critique please

[rollholla]

I was wondering if you guys wouldn't mind critiquing my website. It's an fsbo site for real estate as well as vehicles. I figured they're both handled the same way from a technical viewpoint so why not offer both?

Anyway, I did everything myself from scratch programming, graphics etc, no templates or anything. I'm also kinda proud the way the tableless layout turned out. My main goals for the website are simplicity, clarity and ease of use IE I don't want it to turn into a clutter-fest of links and services that drown out the real purpose of the site and make people forget what they came for.

http://www.twinmarkets.com

Thanks in advance

[La Jolla Real Estate]

Rollholla,

Welcome to the forum.

I'm not sure how I would feel as a consumer looking for houses in the same venue as one could look for cars...have you done any research to find out if this has been successful in the past?

I do like the fact that kept site clean and didn't overload with links. What do you think about creating a more distinguished seperation between the two "marketplaces", while still keeping the streamlined appearance? Like a top and bottom or left and right space for each, just to let the visitor know right away that you are offering two products. Oh- get rid of the highlighted text. How about bold and colored?

Hope that helps. Best of luck!

G&S

[rollholla]

Thanks for the reply. I'm thinking of making a graphic with cars on one side and houses on the other to illustrate the separation of the 2 markets. I'm really focussing on it being FSBO first and foremost with the 2 categories of real estate and cars, as to not put too much emphasis on one or the other.

And I'm not sure how a combined auto/real estate site will do or if it's been done. This could be a good or a bad thing. Maybe it hasn't been done for a reason... I guess I'll find out. :p

[La Jolla Real Estate]

This could be a good or a bad thing. Maybe it hasn't been done for a reason... I guess I'll find out

Yeah, only one way to find out...let me know how it goes. :)

G&S

[Chief Tutor]

Welcome to the Forum. I just thought I would answer your question from a search engine optimization perspective.

First, you are tackling two very tough industries with one website. Most people in these industries have their website focused soley on their indusrty which puts you at a disadvantage starting out if you are looking to get organic traffic.

In addition, depending if you are focused on going local or national with this site, the PPC costs can be expensive for both of these industries.

Just thought I would add my two cents.

Martin