Previous post:

Next post:

Why do you still have a cheap-looking, homemade website?

February 16, 2010

It’s amazing to me that companies that will spend $5,000 on a brochure will freak out at the same price for a website that will be seen by 1000x more people.

All of your sales effort, all of your marketing, all of your credibility is wasted when the ready-to-buy prospect sees a cheap site. It makes you look untrustworthy.

Here’s a great example: This company has one of the worst websites in history (please do click, and turn your sound on). But they provide great service and have amazing reviews and happy customers. How many prospects never saw the reviews because they took one look at the site and ran away?

Great advice from Shannon Noack: “It’s a little disconcerting to hear someone say a website should be worth so little money. Your website defines your company and is often the only face people will see. It should certainly put your best foot forward, telling customers what you do in a professional manner, and communicating to them effectively why you deserve their business.” (Read her full post from Six Revisions: Common Misconceptions about Web Designers.)

Share This Post

Email to a friend:

Privacy: We won't save or reuse these emails.

Thanks for the word of mouth! Your message has been sent!

Please enter a valid email.

Your email failed. Try again later.

Comments

8 comments. Read them below or add one. (Trackback)

{ 2 trackbacks }

The best of the week | Tim Bursch
February 19, 2010 at 7:42 am
Smaller Box :: Blog :: 10 Habits of Highly Annoying Websites
February 23, 2010 at 9:29 am

{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }

jblaha February 16, 2010 at 12:08 pm

I wonder how many hits it will take before they realize that people aren’t visiting because of their awesome shutters and blinds. haha

Jon-Mikel Bailey February 16, 2010 at 2:27 pm

SO TRUE! I am amazed at how many businesses still think of their website as the red headed step-child of their marketing efforts. And I am so NOT glad I clicked on that link. What a pile of crap that site is!

acemtp February 17, 2010 at 1:38 am

It makes me think about this comic:

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/design_hell

Sometime, the problem is not the money put on the website, but the founder who think they are designers!

Chris Posey February 17, 2010 at 2:38 pm

Looks like they got the message. I just accessed the site and received a message that they are “upgrading.” Not sure if their jammin’ interstitial will be included in the redesign, as it still exists, I would assume, as it has all along.

Shannon Noack February 18, 2010 at 10:13 am

Thanks for the mention! It’s true, many companies complain about the high price of website design, but then will spend money elsewhere on things that don’t bring in customers or revenue for their business. Maybe one day the world will be more educated on the actual cost of a custom site :) Great post.

Joel Hughes March 6, 2010 at 10:06 am

oh dear! what a site!

I love it when a website plays music as soon as it loads up…I just want to dance right away!…or maybe not…

I’ve come across many clients who either want to try web design themselves (haven’t they got a business to run?!) or have a son/daughter/niece who can do it for £100. However, the self same business oweners would not entrust the design of the company brochure, or the graphic panels for the company vehicles to such unqualified people. It’s a strange world…

@Joel_Hughes

Leave a Comment

Previous post:

Next post:

Your Friendly Host

I'm Andy Sernovitz, a fairly helpful marketing guy. I write about word of mouth marketing, ethics, common-sense business, and entrepreneurship.

I'm an author, professional speaker, consultant, and teacher.

I look like this. I'm a Sagittarius. These are my turn-ons. The greatest album in the world. Full bio here...

I Teach Word of Mouth Marketing

GasPedal LogoYou can have amazing word of mouth.

Word of mouth marketing is something you can do very well. My company GasPedal will help you get started quickly, with simple-but-intense training, honest answers, and eye-opening ideas. GasPedal's fast, how-to marketing strategies are affordable, easy to execute, and deliver measurable ROI in 60 days.

Learn more: http://gaspedal.com

Social Media Business CouncilJoin the Social Media Business Council, a brands-only community that helps large organizations build successful social media programs.

Learn more: http://www.socialmedia.org

Tell a Friend

We will not use email addresses for any purpose other than sending this recommendation. (Privacy Policy)

Thanks for the word of mouth! Your message has been sent!

Please enter a valid email.

Your email failed. Try again later.