TouristLink – Save and Share the Places You Visit

18 thoughts on “TouristLink – Save and Share the Places You Visit”

1. If you could change one thing about TrouristLink what would it be and why?
   I think you need better arguments of why we need your site. “Find What interests you” is not good enough. We already know what we like and don’t need your site to figure this out. One change: Have better selling points or a real reason why to use your site and keep coming back.
   What would make you using the site on a daily basis?
   If it had contests, or offered something of value to me.
   How do you think the site compares to other similar sites like Tripping.com?
   I like how Tripping has a map on the homepage and gets your mind thinking about travel.
   Are all your questions & doubts about the product clearly addressed on the website? If not, what are you missing?
   No. I think the homepage looks friendly, but does not clearly explain what you do, or how you do it. It does not clearly indicate how I can use your site, and get the most out of it.
   Please share any additional feedback you may have.
   I like the colors used on the homepage. Visually appealing.

   I don’t see any motivation for registering. Wish there was an intro video on homepage clealy explaining how your site works.

2. If you could change one thing about TouristLink what would it be and why?

   The homepage of the website whilst functional seems to hide what it actually offers underneath the main image of the girls. This is means the user has to actively hunt for the information rather than being presented with it upon arrival. There are many links to joining and becoming a Facebook friend, but it isn’t clear how this would benefit the user. The main page also seems very static, so the dynamic of presenting information is clearly burdened on the user. The use of two girls also seems, ill-advised as a quick look through the members seems to feature mostly males. It isn’t initially clear whether the site is for meeting fellow travellers or simply sharing information, something which could put of women travelling alone or in small groups.

   What would make you using the site on a daily basis?

   Updates and dynamic content. A feed from the other updates would be great. You have a most popular section, so pulling information from there and displaying it on the home page would help present and nurture the idea that this website is community orientated and strives to help maximise traveller’s experiences.

   How do you think the site compares to other similar sites like Tripping.com?

   Visually very similar. They present information to the user from the off and have condensed information to put on the first page to draw people in and give them a reason to join. There is also a larger feeling of try before you buy as the information is more readily available because it is easier for the user to jump in straight away; I assume they will be more likely to join the community as they will have invested time into the site.

   Are all your questions & doubts about the product clearly addressed on the website? If not, what are you missing?
   
   Safety isn’t addressed, whilst the world isn’t as bad as the news would have us believe, there appears to be no mention or reassurance of the intention of the site. For prospective female travellers a quick look at the members could be very off putting and appears to make the site look more like a travellers dating site, than a community for sharing information.

   Please share any additional feedback you may have.

   I think you have a good idea; social networking is very powerful and with the right nurturing can lead to a large network of happy customers. I think you need to work this angle more, in that the website is about connecting people and helping make their experiences better, via communicating this more accurately and immediately through the homepage.

3. If you could change one thing about TrouristLink what would it be and why?
   I would change the layout because it is a bit dull and it needs to be more interactive. It is a Tourist Site with worldwide activities, accomodation etc, therefore I think it should stand out more and be more interactive. The layout is not appealing but the content is very informative.
   What would make you using the site on a daily basis?
   If there was a live chat option, that would make me use the site more often. I also like that you can share your  travel experience which is another reason why I would use it daily, so i can read about different travellers experience in different countries.
    
   How do you think the site compares to other similar sites like Tripping.com?
   There are other websites that are more appealing to the eyes. However, Touristlink offers features that allows the user to add material to existing content that is already on the website, eg.attractions, restaurants. It is kind of like the user is helping to build the website, which is a definite plus.
   Are all your questions & doubts about the product clearly addressed on the website? If not, what are you missing?
   Yes, the website states what is being offered, and it can navigated through easily. I was well aware on what the goals and objectives of the website were.
   

4. Thanks for the valuable feedback. Can you look at the homepage now and let me know if you feel any of the issues are addressed.

5. Thanks for your feedback. Can you look at the homepage now and let me know if you feel any of the issues are addressed with new design

6. When you say the layout is dull can you give me a few examples of what sites are doing a good job. Or some specifics on things you might get rid of altogether or change. Thanks

7. If you could change one thing about TouristLink what would it be and why?
   
   It was hard to figure out what the website was selling.  The sign up for facebook link is so large. I think that space could be better used for telling about the company.   The layout is confusing for the first look.  There is a tool bar on top of the pictures, then there is information at the bottom.
    
