Help! New Website Feedback Instructo.com.au

AssociatedLTrue-ozbargainer @ instructo.com.au on 09/12/2016 - 02:07
Last edited 09/12/2016 - 02:30 by 1 other user

Hi ozbargainers,

I have been using the ozbargain community for quite a while. Enjoying the deals.
Now I thought it is time to be part of the community, from what i read, i think there are a lot of smart people here. :)

I have been working on my website, www.instructo.com.au - the site is built to help instructors of any kind (music teachers, tutors, etc) to find students, and vice versa.
The site was built initially because I found it really hard to find a good driving instructor.
Cut the story short, the site has gone live about 1 year. Still trying few techniques to bring traffic.

I'm still tweaking a few things here and there. If I can ask you all a favour to visit the visit the site (www.instructo.com.au) and give me a constructive feedback, it will meant a lot so much to me.
My two questions are:
1. how easy is this website for you?
2. what should be improved?
3. any other constructive feedback.

Thank you again guys!

Christian

Education & Work

Related Stores

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Comments

  • the-mal on 09/12/2016 - 06:35
    +1

    The site looks really good. Nice job!

    One thing I'd like to see is a search bar at the top. I had to scroll and click to use the sites main function. Give me a drop down with the type of tutor and then a location box that defaults to my area and a button that says "Find Tutor!".

    I've got a quick question:

    It also enables instructors to receive and manage their reviews through our star rating process

    What does "manage their reviews" mean? Can they block out bad reviews?

    Also, and feel free to tell me it's none of my business, but how do you plan to sustain the site? It appears free for students and tutors and there aren't any ads.

    Really nice site though, it's easy to use and seems quite intuitive.

    • AssociatedTrue-ozbargainer @ instructo.com.au on 09/12/2016 - 14:55

      Thanks bud!
      Yes, I havent really thought about it much. At the moment, I manage the reviews. I think I have to protect the credibility of the tutors.
      I dont want ppl to rant about someone trying to provide a business.
      But to be honest, this is a good food for thought. Thanks!

      At the moment, it is still running for free. My 9-5 job pays the running cost.
      The goal is to charge instructors to be featured, posting a listing is always free.

  • pjetson on 09/12/2016 - 08:36
    +1

    Hi, Christian. On a narrow screen (say, less than 1024 pixels), the "Learn Anything from Amazing Instructors" heading breaks the word "Instructors" into "In-structors" with the part of the word after the dash on the next line.

    You can see what strange things happen if you drag the right side of your browser screen in to narrow the screen. I've never seen a responsive layout break words like that - usually words are kept intact.

    It's just a little thing that almost no-one will ever see, but I thought it was weird enough to mention.

    • AssociatedTrue-ozbargainer @ instructo.com.au on 09/12/2016 - 14:56

      good point, i'll check it out :)

  • Sergeant Salami on 09/12/2016 - 10:31
    +1

    Is it just me or is this the Listable themeforest theme? I swear it looks exactly like it!

    • AssociatedTrue-ozbargainer @ instructo.com.au on 09/12/2016 - 14:49

      spot on sir. This theme provide the base functionality. Love them. I have seen it replicated in few other startups, kitchensprout for example.
      I think this is great for startup, when things are churning, then I should look at better infrastructure.

  • akd on 09/12/2016 - 10:39
    +1

    Hi, Christian, nice website.
    Few comments(my personal opinion based on 10-15 mins use.I am not expert in web design)
    * First page is good but sub-pages needs improvement. They are not very user friendly or practical.
    * For all listings/categories the picture quality of thumbnails is poor and in some cases out of picture holder
    * Map is too big and list seems sidelined. I lost interest as it was too much scrolling
    * In listing, pictures or icons or thumbnails of instructors are too big. It would be better to have small pic with more focus on content.
    * In listing, it would be better with additional option of list
    * Phone number needs formatting (consistent) e.g. some have +61 xxx xxx xxx, others 400298298(0 missing). Since it is worldwide, country code would be must for consistency
    * The description by the instructor should be broken into paragraphs. Some have written long paragraphs, unable to read.
    * Overall website was slow(may be my pc).

