dreamache

I just completely redesigned and re-pitched my site:
Learn how to design a website like a Pro

I'm about to throw a lot of money (well, relatively speaking) into advertising it but I want to get some good quality reviews about the landing page first.

So if you take the time to answer the following questions accurately and without 1-word bullshit answers, I'll give you free access to the videos. I'll PM you the login details. And please don't give out login details to anyone else, or re-package the videos as your own.


Here are the questions...

1. Let's assume you've never designed a site/logo in your life and wanted to know how, would you order from my site? If not, why?
2. What do you think about the price? Too high, Just right, Too low?
3. Do you think showing the price directly above the fold like I am is a good decision? Or should I not display the price and just have a "Order Now" button and show the price on the order page?
4. What do you think about the video in a general sense? Is it effective in getting the message across? (Yes, that's me I know, I'm ridiculous :P)
5. Is it annoying that the video starts immediately on page load? Should I require the visitor to click play first in order for the video to start?
6. Is there anything that I'm lacking in presentation, sales pitch, etc..?
7. I'm planning on promoting this via (PPC: Adwords, Yahoo, MSN) and (Social Networking: Youtube, Facebook, MySpace) and paid blog posts, any other suggestions for promotion?
8. As an affiliate marketer, would you consider promoting something like this if it had an affiliate program?
9. Any other comments / suggestions?

Thanks.

LotsOfZeros

Nice looking site BTW:

1. Not at that level. Most people starting out fresh are still in search mode and have used Google for finding tutorial sites. When you are that new, the information overload can be overwhelming. I could see someone like myself who sucks at design and already familiar with the basics and tools used to be interested in what you have to offer.

2. Depends on the buyers level of motivation. I think the price may be in a good range because it's not $97 (a la clickbank) however I have been predjudiced by my own experience with video tutorial sites ever since I was able to get a lifetime subscription to LearnVisualStudio.net for $100 which includes new videos in an ever expanding library. I can download them and watch them on the plane when I travel.

3. I personally like knowing the price up front so for me, yes, above the fold.

4. The video was clear, concise and to the point. It looks production quality.

5. Yes.

6. Nothing immediately comes to mind. I like how you addressed the Photoshop objection by telling viewers they can download a 30 day trial.

7. e-book (JK). Seriously, do the free stuff first and move to PPC once you have Beta'd the site through your first crop of users.

8. In short, yes, provided I had the demographics to push this through however, this brings us back to the price. There is a delicate balance between making your price point attractive and having enough profit in it to let everyone have a good slice of the pie.

9. Back to my answer at #2: I think you have a real winner if you have a subscription based site, maybe let members access your site for a year at that price and you continue to put out more videos to build value to your visitor. Maybe you could sell packages of videos based on the user's experience level or something like that. You run the risk of these videos ending up on torrent sites if you are only selling 8 videos and not continuing to grow the library.

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subigo

I don't need access to the videos (but hey I'll take it!), but I do like the site. I'm thinking of having someone do an into-video just like yours for my site. Did you do them yourself or get someone else to do them? As for your questions...

1. Depends. There are a lot of good free photoshop tutorials out there and sites like Photoshop Tutorials - PSDTUTS are pretty damned good. However, $49 is super cheap and if the videos were good I would spend the cash.

2. Keep it at $49... not too expensive for people just starting out and cheap as hell for someone with cash to burn.

3. Don't hide the price. Give it to them early and often. Keep it where it is.

4. Like I said, I really like the video. I want to know who did it for you so I can rip you off.

5. Yes. Let the user click play. I hate auto-loading videos with a passion.

6. Just enough information to make me stay on the site for a few minutes. Keep it the way it is.

7. Forums. Lots and lots of forums. Plus see if you can get a guest post on psdtuts....

8. I don't do affiliate marketing, so... next.

9. You might think about charging a little extra for special membership to forums or something where you can help people one-on-one. Just a thought. Oh... and on my monitor your logo looks a little choppy, like the font isn't smooth or something.