   What would make you use the site on a daily basis?
    
   If the site gives away a prize, but it could be as little as a coupon or a half off to a store.
    
   How do you think the site compares to other similar sites like Tripping.com?
   
   This website allows your eye to move down the page with ease.  It does not have too much information all stuck in the same place.
    
   Are all your questions & doubt about the product clearly addressed on the website? If not, what are you missing?
    
   I think you should tell more of why this website is valid and a complete source for travel.
    
   Please share any additional feedback you have.
    
   The colors and background are inviting.  The layout could be rearranged and this would be a great site.  When designing future layouts, try to always pick simplicity but must effective design.

8. Hi Winkle – thanks for the feedback. I didnt quite get what you meant by
   “There is a tool bar on top of the pictures, then there is information at the bottom.”

9. If you could change one thing about TrouristLink what would it be and why?

   First thing I noticed was the picture on the home page. The girls look very young.  I do not relate to them, niether would most sofisticated travelers. The pictures need to the audience you will get.
   What would make you using the site on a daily basis?

    I do not think I would use this site daily; however, I would frequent it if I conected with many other travelers that shared my interest. I might use it for research for planned trips.
   How do you think the site compares to other similar sites like Tripping.com?

   This site appears to be very user friendly. The appearance of the site is bright and fun.
   
   Are all your questions & doubts about the product clearly addressed on the website? If not, what are you missing?

   The section entitled “Meet Traveling Companions” somewhat frightens me. There are many dangerous people who may take this opportunity to prey on others . What security measures are in place ?

   Please share any additional feedback you may have.

   I appreciate that the site is free and offers many different areas of travel to search.

10. If you could change one thing about TrouristLink what would it be and why?
    For me I just don’t understand the angle of your wesite. I feel like you teeter between an abroad style social site or a travel guide. I would like to see some clarity and a direct path.
    What would make you using the site on a daily basis?
    I personally don’t think I would be using this site on a daily basis. However if I wanted to get to know a little about an area abroad it would be something that would be usable more often. If there seemed to be more of a social aspect then maybe yes.
    How do you think the site compares to other similar sites like Tripping.com?
    This site seems to quite different from yours being that it seems to have more of a social aspects but the people just live abroad. This site seems to be more about connecting people rather than giving a guide about tourism.
    Are all your questions & doubts about the product clearly addressed on the website? If not, what are you missing?
    I’m missing your angle and direction. Why would I want your site about others?
    Please share any additional feedback you may have.

11. If you could change one thing about TrouristLink what would it be and why?
    The Background. It’s to bright and need’s to be a little bit darker. that’s all I see for my concerns.
     
    What would make you using the site on a daily basis?
    I might consider using the site in the future. I like how you got contact for an issue. Like youtube, there is no contact to talk to. On a business, you should always have some type of email or phone to contact in case of an issue.
     
    How do you think the site compares to other similar sites like Tripping.com?
    This site more easy to run, More fun to use. I like how the site has everything in great order. It’s a great site.
     
    Are all your questions & doubts about the product clearly addressed on the website? If not, what are you missing?
    Will, Everything to me looks fine. I see nothing missing. all the links are ok.
     
    Please share any additional feedback you may have.
    This site is cool, Like I said the background could be a little darker. other then that! 100% great site. 🙂
     
    
    
    
    

12. The three smaller headings under the main image are good and do provide more insight into the websites functionality. However they are static, turning them into links to information pages might be useful. The information beneath the main image is good, but I still feel the main image at the start is too static. Creating a feed of content to display there, would help draw the user in. I also think the learn more button needs to be more eye catching than the sign up. At least initially, as I would propose that more people would be likely to sign up after they fully understood what the website could offer them.

13. I like how you added the part about the next step in social travel and how you post what your needs are and how to book services that you can’t find anywhere else.

    Now when a visitor lands on your page it makes a little more sense what you do.

    Another suggestion now:
    If you do a fold test to see what people see, I am viewing this on a monitor that is widescreen and I can’t see anything below your main picture (above the fold).

    If you want to keep their attention, then the next step is to lead their eyes to the next place you want them to go.