    • AssociatedTrue-ozbargainer @ instructo.com.au on 09/12/2016 - 14:52

      Thank you! This is exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks again for spending your time.
      Aside from technical things, would you use this website to look for instructors? or do you think it lacks of credibility?

      • akd on 09/12/2016 - 15:15

        I just looked website to provide feedback. I don't need instructors.
        I normally search Google. e.g. last month I need plumber, I google it and used ServiceSeeking.com.

        • AssociatedTrue-ozbargainer @ instructo.com.au on 09/12/2016 - 17:19

          thanks!

          yes for sure. I agree with you. Statistically, the need for instructors wouldnt be that much in comparison to the need for tradies.
          i ask that question hypothetically.

          If you are "in" the market, would you contact the instructors on instructo? or do you think the website lacks of credibility due to the points you mention above.
          I seem to get a lot of traffic, but no one is contacting the instructors for their service.

          Thanks for your help!

        • akd on 09/12/2016 - 17:45
          +1

          @Christianlebe: Sorry, I can't help in this matter. Check similar websites like ServiceSeeking.com and see what they are doing. Also think, how your website is unique compared to Google or yellow pages?

  • hell0 on 09/12/2016 - 10:53
    +1

    I think the site is OK but by not targeting a niche then it might be a jack-of-all type site and that could be dangerous as it will struggle to ever get any traction. ie. When I am looking for example, for instruction about intimacy for disabled & handicapped people I wouldn't look for a site to search for it, I would type it right into google. If you value-added content into some niche markets you might generally do better in getting visitors otherwise your cost acquisition for visitors will blow your budget big time.

    As for the site, akd had some good points but I am not keen on the design & layout as it seems to be designed based on the coders ability instead of visitor usability.

    • AssociatedTrue-ozbargainer @ instructo.com.au on 09/12/2016 - 17:56

      very good point @hell0 .
      My coach has advised me that I should pin point on one subject area and expand on that.
      The subject I am currently working is Music Teacher - Western Australia. Thats the area i am currently focussing and will be focussing in the next 6 months.
      Your advise is spot on!

  • ropdoh on 09/12/2016 - 20:42
    +1

    I gave it a quick go to see if it would help find any activities for my kids. My requirements are primarily close proximity to where I stay, and then see what is on offer. Nothing currently showed up close to my place. Kinds of things I would be interested in seeing:
    * swimming lessons
    * dance lessons
    * gymnastics classes
    * sports classes (cricket, football, rugby, …)
    * scouts
    * …etc

    Could you search for these things and add them yourself, our are you waiting for instructors to approach you?

    Another thing, I am looking at a Melbourne Map, and am seeing listings for NSW, WA, etc on the left in your featured list. That is of no help to me, this list should have at least some degree of being related to where user is looking.

    • AssociatedTrue-ozbargainer @ instructo.com.au on 10/12/2016 - 02:03

      Thanks @ropdoh

      At the moment I have only been focussing on Music Teacher in WA. So you are right, there is nothing much in Victoria yet. This is exactly what @hell0 said, I cant focus on too much niche. It's not sustainable for a small startup like myself.

      The instructors can add their listing themselves.

      Thanks for the feedback.

  • basl on 03/01/2017 - 16:51

    Hi Christian,

    Startup Founder here:

    Great website - the idea looks good.

    I think you might be asking : Look at my website and see why i don't have enough traffic???

    I would look at using a marketing funnel (4 stages)(google this)

    1. Have you got enough unique visitors to your website (check in google analytics and compare to peers) ? - If not high enough increase marketing spend
    2. If yes then look at what percentage use the functionality (search etc) or check the bounce rate ? - If not enough look at website functionality/layout
    3. If enough then look the conversion (im guessing for you it is a signup or purchase?) ? If not then look at what barriers stop customers? Survey etc

    It sounds like you might need to do some deeper customer/consumer research.

    Hope this helps

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