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Garrett

Pretty nice... but I don't think the background texture is as subtle as it should be. Look at psdtuts.com and examine all their web designs they've covered. They are the design pro's.

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Fatbat

I was going to answer each question in order, but I'll just summarize instead.

Would I personally buy your product? Probably not, because despite your claim, I know there's no shortage of free photoshop/flash/html/css tutorials on the web and I have no difficulty finding answers to my questions. There are over 20 million results in the search in your movie for example.

Your concept is good though so don't get me wrong, nothing wrong with the idea, or the pricing IMO. However, your delivery could use a bit of work. You want to teach people how to make websites and logos and are presenting yourself as an authority on the subject, when your own work could use a bit more attention to detail.

Off the top of my head...

- The URL is going to be nearly impossible for anyone to remember so don't count on ANY type in traffic.
- Your site doesn't actually have a logo when you are trying to teach people how to make logos.
- Neither the navigation nor links have roll over states.
- I find the whole neon green text on the carbon fiber background hard on the eyes and a bit difficult to read.
- If you've been at this for awhile, you should have a volume of work, and a portfolio would be a good indicator of your skills so I would include that too.

That's it for now. Good luck with your venture.

dreamache

Thanks for the input. I've PM'd you guys.

A few comments on some of the things you mentioned... While PSDTuts is a great free source to learn from, they don't offer any full web design or logo design projects specifically via video. The advantage video has over standard html-based tutorials is pretty obvious.. If you've ever tried to follow one, you'll find that there are steps that are left out and you sit there puzzled. With video, you can't miss any steps.

I updated the frontend with a link to my portfolio at the top, and a "Who is Gary Simon?" blip at the bottom.

Started promoting it last night on facebook, got an order already! hell yeah. :P


PS: subigo, I did the entire video myself. I have some lighting equipment and a green screen in my basement. Used after effects to create the video.. If you'd like something custom done hit me up on AIM: "dreamache"

AMagz

Having seen your old website, I have to say this is a nice refreshing re-design from the previous layout. On to the questions-

1. Let's assume you've never designed a site/logo in your life and wanted to know how, would you order from my site? If not, why?

I might consider it, although I would also be interested in learning how to code the website as well.

2. What do you think about the price? Too high, Just right, Too low?

I think the price is good where it's at. I'd say it's on the low end of just right.

3. Do you think showing the price directly above the fold like I am is a good decision? Or should I not display the price and just have a "Order Now" button and show the price on the order page?

Like others have said, I think it's good above the fold. That way, it's out in the open and doesn't seem like such a sales pitch. My mindset is this: people will see the price, consider it, realize it's not that much, and then take a look around the site (sell the visitor) and then make the sale.

4. What do you think about the video in a general sense? Is it effective in getting the message across? (Yes, that's me I know, I'm ridiculous :P)

The video was great. Explains everything that is covered in the tutorials. Quality.

5. Is it annoying that the video starts immediately on page load? Should I require the visitor to click play first in order for the video to start?

Yeah, like music, I'm not a huge fan of auto-loading videos.

6. Is there anything that I'm lacking in presentation, sales pitch, etc..?

I think it's pretty much all covered.

7. I'm planning on promoting this via (PPC: Adwords, Yahoo, MSN) and (Social Networking: Youtube, Facebook, MySpace) and paid blog posts, any other suggestions for promotion?

Those are all your best bet. Other than that - maybe email marketing, article marketing, or Yahoo Answers.

8. As an affiliate marketer, would you consider promoting something like this if it had an affiliate program?

Sorta depends on the payout, etc. But I think this could be a pretty profitable niche, since like you said, there's a somewhat lack of in-depth tutorials out there (especially video).

9. Any other comments / suggestions?

I think you've got a great niche (video web design / logo tutorials), good luck with it!

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subigo

That's pretty damned good (so far your videos are excellent as well).

