pic.

If you're using a content management system, you should be able to upload larger pics, and it (the CMS) will take care of producing smaller versions. So in my example, pictures were sized to 700x469 (the largest we wanted them to be). The HikaShop chopping cart software automatically produced the smaller version for use on the main product page, based on the configuration settings I'd applied. (We use the Joomla CMS, and HikaShop is a Joomla extension).

In summary, the key thing you're trying to avoid is this:-

If you have a huge image, artificially reduced with HTML width= and/or height= attributes, the image will show at the right size on your web page, but your visitors are still being forced to download the huge file. Sizing the image correctly to the use at hand avoids this.

With everyone having fast broadband these days, it's arguably less of, or even not, a problem. However, it's still a good policy to follow IMHO.
A. alison

So rather than physical size, length by height, should I be looking at how many mb / kb it saves as? Barefoot Andrew

Size as in width and height, and how many mb/kb it saves as, are intrinsically related.

Get the width and height right, and you'll end up with a much more manageable size in bytes.

A. Nick

But, given the amount of mobile devices, many people do not have fast broadband all the time. I'm often out and about without it, and too many sites still insist on having large images, that take forever. I move sites. Plus, presumably, that's data I might have to pay for, that is of no use to me. This all reinforces your case, I guess. vegplot

Next question.

Is there an optimum size for photos on a website, and if so, what would you recommend please?

Depends on the device it is being viewed upon.

The easy answer is to use media queries to detect the device window size and serve up content relative to that device. It is quite technical but doesn't use any special technology and while not for the beginner it can be picked up relatively quickly.

Search for media queries or responsive web design. Barefoot Andrew

This article is relevant - see mistakes 5 and 6.
A. vegplot

This article is relevant - see mistakes 5 and 6.
A.

Nice find. sean

This article is relevant - see mistakes 5 and 6.
A.

Jason looks a bit scary though in Mistake 7. I think I'd have been more likely to click on a generic contact button.

Why does Mistake 7 come before Mistake 6? Barefoot Andrew

Why does Mistake 7 come before Mistake 6?

No idea...

Nice find.

Wasn't my find as such - I saw it on Twitter.
A. 12Bore

Why does Mistake 7 come before Mistake 6?
That's mistake No.9 alison

Quote:

<input type="submit" name="Submit" id="Submit" value="Submit" />
<p> </p>
<p>
<td colspan="3" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"></div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var sprytextfield1 = new Spry.Widget.ValidationTextField("sprytextfield1");
</script>

This is the code near my submit button, on my contact page. I can't quite see what else I have to add to make it get emailed to me.

I have set up the fields, under button. Get mail, mailto:....and plain text, but can't quite see what else I have to do. CAn anyone help please. vegplot

In order to email the form it needs to be nested within form elements e.g.

Code:

<form action="[form processor]" method="post">
...
...
[form contents]
...
...
</form>

The form processor is usually a script and you hosting provider should be able to provide one or at least point you in the right direction alison

Sorted that one now (you will all be pleased to know!) Wink

Still puzzling on the best way to present the attractions now. alison

ok, done quite a bit more, if people would like to have a look for me please.

I think I have the favicon icon embedded, but as yet can't see it.

I am going to look at the list you said VP, just haven't got around to it yet.

Got a couple of other things I need to do then I am up for corrections and suggestions again.

(Please be gentle with me) alison

http://www.mullacottfarm.co.uk/information.html OtleyLad

http://www.mullacottfarm.co.uk/information.html

The text entry fields are extending out of the pale-blue background area (Firefox 26). alison

http://www.mullacottfarm.co.uk/shop.html sean

benefit, little, abattoir. Get rid of nearly all your commas. alison

benefit, little, abattoir. Get rid of nearly all your commas.

Thanks! done! alison

http://www.mullacottfarm.co.uk/static-caravan.html joanne

I'm not seeing the favicon yet - did you do this http://stackoverflow.com/questions/9943771/adding-a-favicon-to-a-static-html-page sean

glassware, banquette seating.

The dining room table packs away and doesn't take up huge amounts of living space.

Either lose the end of it: 'The dining room table packs away' or something like: 'The dining room table packs away giving extra space if desired.' alison

I'm not seeing the favicon yet - did you do this http://stackoverflow.com/questions/9943771/adding-a-favicon-to-a-static-html-page

I have and I think I have done it right.

