Your web site is not about you

As the old saying goes: You never get a second chance to make a first impression. That statement is especially true when referring to a business website. One of the worst things you can do is have a website out there that harms your business.

I have come to learn that the people who control their designers to make the site how "they" want it, end up with sites that do not properly convey the message of their product or service. It is very important when your designer is making your site to Listen to and work with your designer. We’re all aware of the phrase “the customer is always right.” If you insist on something, more than likely we will comply even if we feel it’s detrimental to your site. Remember that it’s part of our job to guide you, to look out for the best interest of your site, make suggestions, provide solutions and advise you of what might be a serious mistake. However, we can’t force you to follow our advice. The final say-so comes from you. We’re not perfect, but if you don’t listen to us and your site doesn’t do as well as you’d hoped, you don’t have a leg to stand on when you blame the designer. Let us do the job you are paying us to do! Don’t try to micromanage. If you absolutely must do it yourself, please do. Don’t waste your money and our time by paying us to do what you feel you can do better on your own.

The best thing you can do when going through this process is not looking at the site as a reflection of you. Unless the site is about YOU personally, the site should be designed for the target audience. We do not pretend to know your business but we do know how websites work, and even though you may not like something personally, there may be a very good reason the designer has designed it for you, and you are best to try and stay out of the way and allow them some creative freedom. You wouldn't like someone coming to your business and telling you how to run it. The same concept applies.

This doesn't mean you can't have what you want, just try to keep the BUSINESS and the AUDIENCE in mind. Most when reminded, realize that they aren't doing this, and it is a very important rule to keep in mind.