I might contact you in the next few weeks. But right now a friend of mine (who is in film school) is sitting right next to me and she says she'd like to give it a try and add it to her portfolio if she does well... so I'll let her have at it first. However, if she totally screws it up (I just got hit) I'll hit you up.

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subigo

Oh... another thing you might want to watch out for: chargebacks.

PayPal is a bitch about digital products. Someone could easily pay, download the videos, issue a chargeback with PayPal and have their money back the next day. I know a guy that used to run a templates site and he basically gave up because of all the chargebacks.

You might want to have someone call and verify the order over the phone before you allow them access to the videos. Watch for free e-mail addresses, unverified paypal accounts, and IP's that aren't close to the address they provide.

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MooseHead

Well I almost had my c/c out but fortunate I re-read your post! Since I'm an absolute newbie and never designed a site before...bloody hell I would dish out the cash...especially being $49 bones. I guess that answers question# 1.

2) Price is right...$49 is perfect for someone like me. I would actually take a second thought purchasing it if it was any higher...like $87, $97 or more. Nah...

3) I like how the price is shown right away...no guess work for me. This is what it does....boom and that's the price. I like the idea that Lotsofzeros had of a membership site especially with this product...with an upsell down the road for advance techniques. Beauty...gotta love passive income.

4) Video...a hot chick would have probably made me dish out my c/c immediately without even knowing what product the site was pushing. JK...video is clear, concise and straight to the point. Dealt with the problems and then you offered a solution. (FYI - Hot CHICK would have been better)

5) I like the video playing immediately...(You mean I don't have to read the site...if I like what your saying...then I'll move on to read)

6) HOT CHICK!

7) I'm a newbie...

8) I would promote it as long as the product kicked ass. Hell...I'll use it to design some poor guys site next week.

9) Great job...

d03boy

It's missing a huge, flamboyant "buy now" or "order now" button that they can click on

DewChugr

I like the design quite a bit actually. I think think it might help to make the portfolio more prominent, hey I did these great sites, I know what I'm talking about kinda thing. You might put something at the top about you like, Gary has been designing websites for over 40 years. In these videos he shows you how you can build sites like the ones in his portfolio (link). Learn how to make great sites in no time and start earning some monies.

I think the video should not start right away. If I came to the site I would be looking things over a bit and not know what the video was doing.

I don't really care for the line/gradient over the name of the website all that well, kind of takes some attention away from the name.

The bad thing is you are probably competing with Lynda.

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ROIShareTeam

Great design! I was actually looking for exactly this. Just one question, is the tutorial using CS4 or CS4 photoshop?

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S-dog

1. Yes, possibly. I've actually just purchased PS elements, and have been wanting to teach myself some basic design.

2/3 Price is just right. Above the fold is good.

4. Yes, it's well done. Professional.

5. Yes. I probably would have clicked it to start anyway, but I wasn't expecting sound to start right away. That's a no-no.

6/7 - You could always try fliers at your local community colleges. Those use to convert for me back in the day. Cheap too.

8. Only after I learn how to design! If it worked well for me, I would consider promoting it.

9. Landing Page design tutorials would be awesome! (that's what I'm specifically looking to learn)

brianpaxton

Nice looking site, I love the design, colors, look and feel, but I'm no pro.

I'd love to see your vids, so I'll give this my best shot:

1. Let's assume you've never designed a site/logo in your life and wanted to know how, would you order from my site? If not, why?

Indeed I would, I think your site looks very professional, and the screenshots of your videos are enticing to me. The price seems very fair, and if you provide some great value in the videos, I'd suggest that you could upsell me on a more complete package for $79-$199 down the road, i.e more advanced techniques, design of buttons, headers, banners and such.

1. What do you think about the price? Too high, Just right, Too low?

right on.. though I'd do a little better of a job of pointing out it usually goes for $99.. or do some trangressional chart.. not 99, not 79, not even 59, but only $49.99.. something like that.. Right now it does not look like a very special offer, although the value is probably great..

