[jshepherd]

It is definitely coming along very nicely. The improvements are tremendous.

Regarding the link, not only is it acceptable, it is actually required. Check the TOS, section Signature.
http://www.pearl-guide.com/policies-...-conduct.shtml

This has not really been enforced so not everyone does it. But what a lot of people don't know is that if there is no back-link on the site linked to from this forum, a no-follow attribute will be placed on all outgoing links to that URL.

In other words, the search engine benefit will be zero. Because this is a Web site about pearls and nothing else, it is the best site on the Internet today to receive a link from if you deal in pearls (in terms of search engine optimization).

[Mikeyy]

Another bit of advice when choosing a domain name. Always check to see how your company name looks as a domain name. For example a good company name is "The Pearls Exchange". However the domain name looks like this thepearlsexchange.com. This is now a great site for sex change operations.

[Amrita]

Thanks Jeremy, your comments about changes on my website are much appreciated. Thanks also for pointing out the Signature section on the policy - I really had no idea about that earlier.

Mikeyy, thanks for the advice on choosing the domain name! The example that you have given is hilarious - had me shaking with laughter in my seat!

[laurenb]

Originally Posted by Mikeyy

Another bit of advice when choosing a domain name. Always check to see how your company name looks as a domain name. For example a good company name is "The Pearls Exchange". However the domain name looks like this thepearlsexchange.com. This is now a great site for sex change operations.

"...tissue from another oyster has been successfully placed in a small pouch cut in the gonad, two years must pass before the pearlers know what sort of pearl they have."

Oh dear.

[Nerida]

Okay, tonight it's my turn to choke on my cup of coffee - Mikeyy's post was funny, but laurenb, that one completely cracked me up!

[Josh]

Hi Amrita,
So how are those changes working out now? Or is it too early to tell yet? Your site as a case study is a great idea and I hope you will keep us informed. Thanks!

[Pearl_dreams]

Ahahahaha...didn't catch that when it was first posted--pearlsexchange...good one!

[Amrita]

Originally Posted by Josh

Hi Amrita,
So how are those changes working out now? Or is it too early to tell yet? Your site as a case study is a great idea and I hope you will keep us informed. Thanks!

Hi Josh! Thanks for asking. Traffic on my website has gone up, but not dramatically so. I have had a couple of sales, which is a good sign, of course. Also have had a few queries, but not as many as I would want
There are so many factors that come into play once you get an order, that one may not find time to devote to the website.

There are still things that l need to work on e.g. the pearl by kilo details etc. Also I think one needs to constantly make changes, improvements, updates to the website to keep it interesting, which is a little demanding if you are doing everything on your own too.......but I sure am enjoying myself

To recap, I feel encouraged by what's been happening so far, and although it is still early to tell, the signs are all positive.

[Josh]

Great Amrita,
Chalk up another success story for Pearl-Guide.com.
I think that making changes often on your site not only keeps it interesting but is important for search engine ranking. I'm not much of an example myself but that's what the books tell me.

[Amrita]

Thanks Josh! I am trying to do what I can, now whether it can be a success story or not still remains to be seen.....I sure hope it will be, as the intent is definitely there

Your comment about making changes often to the website nudged me to take time to make a couple of more changes:

1) Putting up a strand per kilo approximate guide on the pearl by kilo page. This sensible addition suggested by Jeremy was long overdue anyway:
http://www.harmonypearls.com/type/pearl-by-kilo ; and

2) Adding a customer feedback page:
http://www.harmonypearls.com/page/customer-comments

Thanks for the encouragement - really appreciate it! Will try to keep at it!

[pearlshoppe]

Amrita,
Hi. I have also started a internet pearl business. It has been a long process, but worth it. I love traveling to China and Japan, and at the suggestion of a very good friend in Shanghai (because of my love of pearls) started this business. Also, like you the photography on my site is not up to par. I hired a professional photographer, but it is obvious he takes pictures of people. The pics are too far from the item. I am presently looking into a company called MK Digital that sells "photo e-box" machines specifically designed for taking pics of jewelry. I'll let you know if it worth it.

[pearlshoppe]

Jeremy,

Thank you for the information you sent for Amrita. I have new pearl website business, but having hard time getting people to drive by and take a look. I am working on distant pics taken by a professional photographer, but he obviously is accustomed to taking pics of people. Do you have any opinions on MK Digital "photo-e box" or can you suggest something else. I am otherwise happy with my website. Now I am working on ways of having people to find it.

[Amrita]

Originally Posted by pearlshoppe

Amrita,
Hi. I have also started a internet pearl business. It has been a long process, but worth it. I love traveling to China and Japan, and at the suggestion of a very good friend in Shanghai (because of my love of pearls) started this business. Also, like you the photography on my site is not up to par. I hired a professional photographer, but it is obvious he takes pictures of people. The pics are too far from the item. I am presently looking into a company called MK Digital that sells "photo e-box" machines specifically designed for taking pics of jewelry. I'll let you know if it worth it.

Hi Julie! Good luck on your online pearl business.
As advised by the good people on this forum, an online business does not just take all the technical aspects to be successful, but also needs a lot of patience! I am heeding that advice...

I do my own photography, and have become much better at taking pictures of pearls and jewelry (also for another Indian jewelry online business that I have) than I was before. In another thread on the P-G forum this link was given and it might prove to be useful for you as well
http://www.tabletopstudio.com/docume...phy.htm#pearls

Again, good luck! And do let me know how the photo e-box machine works for your website.

[pearlshoppe]

Amrita,
Thanks for the link, I will look at it before I buy the Photo E-box. If you get a chance, I would love for you to look at my website and give me some feedback. Did I read that you are located in China? I go there once a year, and have very good friends in Shanghai. Where are you?
Good luck to you and your new venture, too!

[pearlshoppe]

Amrita,
Sorry, I just saw you are located in Tianjin, where is that in relation to Shanghai?