Review The Sports Geek Re-Design Please

[Fastlane]

This is where I chime in and basically agree to what the others are saying
Nice, clean layout. I kinda liked the green button, thought it was a nice attention draw to the newsletter signup, but I see that you have put up a orange button now and I agree that it looks better with your overall layout and is a good cta.
I see that you have put up a couple of good cta's on your front page as well. Maybe try with the orange background that you have for the cta on the bottom of the page on the cta at the upper part of your page? I think it makes the text stand out a bit more, without being in your face.
I really like your site! Please keep us posted on how your new design performs!

Good luck!

[Fastlane]

I figure that your newsletter is an important part of your site, for signups and retention. Maybe do some testing with an orange background on the "free membership" too to draw more attention to the signup form? You might want to change the color of the arrow too then. I don't know, just a suggestion.

It's looks good - light, chatty, friendly. Initial impression is very good.
As far as sign design goes - I'd give this top marks.


However, is there any reason why you are targetting the sports betting novice with the tone and style of your site? I'm no expert on American sports - but the articles were at the low end sports betting information wise even for me.

The novice bettor is very much the thin end of the market profit-wise

Hi TheGooner
I know very little about sportsbetting, (other than the fact that it has been a slow, but steady money drain for me ) so take it for what it's worth.
I can understand that beggining sportsbettors would be lower earners, but
wouldn't they be much easier to convert than more advanced bettors?
I would assume that experienced players would have accounts at all the major bookmakers, and also be more focused on getting the most value when signing up,(other than getting good advice and picks) thus being harder to convert?
I guess it would depend on if retention and volume would outweigh lower conversions.
Would like your take on this.

[TheGooner]

Hey Fastlane,

My experience is that Sportsbetting is similar to other online ventures - in that the novice signup is the hardest to get - and not really of high value.

If you think about all the obstacles that you have to overcome when you played for the first time, gaining trust, finally deciding to signup, working out how to deposit and placing a bet online for the FIRST time ... there are a lot of barriers and potential pitfalls (where the player will be lost) to overcome to make a revenue generating sale.

Then compare it to the mid-level experienced player, who has tried a couple of places already, and iscomfortable with the concept of online deposits, betting activity, and getting paid online when they win. This mid-level player has fewer obstacles, and is likely to deposit higher, and if you have done a good job of matching player to betting outfit (by promoting a quality outlet) they are also likely to appreciate the better quality betting place.

Finally, highrollers in betting (be it sports, poker, or casino) is where the rewards are for rev-share deals. Of course we'd all like to target this group - but it's tough to find them.

However, by providing quality detailed content that appeals to experienced players you are more likely to hit the highroller target than content aimed at novice players.

The 80/20 rule applies to value (perhaps even 90/10) and is the same over most of the gambling verticals I think.

Of course to attract the more experienced player you need to provide targeted content, represent only a handful of the better sportsbooks (or poker rooms and casinos) and share the experiences that you've gained in a valuable way.

[Skinski]

Love it, looks very nice Kevin. Think I might would change the "submit" button to "sign up" too.

[Fastlane]

Thanks for your input TheGooner. You obviously know what you are talking about.

[leporello]

Im actually going to go against the grain. I dont like the submit button. It doesnt stand out. I would make it alot more visible if thats one of your main calls to action. I think it doesnt stand out with the red template.

Like the site alot other than that.

[pokerprop]

Not much to comment on having only taken a quick glance. Form what I can see from design, layout, code, etc: I give this one very high ratings, well done.