1. Do you think showing the price directly above the fold like I am is a good decision? Or should I not display the price and just have a "Order Now" button and show the price on the order page?

I like it above the fold, it's a great price, why hide it?

1. What do you think about the video in a general sense? Is it effective in getting the message across? (Yes, that's me I know, I'm ridiculous :P)

Honestly, you're probably not the best pitchman.. "some" of the verbiage is a little sloppy in a sense.. MIGHT it be better to leave YOU out, and record the audio (after mastering the script) only, focusing on showing sample logos in the vid, messages that SELL and so forth? just an idea..

1. Is it annoying that the video starts immediately on page load? Should I require the visitor to click play first in order for the video to start?

Did not annoy me whatsoever, and immediately focused my attention on the video.. although with the video up top, I'm not sure if it's a good idea to have that long of a salespage..

1. Is there anything that I'm lacking in presentation, sales pitch, etc..?

confidence, appearance (a little sloopy), a little pep or excitement? it's not horrible Gary, but I think it could be improved, maybe with something as slightly as cropping the video of you a bit, start from chest up? it'd help us focus less on your crossed arms (closed off).. although, really, it's better than a lot of folks would have done..

1. I'm planning on promoting this via (PPC: Adwords, Yahoo, MSN) and (Social Networking: Youtube, Facebook, MySpace) and paid blog posts, any other suggestions for promotion?

There's GOT to be a ton of Adobe/Photoshop communities.. maybe find a handful of active posters to help you for a commission, or in exchange for access to your videos (which if they're good, would only make them even more excited about helping you)..

1. As an affiliate marketer, would you consider promoting something like this if it had an affiliate program?

haha.. didnt see this.. I think perhaps, especiallyif there was an opportunity to participate in an upsell later, or upsells..

1. Any other comments / suggestions?

create other sites to generate leads for this one, i.e. via opt-ins to your tips and tricks newsletter, give away a package of 100 free graphics that you can create customized logos with, or something like that..

you have an error on your FAQ I believe:

How much do the videos cost?
The current cost of the how.todesignyour.com design videos is a one time fee of $9.99.


Thats about it from me, hope that was a litlte helpful, I really like your site.

ROIShareTeam

1. Let's assume you've never designed a site/logo in your life and wanted to know how, would you order from my site? If not, why?

Yes! Not to mention that I was about to purchase a tutorial membership from another site, but when I just saw yours, it blew the others out of the water. The design is sleek, the video image and audio is great, plus the price is reasonable.

1. What do you think about the price? Too high, Just right, Too low?

It's perfect. It caters to all audiences.

1. Do you think showing the price directly above the fold like I am is a good decision? Or should I not display the price and just have a "Order Now" button and show the price on the order page?

The price is perfect where it is now, it isn't right in the person's face, and at the same time it's not difficult to see.

1. What do you think about the video in a general sense? Is it effective in getting the message across? (Yes, that's me I know, I'm ridiculous :P)

Video is good. Kept my interest, which is important.

1. Is it annoying that the video starts immediately on page load? Should I require the visitor to click play first in order for the video to start?

Depends. Some are fine with it auto playing, so loathe auto plays.

1. Is there anything that I'm lacking in presentation, sales pitch, etc..?

Nothing, it's pretty perfect.

1. I'm planning on promoting this via (PPC: Adwords, Yahoo, MSN) and (Social Networking: Youtube, Facebook, MySpace) and paid blog posts, any other suggestions for promotion?

Try to hit designing forums also, and buy banner space from them. Typically forum owners undersell themselves.

1. As an affiliate marketer, would you consider promoting something like this if it had an affiliate program?

Well, I typically don't go near this niche in affiliate marketing. So, I personally wouldn't. Not because of this select product, but because of the niche.

1. Any other comments / suggestions?

You really have no competition, since all your competitors are behind you with their sales page and price. So as long as you have a good business plan, you can't fail.

