ePalsConnect

[GarrettVD]

My website is: ePalsConnect (www.epalsconnect.com)
It is a website where you can go to find a penpal located anywhere world-wide. It's been up since about December '06, and traffic started to pickup in February, but is now leveling out. I get about 2-3 registrations a day, but I'd like to see more. I need some ideas on what I should add to my website to increase traffic? I've already submitted to DMOZ (still waiting, of course) and have done a lot of SEO. Thanks.

PS. I know the layout is a little broken on the penpal search page. :)

[GarrettVD]

PS. I -am- working on a new layout by the way. Check it out so far... (not done, of course) http://epalsconnect.com/Revamped%20Site/index.php

[wh666-666]

I prefer the original layout. Nice but you need to polish it off to make it more professional. Some of the buttons have text overlapping/dissapearing and please for the love of god remove those google ads. In all seriousness they make me feel physically ill.

If you need revenue ask something like 99c a year or if you want to keep it free have a link to an international gift company so people can send cherished penpals gifts. Also its not a bad idea to consider as you've got to offer alot more than a basic service.

Not a big thing but I would put copywright in smaller print at the bottom and remove your name. Have a non named link to a "web design" company if you must but users dont care about the persons name or the designer but seeing a single name down there doesnt inspire novices/normal web users with confidence. Hell, they dont understand the way the world works, they think every site worth giving their details to are massive corporations with thousands of unpaid chimps writing the code. Seriously its scary how stupid the general public is.

Just little things just to polish it off, but nice concept and you've already got a membership basis. No reason you cant expand agressively. Consider banner advertising with other webhosters for cuts in profit of merchandise. Stumbleupon submissions will get you alot of hits instantly which some of those you should be able to cream regulars off. Good luck :)

[GarrettVD]

I really like the Gift Service idea!! Thanks so much. Yeah the new layout is slicker, I suppose than the old one.. The old one feels more clunky. Now, just gotta make it work in IE! :p