Wanted: Website Review Hotel Affilliate Site - Thoughts?

[Alien]

I've just launched my first ever hotel affiliate site at My Blackpool Hotels - got a few things to add still, not least the remaining content over the next week (wanted to get it live) and some other features, including some nice little addons, etc.

Go easy on me, it's my first site of this nature and it's been a steep learning curve(!), lol, so any suggestions, ideas or tips for improvement are most welcome.

I've tried to place 'call to action' buttons in the best places and booking links etc where I think visitors may need them.

Time will tell I suppose, all feedback is welcome.

 

[accelerator]

There is a major usability error with the LateRooms Hotel Search, would you like to guess what it is?

Rgds

 

[wb]

Two things instantly stand out.

1. Search box is too far down below the fold.
2. Search box should have the default destination set to Blackpool.

 

[Alien]

There is a major usability error with the LateRooms Hotel Search, would you like to guess what it is?

Rgds

You mean the default search term?

Two things instantly stand out.

1. Search box is too far down below the fold.
2. Search box should have the default destination set to Blackpool.

Thanks wb - I meant to add default destination and forgot, lol. Will sort.

I moved the search box down as I felt the design looked better that way, but if losing out on potential bookings through it will shift back up.

 

[accelerator]

Nope, I was referring to search box position. IMO it should be one of the first things on the page, about where "Welcome to ..." is appearing at the moment.

If you can set a default search, then do it ... and let me know how you did it, because last time I looked I couldn't see a quick way.

In general, you are losing quite a lot of vertical height with blank space at the top of the page. Maybe it's a bugbear of mine, but in my view the first view of the page is all important, so you want as much "content" appearing without scrolling. You have some nice icons down the bottom, but you don't see them on first view.

Rgds

 

[Alien]

If you can set a default search, then do it ... and let me know how you did it, because last time I looked I couldn't see a quick way.

In general, you are losing quite a lot of vertical height with blank space at the top of the page. Maybe it's a bugbear of mine, but in my view the first view of the page is all important, so you want as much "content" appearing without scrolling. You have some nice icons down the bottom, but you don't see them on first view.

Rgds

I've seen sites with a default search location on it, so it must be possible hopefully. Perhaps it's a white label option only though?

I'll see what I can do about top space. On my screen I built it on it's a widescreen monitor, but I do test on laptops too, plus everything else I can get hold of!

Thanks!

 

[wb]

Your current code (no default location):

<script type="text/javascript" language="javascript" src="http://affiliates.laterooms.com/Banners.ashx/"></script>
<script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">laterooms.banners.purple({partnerId:XXXXX});</script>

The following code is what I'm using (amended to your default location):

<script type="text/javascript" language="javascript" src="http://affiliates.laterooms.com/Banners.ashx/"></script>
<script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">laterooms.banners.purple({partnerId: 'XXXXX', language: 'en', defaultKeyword: 'Blackpool'});</script>

Just remember to add your partner ID in.

 

[Alien]

Your current code (no default location):

The following code is what I'm using (amended to your default location

Brilliant, thanks wb, much appreciated! Worked a treat.

 

[bensd]

Nope, I was referring to search box position. IMO it should be one of the first things on the page, about where "Welcome to ..." is appearing at the moment.

As long as it's "above the fold" does it really matter?

 

[Alien]

As long as it's "above the fold" does it really matter?

Interesting article about myth of the page fold, thought provoking even though couple of years old.

 

[AuthorityDomain]

Nice clean looking site

Hotel Landing Page for me in Firefox (not checked other browsers) is left aligned, I would center align it

Also if I'm looking at all hotels and click on hotel image, it takes me to a new tab, suggest you open in the same window if staying on the site in case I want to click the back button as a visitor.

I would definitely move the laterooms search box into the Welcome section so its more visible.

Maybe even need an image of Blackpool further up the page

Just my thoughts

Thanks
Gary

 

[dta]

like the clean design - still think though you're wasting half the page with effectively logos/intro blurb. when viewed on a small netpad you don't see any of the interesting content

i'd also add some social bookmarks near the top and a leave your email box

 

[accelerator]

As long as it's "above the fold" does it really matter?

My view is it does. I like to put things straight under the visitor's nose and I find that's where they convert best.

Rgds

 

[Alien]

Thanks again everyone.

I hope the hotel listings convert - do people feel I have enough call to action links/buttons?

 

[accelerator]

Regarding a call to action, I have used "Use the Search to Find Your Ideal Hotel", in a very prominent position on my hotels in Paris site. Sadly I have not yet had time to properly promote this site, so I can't tell you how well it works, but that's my idea of a call to action, and best positioning - you can't miss it.

Ideally I would have the search box pre-set to Paris, France, but I'm using the buy.at Content and Creative and couldn't find a quick way to get this done.

Rgds

 

[Alien]

Sadly I have not yet had time to properly promote this site, so I can't tell you how well it works, but that's my idea of a call to action, and best positioning - you can't miss it.

Be interested to see how you get on when you do promote it accelerator.

I'm very pleased so far, live for around a week on my first hotel site and have already had bookings that have converted nicely.

 

[chippyb]

Im still waiting for my first sale, getting quite hacked off as there has been loads of traffic and alot have followed through to the affiliate, im getting about 20 visits a day as well

 

[AssetDomains]

Good to here theres some millage in these sites weres the trafic come from is it all organic.

 

[chippyb]

Alien, what are places on google and for what search words?

 

[accelerator]

Im still waiting for my first sale, getting quite hacked off as there has been loads of traffic and alot have followed through to the affiliate, im getting about 20 visits a day as well

I would put a call to action above your hotel search, e.g. "Use the Instant Hotel Search below to quickly find your ideal hotel".

Good luck with it.

If any hotel site owners want a link exchange, drop me a PM.

Rgds