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bobsoap

Just a general observation here - the only two things that bothered me on first glance were:

- the background music in the video seems too loud. I like it very much, but I'd try turning it just a little bit down. I had the feeling that it was too prominent for background music.

- the gray background pattern doesn't work well in my opinion. It puts the site in a very "male" context and reminds me of speed, cars, and race tracks. Maybe you could experiment with some other subtle patterns.

Other than that, I really like what you set up, it does look very professional and I think you hit the right tone in your overall presentation also.

No need for the videos - and sorry that I didn't answer all of your questions, I'm in a little hurry and just wanted to tell you what I noticed real quick.

Good luck with the site! Keep it up.

crooner

Cool! Video on the FP is excellent so I'd love to see more.

1. I probably wouldn't spend the $49 straight off - however, if you had a newsletter that promised regular photoshop tips I'd sign up for it. Email out some weekly teasers, build trust and suck them in. I'd do a monthly membership site ($5 or so) and give access to 2 each month.

2. do monthly instead so you don't have to deal w/sign ups, steal content, do chargeback.

3. I like knowing the price up front - but - suck them into an email signup w/a free gift and then keep selling them. Don't trust one visits worth of conversions.

4 & 5. Video is excellent - you seem trustworthy, music is subdued enough to start on page load w/out me closing the window immediately.

6. Addressed above - have a way for people to dip their toe in the water before they jump in.

7. Newbie IM forums (30 day challenge, how to corp, etc)

8. Yep

9. Nope

keynes

1. Possibly, but show an example tutorial as well as testimionials.
2. Price is fine but consider a monthly, rather than a fixed, rate.
3. Upsell later, allow free access.
4. Yes, the video is good (see point 1)
5. Good as is.
6. Talk about the successes you've had with the method.
7. Reviews are your best bet.
8. Yes if the payout is competitive.
9. Consider offering lessons for GIMP too.

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greenrose

• Yes I would. I really like the template and logos you have put as example and why not someone would like to be able to do the same
• I say price is a little low and should be at least $67. Why because if some is taught how to design a website or a logo, he is going to save a lot of money, that other wise he would be spending in outsourcing these kind of design related projects.
• Not showing a price tag is a mistake that some of the Internet marketers commit, which you avoided.

• I think video is short, to the point and convincing, I specially like the 30 day free trial you mentioned.

• This is not annoying at all for the video to be started automatically.
• I would suggest to make the order page more stand out and different color than the background or text(black and lime)
• If I were you, I would not go for PPC advertisement. Instead I would hire freelancers to promote it on different forums, logs and social networking websites.
• Yes, I would diffidently be interested in, but again I would approach the same methods as described in point 7.
• I would suggest changing the background to a light color (white, silver, or light gray etc) just IMHO. Other than that, if the traffic is targeted you should be good to go.

legacy

i would deff. buy it for the price its at. domain is great. if i want to learn something, i usually write into google, how to.. and it looks like you've gotten that covered.

your posture needs some work, a good technique i learned is locking your shoulders all the way back till your back plates touch, then relaxing. The wider you look the more confident you are, confident ppl take up space.

overall 9/10 stars. im impressed!

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subigo

I think this thread is all the proof you need that people would buy the videos. Getting this many WF members to post detailed information helping you out isn't easy.

Hell, kill this thread now and move it over to the sells forums and charge half price.

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LotsOfZeros

^^^ I agree with subbie (a rarity here ). You received a good response to your original post and now have plenty to go on. offer deals for WF members and you will still get some great feedback and advice.

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this_guy

I'll play.

