Thread: Website Design Concepts for Belly Dance :)

Hello everyone,

I'm slowly in the process of creating a website for myself. I've done quite a bit of research over the last year, and am still trying to figure out what approach will suit me best. I'd like to share 3 websites that I really like and would love to hear what your thoughts are on these different design approaches.

1) Sandra's website: Sandra -- Bellydance -- raks-sharki.com
Every time you click a different heading, a different coloured back-drop appears to match a different coloured costume.

2) Mercedes' website: nietomercedes.com
Every time you click on a different heading, the back-drop stays the same, but the picture and colour of the costume change.

3) Carrara Nour's website: Carrara Nour | Belly Dancer for Weddings and Events in Orlando
Every time you click on a different heading, the main image and background remains the same.

I'd love to hear what your thoughts are! What do you like and/or dislike about each approach? Which option is your preference?
Here is the very beginning of mine: Angelica Dance Now to figure out the rest of the pages

Thanks in advance,
Angelica

P.S. Ladies, I hope you don't mind me linking your websites for feedback. If so, please let me know and I'll remove them.

These are all really lovely websites. If I had to choose, I'd have to say that visually I like Sandra's website the most - it has a classy, professional looking layout and I do like the different images and matching background on every page. Having said that, I would be equally happy to see the same background on each page. I definitely like seeing the different images of the dancer. It's a quick way for the client to see your variety of looks without having to click through a gallery, which can be time consuming.

Two things I would consider are (a) what can you best achieve within your own/website designer's technical skills? What I mean is, simple + professional looking is better than a mediocre result because you've attempted to build something that's complex. And (b) loading time plus appearance on different screens. The more images and pretty effects, the longer it usually takes to load. Again, I think erring on the side of simplicity is better. I think Carrara's site is beautiful, but it doesn't view so well on my laptop - all I can see is the top image, and it took me a while to realise that the bottom text was actually changing as I clicked on different pages. I think a big image at the side would be a better layout for viewing on a smaller screen.

Interesting how the header graphic is the one thing about my site that gets mixed reviews. I'm due for a re-design within the next couple of months, and when it finally happens, that's one of the things that's going up on the chopping block for re-evaluation. It looks beautiful on my monitor, but I've always been concerned that it might not look so hot on a laptop or a smaller monitor.

Personally, I like to keep just one header graphic for the sake of consistency and branding. (Not to mention, a different layout on each page could probably get expensive). My site is "busy" and image-intensive enough, I'd imagine a different photo on every site would not only be unnecessary, but possibly confusing. The changing header graphic works on Sandra's site because it has an overall clean, simple feel. Guess it all depends on how much text and how many photos you're using.

Statistically, my gallery gets more views and has a longer viewing time than any of my other pages (according to Brian, who designed my site, this is true of virtually ALL of his clients' sites!). So I'm not terribly worried about showing my costuming versatility via my FAQ page, or my blog. Odds are, they'll click my gallery BEFORE they click those pages, and they'll stick around and look through it

My beliefs about websites (as someone who has made them since the age of 13 and knows a lot of computer scientists):

1) The background and menu should be consistent from page to page. I like it to look like you're not really "moving," that the only thing changing (and reloading) is the content. Each individual page of Sandra's is beautiful, but I find the constant change and reload really distracting.

2) Most of the page should be viewable with minimal scrolling. You don't want way too much information/type on a page. As a consumer, I don't really want to read it all, and if I have to scroll all the way down and then all the way back up to get back to the menu... no thanks. Carrara's has this problem.

3) Keep the design and graphics simple and crisp. I don't want to wait for everything to load. Nieto's is the worst in this of the three you listed.

SatinWorship makes a good point about the gallery (and media) page. That's the first place prospective clients are going to go, so don't worry about having to use all your beautiful professional photos on Every Single Page.

Plus, I believe that simplicity overall says something about the product you're selling. i.e. "I don't need to overwhelm you with photos and videos, because I know I'm awesome and my dancing will speak for itself."

Good luck!

Originally Posted by SomaBellydance

2) Most of the page should be viewable with minimal scrolling. You don't want way too much information/type on a page. As a consumer, I don't really want to read it all, and if I have to scroll all the way down and then all the way back up to get back to the menu... no thanks. Carrara's has this problem.

I personally try to write my copy so it's pleasing both to humans and search engines, and while this can be a tricky compromise at times, I tend to get the best search rankings when my copy is rich with important keywords. This is not to say that my copy can't benefit from a little nip-tuck, because it sure as heck can, but hopefully when my website is redesigned, my web guy and I will brainstorm some ways to compartmentalize my text a little better.

As a consumer, I really don't mind websites with a lot of text. Usually, I skim, anyway, and I can pick out the important points pretty easily. As long as prices and contact info are fairly accessible, I say you're golden. Contrary to popular internet copy writing wisdom, most of my customers actually really like to see that I have a lot of information on my website to give them a feel for what it might be like to work with me.

