3rd
What Small Businesses Need From Their Web Companies
I’ve noticed most business owners don’t know what they need to have a well rounded web presence. They know little about design or layout principles. They don’t know they can track their customers’ actions or how to use that data to create a better user experience by building a site that meets their customers’ needs. They don’t know what makes a well optimized page or that they could be saving customers by using custom 404 pages. And they don’t know the various ways they can submit their business to places like Google Maps or Yelp.
Sadly, neither do most of the people they hire.
I realize that is a bold statement, but I’m going to speak from experience and say that 90% of the local web companies* in my area that are involved in web development do not understand these things either. The sites they create are bloated, don’t meet web standards, aren’t setup with an analytics package, don’t even use basic SEO principles, don’t integrate with marketing objectives or social media possibilities, and the copy is an afterthought.
Businesses deserve better.
Paying businesses deserve better web companies that are passionate about all phases of the web development process, not just design or coding. From my perspective, there are too many self-proclaimed “professional web companies” that don’t care enough to do things right. This leaves the customers with shabby sites that don’t capture their customers’ attention
This is a two part call to action to:
Web companies - If you are out there just trying to earn a living and don’t have the passion and drive to make the web a better place, you are failing the business that’s hired you. If you aren’t passionate enough to continue to educated yourself and change, why are you here in the first place? If you want to better your business and your community, you can start by reading blogs (you can start with my Google Reader Shared list), take that knowledge, and begin putting into practice.
Business owners - Your site could be a lot better and reach a larger audience - I promise. There is a lot to know about the web and all the technologies. If you can find someone that is passionate, they’ll tell you everything you need to know. You should also look for a web company that is publishing a blog or a weekly newsletter that educates you about ways you can improve your site today (you can start by subscribing to this site via email or RSS). Look for companies that are out there making a difference by putting on engaging workshops for free, where you can learn from those who want to see your business grow.
What do you think - Is it too much to ask of web companies to be the Jack of all trades and build a well rounded web presence or should specific tasks be designated to the masters of one?
*I used the term “web companies” as a general term for a freelancer, web designer, or web development company.
