A Review of new website for professional services by Steve Osborne

Hi Richard

I get where you're at and what you're trying to achieve, but it's always a tough ask to design for yourself. Been there often enough myself and it doesn't get any easier the longer you do it!

On the plus side, the logo is clever and the site colour palette easy on the eye. Content seems to headed in the right direction, if needing some editing and sharpening up. I particularly like the interior page layout. Suggest you give the home page the same treatment and reverse the column structure to put the space on the left.

Sevearl generalisations and some specifics.

1. Overall, I get the impression you're trying hard to be different, but not too different. The tone of voice is slightly tentative in some parts, self-serving in others. There's a mismatch between your claims and the execution. Apply some of that "special ability of creative, clear thinking" and sharpen up the deliverables. I think the target audience would be more responsive to a case study subhead like – Homeless Charity Increases Donations By 13.5% in Six Months – than flaccid "effectively communicate your value" marketing-speak phrases. If you've got the track record, state it firmly and succinctly. Don't fall back into the same "safe" territory everyone else uses. That includes the light bulb.

2. While the main heading is descriptive, where's the benefit?

3. The About page is wayyy too long and comes across as self-indulgent. Cut it back to same length as case study.

4. In general, start ups and NFPs are pretty cost-conscious. I don't get the feeling from this that you provide value-for-money. That's not to say you should get crass or down-market, but you need to find a way to better articulate your value proposition.

Details, details, Richard. Take another look at the whole project thru the prospect's eyes. Good luck.

Hope this helps.