Today's consumer is increasingly skeptical, confused, and inundated with many choices. I'm a very firm believer that assuming that your clients will hire you based on photos and a few brief blurbs alone, is not enough anymore. You've gotta educate, educate, and educate some more. A good chunk of this will take place OFF your website, but your virtual storefront is a good place to start.

My personal $0.02, of course!

I actually like Sandra's the least. Each page in itself is nice, but I find having so much change from page to page distracting. It makes me feel that she couldn't decide which layout she liked, so she used all of them (either that, or she needed an excuse to buy a Bella in every color). I do like that she keeps the visual elements in the margins, though. The other two sites devote a lot of screen space to headers, and I don't know how that reads on different platforms. Having to scroll down every single page to read anything is annoying.

I'm not sure I would have personally chosen the same layout elements that Mercedes did, but the main complaint I have with hers is that her "III. Cairo Festival 2011" text fades into what's behind it and makes it hard to read (it's especially bad on the "Nymph Dance Company" page). I also dislike the faux-Arabic-random-dots font she's chosen for her logo, but that's a different rant. She's put a lot of text on her pages, which is great when you've got a lot to say, but most people will give that the TL;DR treatment.

The Carrara Nour site is clean and it's easy to navigate. I've heard some people don't like white backgrounds, but it doesn't bother me. I might have gone with a little more contrast on the text where it overlaps the background (especially the "Booking" and "FAQ" end of the menu), but actually, I think if she'd pulled the photo over to the side like Sandra did, it would solve both that problem and the big header one.

Based on what you've put together so far, I'd go for something that has a consistent design like Satin's but maybe laid out like a single page of Sandra's.

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

I actually like Sandra's the least. Each page in itself is nice, but I find having so much change from page to page distracting.

It's funny because my thoughts were that it could be read as dynamic. I wonder if people wonder "Oooo! What colour is next? What costume is next!!" Kind of like you're taken into a new land of mystery at every click. I think its intriguing .... but its interesting to hear your thoughts

On another note, I do notice that on Sandra's site, I pay much more attention to her pictures and less on the content when I compare my viewing time to Carrara's and Mercedes

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

Statistically, my gallery gets more views and has a longer viewing time than any of my other pages (according to Brian, who designed my site, this is true of virtually ALL of his clients' sites!). So I'm not terribly worried about showing my costuming versatility via my FAQ page, or my blog. Odds are, they'll click my gallery BEFORE they click those pages, and they'll stick around and look through it

That's interesting... I feel like your option makes me want to browse more because I didn't see it all at a glance yet. It invites the viewers to read what you have to say on each page, rather than look at each image. And because you have unique photos, when you get to the gallery its Shaazzammmm!!

Great thread! I've been thinking to redesign my website in the near future and have similar questions.

I currently have my site set up so each page has a slightly different color theme kind of like Sandra's, but much more understated. I am thinking to move to something more static for consistency. I think you all are right that customers go to the gallery page right away so there is not a need to "show off" a rainbow of costumes. With Sandra's page, I did find myself clicking through each page without reading the text to find out what would be next, then I exited the site after seeing all the photos.

I also don't like having to scroll down past big headers.

The thing I struggle with most is that I like black backgrounds for photos, but it is hard to read white writing on black. I tried to remedy this by putting white text boxes on my black background, but the effect is not good. I need to make a different template with a black area for photos on the left and then a white area in the middle for text...

gosh I'm no help..I love all of them

if I were a client wanting to book a dancer, what grabs me first:

1) cover page with a large image as all three of these sites have..perfect..show me the 'product'

2) easy to find menu buttons. I don't want to search for your prices. I'd like a short description on what to 'expect' when booking you.

3) Bio and testimonials are good but they are not going to be the first things I click on

4) after looking at the cover page and finding info on prices I'd probably wander to the gallery section and look at photos..visuals sell IMO

hope that helps?

forgot to add..a page that is easy to find with info about your classes, if you teach..I'm sure it's a pain to keep it updated but PLEASE update your class schedule well in advance of them starting..should include date, time, location, cost, policies, ways you take payment, and a brief description of the class

again keeping it updated is very important, I can't tell you how many times I skipped over a website and went on to the next one because the class schedule was outdated

Out of the 3 websites, I liked Carrara’s the best. It was the easiest to navigate and it was unified! (I didn’t like Sandra’s because it felt like I went to a completely different website with all of the changes.) Yes, the header was big, but I like it when there is consistency.

Originally Posted by crystalllized

The thing I struggle with most is that I like black backgrounds for photos, but it is hard to read white writing on black. I tried to remedy this by putting white text boxes on my black background, but the effect is not good. I need to make a different template with a black area for photos on the left and then a white area in the middle for text...

