@v8rx7guy Well, cranky ole lady here:) You invited critique and I have a couple of bones to pick, but first I will say that I love the website as such - perfectly in sync with my expectations of Washington State - love the slideshow pics, pleasing to the eye, color choices and the graphic on the box are spot-on with the "feelings" associated with Washington state.
1. The first thing I noticed is
$5.95 flat rate shipping all in red letters - big turn off since it is a reminder before I've even considered buying a thing. Just show it right underneath your price in the same color as your price - it's reasonable - a lot of us old ladies are used to online shopping networks charging 4.95 and 7.95.
Yes, I saw where someone else said the shipping fee was missing, but:)... You could also show the $5.95 flat rate shipping right by each merchandise and cardboard box, that way it is easy to find, but not front and center.
Just approach it as if it is normal to charge for shipping - Amazon might spoil us all, but people do understand that thankfully not everything is part of the Amazon universe.
2. Next, I see - What's Washington in a Box? and I'm curious for an answer - which isn't there. Instead, it says "Are you ready ..." and only in the second paragraph do you tell me what it's all about. Just switch those paragraphs for a natural flow.
3. Followed by - Build a box ??? - why am I seeing cardboard boxes? What am I building? - Where is the merchandise? - I might like to see the merchandise before I'm shown blank cardboard boxes, right?:)
Took me another irritating second to finally scroll down and see the actual merchandise. Not good.
The more enticing and intuitive flow would be to show the merchandise choices first and cardboard boxes in the very last row instead. Just switch your sequence.
4. Showing three rows of cardboard boxes is overwhelming - two rows are sufficient. Half the landing page filled with pictures of cardboard boxes is not appealing. Move the featured boxes into the second row and here is where you can utilize that red ink:) to set them apart.
5. I do love the crate for corporate and parties. It is where the money is, so it only makes sense to make it more prominent by showing it as the first item in the first cardboard row. It shouldn't be mixed into the second row - it should have the cash cow importance as the first option in the first row.
You may want to spotlight it during the holidays.
Consider adding a crate at the very top of the page to draw immediate attention to it. Clearly identify it as corporate-party box right next to those first two boxes with your cool graphic/logo on the box.
6. Now that I've re-arranged your landing page by eliminating the third row of cardboard boxes - you have space for what someone else already suggested - an entire row of smiling people opening up your fabulous gift boxes.
Like a box as a hotel welcome gift - talk to a few local hotels or even a B&B - ask them about staging a photo shoot in their establishment.
... and/or show a corporate environment surprising say Asian clients with gifts from Washington State (whatever might connect with the global business world in Washington State).
... and/or a guy opening a box right next to his hiking gear (he could be wearing a Seattle sports team shirt or a T-shirt like that graphic logo on your box).
It's good to put suggestions in people's minds and the all American girl or hot outdoorsy looking guy always sell well:)
7. Things that make a difference and escalate profit: Glossy and slick sells!
Professional product shoots and a photo story/ad shoot are basically a one time expense - refresh once a year. The site looks slightly unpolished - but only and of all things - when it comes to the pictures of your products. Major fail - to attract.
If you want to save a bit of money - contact a local photography school or media/design institute for recommendations or ask the teacher/institute/college if they would consider you for a class project. They are usually happy to give you referrals to recent graduates or a senior student.
7. Suggestions to experiment with:
That graphic art print on your box would make a great T-shirt. I'd buy that for my son if I were to send him a box.
Add something to your line up that has PREMIUM in the description - the right words have an impact. (You could add a T-shirt or a toy black bear or a book with hiking trails ... two of those mugs that keep everything hot or cold for hours - I'd take one of those Olympia beers just to see the slogan again "It's the water:) .. or a guide to local craft breweries)
Limited time offer buy two get third one 50% off - same or smaller size. Try variations of this and see what works.
The second order of corporate boxes receives a free T-shirt with your graphic logo - you could do a tan/light brown T-shirt with a pocket and have the logo only on that pocket...
Offer a 10% military discount as a promo for 4th of July or the holidays. How about a 10% AARP discount - get on their list of businesses offering discounts - free advertising for you.
One last observation, small websites can look stale or practically abandoned rather quick. To let people see immediately that you are active and up to date - reflect a holiday - a static fireworks explosion at the top of your page for the Fourth - a promo announcement - a new product announcement - a black bear, sports team win etc. when you've got nothing else.
Just something visual to change out often so that people know you are constantly involved.
Think of it as a potential customers experience - a ten on the products and a ten for the feel of the website and all the other pages - a five on the lackluster product presentation and sequence on the main page. I do love that salmon picture and your decision to donate to their habitat.
Good luck going forward.
All around well thought out website and products, Kudos! I'll keep you in mind for my Christmas shopping this year.