Old site New Design

[melaniejk]

Hello.
Well, I finally put a new design / layout online. I couldn't find a template online that I wanted to buy. So, I made this one myself. It's pretty basic.

Your comments and suggestions would be much appreciated.

I'm concerned about loading time. The older site loaded very quickly. This one seems much slower. I have Broadband, so I'd appreciate it if someone on dialup could tell me if it loaded too slowly.

I'm also concerned that my text is now further down on the page. Hopefully, that won't hurt rankings.

I am looking for a new logo. The one showing is only a place holder for now.
I thought I found a logo but now that the site has a black backround the black text on the logo would not be visable.

I made a space on top of the page for a banner advertisement. At the moment it has one from Commission Junction. If I saved the banner graphic to my server would it help the load time? I think so, but does Commission Junction allow that? Will having an affiliate link on the top of the page hurt me in the SERPS?

Will the drop down menu have an effect on the SEO of the site?

I'm hoping this site looks more professional. I had to get rid of that purple header.

Well, any advice or comments would be great.
Do you dislike something.....please let me know. I'll try to fix it.
Thank you.

[jocelyn]

[QUOTE=melaniejk]I'm also concerned that my text is now further down on the page. Hopefully, that won't hurt rankings.
[/QUOTE]
As long as it's before your menu system it should not change a thing.

[QUOTE=melaniejk]I am looking for a new logo. The one showing is only a place holder for now.
I thought I found a logo but now that the site has a black backround the black text on the logo would not be visable.[/QUOTE]
Mabe making your logo in a old style picture wooden frame, you would not have the problem anymore.

[QUOTE=melaniejk]I'm hoping this site looks more professional. I had to get rid of that purple header.[/QUOTE]
Looks great to me.

[LaryL]

I like it much better. It "feels" more historical, while at the same time looking much more sophisticated. Haven't taken time to look at the source yet. but there are others who can advise you better than I can about that. You write well, and use the space and layout of your writing effectively. One of these days I may even hire you!

LaryL

[melaniejk]

Hi.

Then, that might be a problem. My drop down menu is before my text.
That's an interesting idea about the old picture frame. I'm going to try that.
I'm glad that you think the site looks great. I worked on it until 5am and then the next day I was having second thoughts about it.


Wow, that's exactly what I wanted. A more sophisticated looking site. Guess, it worked. Also, you said it looked more historical. Thanks. I wonder if my subliminal message worked. I put a banner for the History Channel Club on the top of the page because it has it big orange letters the word HISTORY. Sneaky, huh? ;)

Thank you both for your comments.
Have a wonderful evening.