October 26, 2009 by ian
Sound Transit is soliciting comments and ideas to improve their web site.
I've long seen this site as a blight upon all public transit, so I did a special edition video review. Note that I am having a crappy week, and it's only Monday, so any harshness is totally 100% authentic:
For God's sake, guys, at least put a map on your home page.
« 13 Internet marketing tips for Realtors | Main | RFPs Suck - Don't take my word for it... »
The book that ties together all aspects of internet marketing: design, copywriting, search engines, analytics and more.
Buy Online. Or read it online, free!
You can hire Ian for strategic internet marketing consulting, or for help with specific questions.
Advertise | about | articles | colloquium | contact | rss
The Internet Marketing Strategy Blog | Created by Portent, an internet marketing company
Join the Conversation:
David says:
October 27, 2009 01:55
Good appraisal. Unfortunately site navigation is usually heavily influenced by office politics rather than SEO and user-friendliness.
"But I want my project to have a link on the home page, it's a 12 month project that's important to the company"
Sound familiar?
Ian
says:
October 27, 2009 08:07
@David I know. I'll just do my best to point out the stupidity of the design-by-mob approach. Funny, but Seattle's mass transit policy looks a lot like the Sound Transit navigation...
Dana says:
October 27, 2009 09:22
Nice review, Ian. A bit harsh, but sometimes you have to be that way and I appreciate criticism like that.
I had a few things to add that might be helpful:
1) More optimized URLs/re-writes
2) Pick a canonical form - www or non-www.
4) Better optimized page titles throughout. I agree with what you said. They should have the keywords in the front followed by the branding.
I could probably list a lot more, but I'm in a hurry! Anyway, great review Ian. Just shows how much you know your stuff :).
Tony says:
October 29, 2009 22:49
Nice review Ian
The page looks very cluttery and confusing for a visitor. I think you are spoton when you indicate web designer and marketer have to think from the point of view of the visitor and their needs when designing the website
Laurence says:
November 8, 2009 17:25
Good design instincts and insights as always. I'm learning a lot from watching these critiques and I am already thinking up new designs for my site. Thanks Ian.
DK says:
November 10, 2009 11:22
Nice to see the inset box with you talking. It really adds a personal touch to what you're saying, and helps us follow your critique.
I would have loved to see someone from ST in another box, even without audio, just taking in your comments in real time.
It would be neat if "the other side" could somehow be present in a future critique.
Thanks again for reviewing us at Wordcamp Seattle.
John Bassler says:
February 25, 2010 18:38
So...what kind of response did you get from Sound Transit? Were they grateful? Did they say they were going to sic Guido on you?
Ian
says:
February 25, 2010 19:04
@John Never got a response. I doubt they care that much.
Pavol says:
March 10, 2010 19:58
Looks like they did not incorporate any of your suggestions. But they did manage to move up on Google for "bus" keyword. Well, you tried. I guess everyone but you gave them kuddos for the site.... ;-)