Request Critique

I've spent a few weeks getting my new site off the ground and would like a critique if at all possible. Obviously I'd like to get the site growing faster than it currently is.

I'm running the latest versions of vBulletin, vBadvanced and vBSEO. The site is located at genrefinity.net.

Thanks for an suggestions!

Hello,

We will need your URL in order to do a critique

Well I feel a bit foolish now.

It's Genrefinity

I have noticed that you need to do a few of the things listed here: Your Site Review - Stuff to Do First

• I like the style of your template, but it is a little dark which makes it a little bit harder to read.
• I kept reading your logo as gen-refinity... but I finally got it after reading your "definition". Cool niche.

I think you would do well to start creating a few more sub-forums that are very specific to your niche, and then really work on your descriptions to get some keywords in there as well.

For instance, you could really make this less generic:

Here you can discuss your favorite movies and television shows. Basically anything that is broadcast is fair game.

• Mix in some current shows that are really popular, such as Talk about... show 1, show 2, show 3, etc. Mix in some obscure shows or movies. Anything related to the topic is fine, but the more coverage you get on specific keywords the better.

Check out:
Strategy for Optimizing Keywords in Your vBulletin Forum Title and Descriptions

• You should try converting your welcome header to an image, and making the content targeted. Forget about the FAQ tip!
• You are using your "forum title" as the TITLE on every page. For long tail SEO, I recommend removing that and allowing each thread page to be optimized for its own distinct title.
• You should try our "Replace showpost with Permalink" feature. Option in vBSEO Control Panel (vbseocp.php).
• You should consider adding H1 headings on your pages. We'll release an article about this soon.

Check out these tips here:
Your Site Review - Stuff to Do First

Briansol's Ultimate Guide to vBSEO

I think the first theme is too dark and said above it is very hard to read however i do like the layout. The other themes are lighter but prefer the first theme layout but a lighter colour.

Thanks for all the feedback. I've started tweaking the vBSEO settings a bit and am now in the process of modifying forum descriptions.

Originally Posted by thunderclap

Thanks for all the feedback. I've started tweaking the vBSEO settings a bit and am now in the process of modifying forum descriptions.

Great. Keep us updated on your progress. I'd love to know if the changes help you see a measurable improvement in the next 30/60/90 days after you complete them.

I posted this in the Relevant Replacement but haven't received a response yet, so I post it again here.

I've added the relevant replacements and it seems to be working properly. My own complaint is it's sort of ugly on the site. Is there a way to add it in a border or box or something like the vBulletin default as opposed to the straight text on the background?

The relevant replacements are completely configurable. When you define them in your vBSEO Control Panel (vbseocp.php) you have the options of defining how they are displayed with a combination of HTML/CSS, etc.

We are pretty much limited only by our imaginations. Almost anything is possible with the RRs. Did you have a specific set in mind?

I've attached an image that illustrates what it currently looks like. Kinda bland. If it looked like the default vBulletin style I'd be happy. Is there documentation somewhere I missed that explains how to do this?

In steps 3/4 you can define whatever code you want around the replacement codes:
[How to] Setup Relevant Replacements with vBSEO

So if you first identify an example of how you want it formatted, you can copy that code and use it within your RRs.

Unfortunately I don't know the code and I can't seem to find it in any of the styles. Basically, if it looked exactly like when the Enable Forum Description is turned on in the AdminCP that'd be fine. I've included an attachment of the standard vBulletin enabled look.

You can view the source of the same page, search for the text, and then copy the code that surrounds it.

Using that code, you then replace it with your RR replacement codes, and you'll achieve the same look. You just have to be use that you get it placed where you want it within the template.

Thanks for the suggestion! It all looks proper now.