The Lobo Links web directory recently got a makeover. This new design has been up for about a week now and boasts a new layout and color scheme.
I admit that I liked the old design and color scheme and I was a little disappointed when I first noticed the change.  However, that initial reaction has turned into excitement the more I browse through the site.Â
One of the features I particularly like is the gradient shading of color that goes on at the top by the new logo. The shading at the top really brings an emphasis to the category icons underneath to make them pop on the screen and the new logo has a very professional look.
I feel that removing the five most popular listings from the home page was the right move to make even though it meant the Authority Directory would no longer be on the index page. In its place are links to the latest articles which is another good move in the design to emphasize the importance of content.
The right column is a place where you can now find the most popular categories, hot Sphinn articles and the latest posts from the Lobo Links blog. This right column will allow Lobo Links versatility in adding new content and features in a place where visitors can easily find it.Â
When Mack, the owner of Lobo Links asked my opinion of the new design a few days ago the only negative I really had was the colors in the right column seemed kind of hard for me to pick out. Â
You should take that point with a grain of salt as I am partially color blind with one cataract surgury under my belt and one more coming soon. Plus since I mentioned that a few days ago it seems to have gotten better. So either my eyes are a little clearer or my friend over at Lobo Links has changed up the colors a bit to make them stand out.
I encourage you to take a moment to look over the new design of Lobo Links and let me know what you think of it by leaving a comment.Â
Oh and one last thing. To celebrate the new design Lobo Links is offering 50% off reviews until June 30, 2008 when you use the following coupon code of - kickitoff
June 20th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Wow thanks Bruce, I do agree about the sidebar text color. I just have not decided what to change it to yet.
I think the top 5 will eventually make it back to the front page, but not sure where.
I value your opinion more than a grain of salt and you not having a background in design makes it even more valuable. The majority of internet users also don’t have a strong design background.
June 20th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Thanks Mack and I think you made the right move with taking off the top five.
If you remember a long while back I had a spot for the five most recent featured links on the front page.
Removed them to make room for blog posts, which is along the same lines of you removing them for your latest articles.
Oh and thanks for the visit. Very nice of you to drop by…
June 20th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Wow this site looks interesting I’m going to check it out.
June 20th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
I make it a point to drop by everyday as you write some really great content and your directory is top notch in my book.
My thoughts on the new design is directories are moving to more content base in the future. I am trying to stay with that concept, by including more articles and such. Top 5 would also include more content, but have not decided if they belongs on the front page. If you notice it has it’s own page that gets linked from every other page (including the blog) in text. Which is no doubt the best seo benefit any link could ask for.
As you and I discussed, I am trying to do what is in the best interest of the directory for the long term.
I think the gallery is a great concept on your part and one of my favorites about AD. For sure, the Users and Search Engines are loving it.
My end thoughts are, a directory is a much more complicated business than the average submitter gives it credit for. Us who are actually trying to provide a quality resource, put more time into our projects than the avg. submitter would think. I know this is true for AD too. I notice the work that gets done and I admire AD for those efforts. Hands down, if your not listed at AD, you not listed.
June 21st, 2008 at 4:31 pm
I never really liked the other design because it looked very unprofessional because the design didn’t have the finishing touch.
Same in this one. It looks like a beginner’s job for the design. Poor Color combination. I can’t understand why the admin of Lobo hire a better designer who have a good sense of color combination.
Sorry to be very critical but this is my opinion.
June 21st, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Syed I am always glad to get your honest opinion though I don’t personally see a lack of professionalism in the design. Thanks!
June 21st, 2008 at 5:23 pm
What finishing touches would you suggest? I don’t need or want to use anymore images than I already am. Therefor, you would only be suggesting css tweaks or the redesign of the current images in place.
Strangely enough, your the first negative comment I have received on the new color schema with the exception of the above.
June 21st, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Hey Mack
Nothing personal, but I gave my honest review.
Here are couple things that I would suggest..
Search Bar needs a better search button … the current one looks hideous. A better font for the search bar button also. Even better if you remove that search button and just use the javascript … (Just a suggestion)
Your navigation needs to be better. Perhaps the border top and border bottom (the two thick lines) … Need more padding so it gives your navigation more space, and if you make those lines a little less thick.
Your sidebar headings… The sidebar BG and sidebar headings don’t go together. It would look better if you use a different color. Which makes the heading stand out and look good.
Your latest link page needs to be organized. Need to add padding. between the listings so each link stands out and have featured listings stand out even more by adding a different color to them.
Latest articles on the homepage .. The idea is good. Maybe add some space in between them. Box after box with that little space doesn’t look very good. I understand by adding space it would make the page longer, then you can display 5 articles rather than 7.
Just a thought.
Few things I like:
Good implementation of the icon mod.
Sidebar is well organized (Just not the headings)
Contact forms, and the submit form is looking good.
Once again nothing personal because I don’t even know you personally. I just said what I saw.
June 22nd, 2008 at 12:25 am
I think it looks fantastic…much better. I don’t really get what you mean by not being able to “pick out” the colors though.
June 22nd, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Some of those are not bad suggestions, especially the formating. We tend to disagree about the color schema and I get to win that one cause it is mine. I will refer back to your notes as I continue to tweak it to get to that picture in my head.