15 replies to this topic

[SemiProTuts.com]

My site doesn't have any photoshop tutorials, aftereffect tutorials, or 3Dmax tutorials. Why? Because I don't have those programs. And I don't need them. The purpose of my site is to show people who to make quality content with cheap and free programs, so they don't need to buy Photoshop or other high end programs.

Oh yeah, and I want writers Just make sure the program your writing is for an alternative program (e.x. paint shop pro > photoshop, blender > 3dmax).

Semiprotuts.com

[Trusttec]

Site looks pretty basic but it flows together. So basically your motto is instead of using notepad use wordpad. Screw what everyone else is using?

Its a different idea. Good luck with it!

[SemiProTuts.com]

Yeah, sort of. "growing up" (in graphic design) I always wanted photoshop but buying it was a really bad joke (no money) and I had paint shop pro. But now, I don't like photoshop (can't use trials, hard to use) and taught myself how to make photoshop creations in paint shop pro. So I make them into tutorials, but I also use other programs (videostudio = aftereffects, etc). So, Semiprotuts was born.

[Rory]

Nice and simple design and a really cool idea you've got going.

[SemiProTuts.com]

thanks

[N4Z.]

Very nice, a few little things to point out:

It's hard to figure out what category the tutorials are in, only after looking for a bit I realized they are categorized in TINY words on the post.

The tutorial categories are on the right, too far down, if you go to any tutorial website, i can guarantee the tutorial categories are in your face and are clearly visible without scrolling etc.

And whats with the google ads being waaaaaaay down at the bottom? No ones going to click them man, if you plan on making some extra money with Google you have to use it to your advantage, high and visible but not forced on you, they need to be there, not IN YOUR FACE!!! - But being way down at the bottom like that, you really ain't gonna get many/any clicks at all.

I also see the google ad under your tutorials, they are at a nice place, but they blend in too much in my opinion, thats a prime spot, play with the colours, see which ad stands out more (I see you got a nice open space at the top on the banner )

Also the navigation at the top has nothing to it... there is no change when i hover etc. - little things like that give a nice touch, not VITAL, but it's nice to have there

I think thats it really, just a few pointers that can really boost your websites look without going crazy, a few simple changes are always the vital ones

I don't want to sound like im telling you what to do, but in my experience, these things help!

Good luck on your web-adventure dude!

[SemiProTuts.com]

Thanks for the tips

The theme was pre-built, I just did minor CSS changes and some image changes to make it slightly different and unique.

As for ads, I didn't want them on top because I felt they would be, as you put it, "in your face" haha.

I'll move categories up and play around there. Thanks

[Ace-SG1-]

Quote

I am a web and graphics designer

dude... whith a name like yours i wold think you could at least make your own layout... hell im not even a "graphics designer" and i can make my own.

love the tuts. put some more about video editing...

Edited by Ace-SG1-, 10 October 2009 - 03:08 AM.

[SemiProTuts.com]

Ace: I did make my own but needed a new one and didn't feel like coding a WP layout, to much time.

[N4Z.]

Little tip: The last post you wrote was 28th september, even if YOU have no content to write, try and get a post written up a day, like maybe an article on a cool new website you found etc. - keep it active

If i saw a website that hadnt had a post for over a week, I'd probably not go back to it for a long time if not at all!

Just a heads up

[SemiProTuts.com]

Good idea but I want to focus on tutorials and not articles. I do want to make more posts, just need the time.

[helpvids]

Hi,

First of all I like your idea, everyone seems to focus on mainstream programs and they cost a fortune.

A few tips that came to me. First of all, the site looks very "bloggy" I think that you would be able to find some custom themes. If not why not get rid of the dates at least so that your tutorials do not look like blog posts. Just have a tittle and description.

you could add a nice flash rss feed and I would try to get a more above the fold feel for your home/landing page. You can easily make a homepage that has a nice big flash object to show of your gallery of tutorials and make that link to the posts. Just look at the stock flash link on your site, they have loads of cool sliders for a few bucks that would help you have an amazing feel above the fold instantly.

Your logo and text at the top don't "pop", I think you could have a play around with the colours. I have tried a blackbackground on my websites and people don't like it, so we are going back to something lighter.

Good luck, really like the idea of your site, hope the feedback is helpful.

[SemiProTuts.com]

Thanks for the feedback and comments

[helpvids]

I do really like the concept, there is some great cheap or free stuff out there. I will have a look at some of your tutorials later.

[Dirk Black]

yeah i just wish you had c4d tuts on there

[SemiProTuts.com]

Thanks

Dirk: yeah that won't be happening