Quote:

put between head and /head near the top

favicon.icon located in images vegplot

favicon.icon located in images

the favicon.ico needs to be in the root of the site not under /images

In which case you need...

Quote:

You only need one of them not all three btw the last will do. joanne

favicon.icon located in images

the favicon.ico needs to be in the root of the site not under /images

In which case you need...

Quote:

You only need one of them not all three btw the last will do.

Wot Vegplot said Very Happy

OtleyLad

http://www.mullacottfarm.co.uk/information.html

The text entry fields are extending out of the pale-blue background area (Firefox 26).

It fits fine on my firefox 27.

how can I see it on previous versions?

I've just updated to 27 and still the text entry boxes of the 2nd column (Last Name, Email, etc) are off the background. Windows 7 by the way. joanne

You can test using this http://crossbrowsertesting.com/ - they give you a free trial, it's really good, we use it at work alison

http://www.mullacottfarm.co.uk/shop.html

there is no price for half a pig - though maybe this is intentional?

and in the top paragraph re the Dorest wool you say

Quote:

The wool is then processed in Devon, by a mill, with an extremely knowledgeable team spinners ensuring....

I think there might be something missing in that sentence. alison

http://www.mullacottfarm.co.uk/shop.html

there is no price for half a pig - though maybe this is intentional?

and in the top paragraph re the Dorest wool you say

Quote:

The wool is then processed in Devon, by a mill, with an extremely knowledgeable team spinners ensuring....

I think there might be something missing in that sentence.

Mistake with price, and I see what you mean, an "of " is missing.

Thanks. alison

favicon.icon located in images

the favicon.ico needs to be in the root of the site not under /images

In which case you need...

Quote:

You only need one of them not all three btw the last will do.

Wot Vegplot said Very Happy

Have put in the bottom one. Still can't see it though. Have cleared my cache

Am waiting for a browser test as I type alison

http://www.mullacottfarm.co.uk/information.html

The text entry fields are extending out of the pale-blue background area (Firefox 26).

Don't really understand why. Just put it through the tool Jo says about and no mistakes are picked up, in any browser. All the screenshots look pretty much the same, in the right place. OtleyLad

vegplot

In main-2.css line 79 remove or comment out

Code:

text-align: center;

so it becomes

Code:

#wrapper #main table {
/*text-align: center;*/
}

alison

In main-2.css line 79 remove or comment out

Code:

text-align: center;

so it becomes

Code:

#wrapper #main table {
/*text-align: center;*/
}

ok, done that, thanks. vegplot

It's still showing as centre aligned. alison

woops, missed a * and / OtleyLad

The textarea boxes for Other Requirements and General Enquiries are forcing the address text boxes over to the right. I think the answer might be to change this:

Quote:

<tr>
<td align="left">Other Requirements</td>
<td><label for="otherrequirements"></label>
<textarea name="otherrequirements" id="otherrequirements" cols="29" rows="5"></textarea></td>
<td align="left"> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left">General Enquiries</td>
<td><label for="generalenquiries"></label>
<textarea name="generalenquiries" id="generalenquiries" cols="29" rows="5"></textarea></td>
<td align="left"> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>

to this:

Quote:

<tr>
<td align="left">Other Requirements</td>
<td colspan=3 align="left"><label for="otherrequirements"></label>
<textarea name="otherrequirements" id="otherrequirements" cols="29" rows="5"></textarea></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left">General Enquiries</td>
<td colspan=3 align="left"><label for="generalenquiries"></label>
<textarea name="generalenquiries" id="generalenquiries" cols="29" rows="5"></textarea></td>
</tr>

vegplot

The textarea boxes for Other Requirements and General Enquiries are forcing the address text boxes over to the right. I think the answer might be to change this:

Quote:

Other Requirements	<label for="otherrequirements"></label> <textarea name="otherrequirements" id="otherrequirements" cols="29" rows="5"></textarea>
General Enquiries	<label for="generalenquiries"></label> <textarea name="generalenquiries" id="generalenquiries" cols="29" rows="5"></textarea>

to this:

Quote:

Other Requirements	<label for="otherrequirements"></label> <textarea name="otherrequirements" id="otherrequirements" cols="29" rows="5"></textarea>
General Enquiries	<label for="generalenquiries"></label> <textarea name="generalenquiries" id="generalenquiries" cols="29" rows="5"></textarea>

Check your browser version.

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