    Suggestion: Have three arrows (in the same color) as the three next services. Find What Interests You, Meet Travel Companions, Find Local Tour Guides. They would give the user an indication that there is more vital information below the fold, giving a person the reason to scroll down. Now this is assuming that they don’t “bite” on your actionable option to log in with Facebook. But to a person that doesn’t want to blindly sign in before finding out more, finding more information would be the next step.

    As simple as scrolling down sounds, many people will not if they lose interest in what they see. That is why you need a plan of attack in the order that you want the user’s eyes to see when they are on your homepage.

14. If you could change one thing about TrouristLink what would it be and why?
    The current theme on the front page is good but not inviting. I would suggest you put a map with short testimonial videos on the map as you go to places. It will give you social proof and make the page much more human. The picture of the two girls can be misleading as to all people may think different things. I am married with a family and would not want to meet young girls and befriend them. I would rather want a persons opinion about a place and find out about their experience. Depends on your target market and who the most people is that join TouristLink would be a good indication what to put on the front page. With only a picture you limit the true nature of your website. It may work for now but for the future I would definitely use interactive pictures or videos integrated into a Map.
    What would make you using the site on a daily basis?
    To plan our next holiday and correspond with people who has been where we want to go. It is always difficult to find trusted resources of how a place really is when you plan a holiday to a new destination that you have not been to before. Tripadvisor is so far a great way to find out but is not interactive. For that reason I would rather want to use TouristLink to have more questions to specific details about a place. Is always great to know simple things like where is the best place is to exchange money and how reliable the public transport system is. I have traveled a lot and have learned the hard way. To save money and time I think Tourist link may come in handy
    How do you think the site compares to other similar sites like Tripping.com?
    Both at first glance gives you the same idea, but with tripping you get enticed and feel more welcome. Their website tells a lot more through the interactive map and the simple explanations that is linked to steps of getting involved. Their trustworthiness to new people are much better cause of their partners and the places they future in. With time TouristLink can grow to the same reputation. Also Tourist link tells me more about the places than Tripping. TouristLink is more focused on the places where tripping put forward the social aspect and you much more feel to connect to other people trough Tripping.
    Are all your questions & doubts about the product clearly addressed on the website? If not, what are you missing?
    Quite a few of the buttons or links on TouristLink is missing that gives me second thoughts about how real it is. Right under the picture their are 3 categories. Find what interest you, Meet traveling Companions, Find local guides. These should all have links to pages that help you do just that. I would say that is the missing part of TouristLink. It gives you info but does not lead you to take action.
    Please share any additional feedback you may have.
    TouristLink has a place on the web and is unique it a few ways. However the biggest challenge I experience is the fact that it does not convince me to join. I would say for future it would be a good resource of places and views, but if I get all the info I need, I do not see way I should join. Perhaps if one of the current members truly give a lot of value to a place I would like to visit, then only would lead me to become part. To have a presence on the web you need lots of members and that gives you a great reputation. Therefore if TouristLink focus to get as much members as possible trough a more simplistic step by step approach I thing they may have he winning formula. People join people, not products or websites.

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17. winkle_12

18. If you could change one thing about TrouristLink what would it be and why?

    I would like it to engage me more. This site does not fill me with excitement or passion for traveling. Since it is a traveling site it should make me excited about travel.

    What would make you using the site on a daily basis?

    Some ideas I have would be: contests for prizes that travel oriented, discounts or links for discounts regarding travel, and trivia about different locals.  

    How do you think the site compares to other similar sites like Tripping.com?

    Tripping.com gets me thinking travel and it really gets me excited about travel. Why? The map is the first what the visitor focuses on first. It command you’re attention as it highlights different areas with the caption box.
    Why would someone rather go to this site than another site is the question. Given the two choices I would go to tripping.com more often than Touristlink.

     

    Are all your questions & doubts about the product clearly addressed on the website? If not, what are you missing?
    For me the aim of the site is not clear. How can I get the most of it? What is it’s function and how does it benefit me? The format needs thought out more and the value proposition needs more thought out.
    Please share any additional feedback you may have

    This site should not try to be a clone of tripping.com, however it should try to find a way to get visitors more involved and more excited about this site and travelling as a whole.

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