Adjust Your Expectations
I think it’s important to adjust our expectations every now and then.
Take a company website, for example. What do you expect out of having a website built? Here are common expectations I come across:
I just want something simple.
Question: why would you ever tell a Web design company that? All this says is that you don’t care about your Web presence. Think of it this way: when you were a child, did you ever think to yourself that you want to grow up to do everything at a mediocre level? No? I didn’t either. That’s why you don’t want to ask for a simple website. When you do this, you attract mediocrity. Websites aren’t simple. Not if they are done correctly. They can look simple (actually, simple is good when it comes to design), but for it to work as a cash register, simple just won’t cut it.
I want something really great, but I don’t want to pay for it.
Good look with that!
I want something really great, and I am willing to pay for it.
Good for you. My advice? Be really, really picky about who you write the check to. Talk to multiple companies. Listen intently to each. Look for key differences. And don’t do business with companies that spend half their time with you badmouthing competitors. Look, I’m not immune to telling people the truth. If you ask me about one of my competitors and they are terrible at what they do, I’ll let you know. If you ask me about a competitor and they are awesome at what they do, I’ll tell you that too. I’m just advising you avoid doing business with the types of companies that are more interested in pointing out what is wrong with a company than what they can do for you. It should be obvious.
Here’s the bottom line: No Web/SEO company is capable of miracles. But the right Web design and/or SEO firm for your business can come pretty close. Choose wisely. And adjust your expectations. If you are wise in your decision, you’ll be amazed at what a strong online marketing strategy built into a website and SEO campaign can do to grow your business.
*** Let me add this ***
Pick a Web design company to build your website. This should also be obvious. Be wary of companies that are all things to all people – they are typically companies that do everything decently. Pick a company that does a couple things but does those things extremely well. Think about it. Do you go to IHOP for the great coffee? No, you go there for pancakes. If you want great coffee, try Hebrews or The Coffee Ethic. They don’t just “do coffee.” They dominate those beans.
*** End edit ***
Go Cardinals!