For that problem, I always like seeing the effect that looks like frosted glass. So that the box would be more a grey. It is not a stark contrast like the white box and you can read the text much better.

Originally Posted by Scarlet Faeriewind

For that problem, I always like seeing the effect that looks like frosted glass. So that the box would be more a grey. It is not a stark contrast like the white box and you can read the text much better.

Good call! I do think the white text boxes on my site are quite ugly and too high in contrast. Grey would look nicer, but be more readable.

I liked Carrara Nour's the least. Why?

Auto-play music.

A *HUGE* no-no. Nothing will drive users AWAY from your website faster - including me.

Otherwise, they're all lovely - including the OP's.

I also vastly prefer websites with non-white backgrounds. I don't like staring into a light bulb. I have a color override on my browser when I cannot stand the native colors. I prefer green on black - I'm a dinosaur - but realizing that most modern computer users find that distracting, I've designed my site with a light yellow background with "henna colored" text. No glare!

Originally Posted by zorba

I liked Carrara Nour's the least. Why?

Auto-play music.

A *HUGE* no-no. Nothing will drive users AWAY from your website faster - including me.

Dude, are you sure you're looking at my site? Because Auto-Play Music is my Numero Uno web design pet peeve, and last time I checked, there was no music on my site! Unless, of course, my web guy felt like being sneaky, though, I doubt he'd do that!

But yes, I agree with you. Most people shop for wedding vendors at work. I'd hate for somebody to get fired because they were caught perusing my website on the company clock!

Originally Posted by zorba

Auto-play music.

A *HUGE* no-no. Nothing will drive users AWAY from your website faster - including me.

Oh, my gosh, yes! I keep my laptop on mute all the time to avoid auto-play music. The only things I like less in web design are digital "helpers" that start talking to you when you launch a site and cursor trails/animations that follow your cursor around the screen.

Carrara's designer has several with similar layouts. They are very easy to navigate.
Hannah Nour's has two different pics- you have to wait 10 secs
Hannah Nour | Belly Dance Lehigh Valley | Sensual, Ravishing, and always Spectacular

Jaida's is awesome
Jaida Dance | Professional Bellydance Artist

Cristina's is smokin
Cristina | New York Professional Belly Dancer

Ranya's also follows that same sort of design- They are all different examples of consistency through all the pages.
Middle Eastern Belly Dance | DVDs, Classes and Workshops | New York & International

My favorite of his is Anasma's. Her's has different pic on each page, which reflects her different theatrical styles but the text overlay maintains consistency.
Anasma | Theatrical Belly Dance, Hip-Hop, Liquid Fusion, Paris, New York, & Worldwide
Check out the pics on each page- they're amazing.

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

Dude, are you sure you're looking at my site? Because Auto-Play Music is my Numero Uno web design pet peeve...

OBVIOUSLY, not.

And I'm at home right now on (bad) dial up and can't correct my mistake at this time either!

{BOW HERE}

Originally Posted by zorba

OBVIOUSLY, not.

And I'm at home right now on (bad) dial up and can't correct my mistake at this time either!

{BOW HERE}

Apology accepted!

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

Apology accepted!

And now that I have bandwidth - it was Nietomercedes's site with the autoplay...

Great thread, Keep the suggestions coming. and thanks Angelica for posting. I will be coming back to this thread.

I would like to do a website, it's been in the works for a few years now, but after talking to some folks I decided I didn't like the way I was doing it.

I think it can be a tricky line of wanting to stand out yet be appealing to the consumer. As well as not being over done or being too "elementary"

Thanks for your nice information.

I like your site too Zorba

One thing though, FRAMES - boo! Here's why - when I find an interesting article or blog post that I want to share with students or twitter, if it's in a frame I can't get the link.

Or can I? maybe someone can tell me a workaround...

Originally Posted by zorba

I also vastly prefer websites with non-white backgrounds. I don't like staring into a light bulb. I have a color override on my browser when I cannot stand the native colors. I prefer green on black - I'm a dinosaur - but realizing that most modern computer users find that distracting, I've designed my site with a light yellow background with "henna colored" text. No glare!

Originally Posted by AngelicaDances

It's funny because my thoughts were that it could be read as dynamic. I wonder if people wonder "Oooo! What colour is next? What costume is next!!" Kind of like you're taken into a new land of mystery at every click. I think its intriguing

I'm with you there, I like that a lot, although I think, same color and just a new foto would be enough. But anyway I like looking around, find out what else there is to discover on the website.
Another website with the same approach Sandra took is: LINA Bauchtänzerin - Bauchtanz in Leipzig Sachsen und deutschlandweit!
It's German, but you get the idea.

I like all three ...

I must say, though that the designer of Sandra's site (Michelle Joyce) JUST finished mine a short while back, and I love it. I chose her as I like her overall design sense. I have no complaints. I can fix or change stuff as needed, and Michelle was a dream to work with. I am very very satisfied.