1. Let's assume you've never designed a site/logo in your life and wanted to know how, would you order from my site? If not, why?
   Damn straight.
2. What do you think about the price? Too high, Just right, Too low?
   $49 is a bargain. You could get away with $59 without losing any customers.
3. Do you think showing the price directly above the fold like I am is a good decision? Or should I not display the price and just have a "Order Now" button and show the price on the order page?
   Be transparent! Your customers will appreciate it. It's much less spammy feeling than lets say a $97 ebook/digital product sales copy page (think: Clickbank).
4. What do you think about the video in a general sense? Is it effective in getting the message across? (Yes, that's me I know, I'm ridiculous :P)
   I like the video. Nice job. You come across as friendly and genuine; someone really willing to help you learn. It's an effective length also.
5. Is it annoying that the video starts immediately on page load? Should I require the visitor to click play first in order for the video to start?
   Don't worry about it starting right away. It grabs your attention. Plus if the visitor is further down the page scanning your copy, they'll hear you speaking (if they have their speakers on) and will pan back up to listen to you.
6. Is there anything that I'm lacking in presentation, sales pitch, etc..?
   Presentation is right on. Sales pitch is at a happy medium: not too aggressive and you describe the benefits the user will experience.
7. I'm planning on promoting this via (PPC: Adwords, Yahoo, MSN) and (Social Networking: Youtube, Facebook, MySpace) and paid blog posts, any other suggestions for promotion?
   I would suggest Squidoo, Hubpages, Wetpaint, Tumblr, Bebo, and Myartspace as possible alternatives to drive traffic to your business.
8. As an affiliate marketer, would you consider promoting something like this if it had an affiliate program?
   Possibly, yes.
9. Any other comments / suggestions?
   Nope

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tweak50

I wont go over all of your questions since most of what I have to say as been posted.

One thing that I would do is split up the index page. The way it is now, it seams cluttered after the fold. Maybe try splitting it up into a tour like setup, with one section on a page instead of all of them on one.

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glowleaf

I have a little tip:

Remove the "don't hesitate". Marketing power words do not work like that. If you order someone to "not hesitate" it is the same as ordering them to "hesitate".
If you want a slogan try "Make it happen" or "Let's make some art".

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dreamache

Okay the offer is closed now since I've gotten a good deal of responses..

Thanks everyone for all of your tips.. I will be pm'ing everyone shortly with the free access...

Since I started promoting it 2 nights ago I've gotten 3 orders and spent $70. $80 profit, not too shabby so far I really hope it's something I can keep going consistently.. I make on average a bit over $4k a month through designing logos/sites and it has been like that for a year.. My goal for 09 is to increase what I make by at least a thousand or two through a passive source of income and hopefully this can be it.

PS: If anyone actually wants to order the videos, pm me after you order and I'll refund you $30.

GerardWon

Overall I liked it ->

1) If you told me about how long it would take before I could do my own site that would help me decide to do it. Maybe reference a testomonial or two like -'I had my site done in 2 days after I DL'd these vids' - or whatever amount of time a motivated person could do it in. BTW tests show a first and last name and a location make testimonials more convincing.

2) Price seems great- you might consider split test a couple of different prices.

3) As someone who has sold face to face for a few years now, I can say from firsthand experience that all the sales training experts are right -- you must build value first, and then you give the price.

4) I liked the video a lot -u seem loose- I did not detect any bullshit... u believe in what u are offering.

5) Thats a tough one- I know u want people to see ur vid... I'd probably leave it as it is- run it as soon as the page loads.

6) You should "sell" more of what it does than what it is - having said that it is a respectable sales job.

7) You could try a classified ad in a couple of specialty magazines -> (the ones just for the following as an example; the rates are cheap) chiropractors advertise a lot and their site always suck, lawyers too and maybe plastic surgeons... play up the fact that their staff and NOT necesarily themselves could pick this up fast and do a topself job.

8) If it had a backend product I'd promote it.

9) You use ur name a lot on the page. You keep saying nine yrs. mix it up... I've desiged 789 sites, yeras & years of web design. Do ot say learn that sounds like work --say discover or see. Also do not say here's how you benefit & the benefits are-- go with something along the lines of look at what you get- & remember for each fearture give a benefit & if u can the advantage of having that benifit. We call this a F.A.Bb presentation. features,advan tages,benefits.

Hope this helps, I don't want free access I still have nitemares of teaching myself HTML a few years ago... Good Luck