Back to the Main Newsletter Page

In this edition of Web Enlightenment we'll be talking about people that make websites and what you need to know about people who "also" make websites.

This newsletter focuses on giving you practical, interesting insights into how to successfully use technology as a tool to improve the way you do business. Bridging the gap between knowledge and understanding that all entrepreneurs have will help you make money online.

Please hit reply and let me know what you think, I respond to every message sent to me and I'd love to hear from you.

All the best,

"Also" Made Websites

Recently I've been spending lots of time getting to know geeks here in Maine and trying to connect with assorted folks that actually build web sites. As you might expect, some have amazing skills and some can barely find the "on" switch.

My work is still a long way from done but I'm finding that most of the people who are making web sites in Maine are in the "also make" category - and all of the problems I would expect from those types of firms exist. Stay with me here, this will make more sense in just a bit.

I remember when "webmaster" was barely a job, today the reality is that a great website requires a variety of specialists. Designers, Programmers, Marketers - there are people who have a full time job creating shopping carts in one specific programming language. Many of today's busy specialists would have starved 5 years ago.

Everyone that makes websites has a history and a story - and quite frankly running a piece of website creation software is hardly complicated for anyone even slightly geeky.

"Also" made websites are sites made by Print Shops, Computer Tutors, Graphic Designers, Hardware Repair Shops, Advertising Agencies, Networking Companies, Software Firms, or anyone else in a computer connected type business.

Some of these folks had genuine altruistic intentions when they started making sites and only wanted to meet clients needs, but most of them thought the web was quick easy money and it'd be foolish to not grab it.

Some of the sites are OK, they might even work well as brochureware - but they reliably have gaping holes that reflect whatever skills the "also" company doesn't have.

Also companies are like crappy cleaning ladies, they all have a list of what they "don't" do. I don't do windows or floors or whatever.
Just in case I am offending anyone I'll simply say that my Grandmother (who went to the 7th grade in New Bedford before going to work) was a really great cleaning lady who ended up sending her daughter on to the first class of women (3) to graduate from the Harvard Business School.

Anyway - also firms don't provide Internet marketing services, or they don't do shopping carts, or they don't perform analysis by reading stats for you. This isn't really a problem - a true full service website design and development firm is a rare animal - and most Entrepreneurs use a variety of specialists. The problem comes when they poo poo whatever they don't know how to do as not that important. Or even worse they do something like build a site with no knowledge of how search engines work, so even if you hire an SEO specialist the first piece of advice they'll give you is to throw away the site you just bought.

Websites are like many business tools in that the strength of the whole thing is equivalent to the strength of the weakest part. A great design is useless if no one visits, wonderful functionality is irrelevant if it looks like crap, great search engine marketing doesn't matter when you drive traffic at sites that don't convert.

When dealing with an "Also" firm you need to be aware of this danger and the reality that almost none of the websites made by these folks go on to have significant success. If your "also" company gets defensive about something they "don't" do that is a big red flag that you should pay attention and learn more.

Know who you are working with and understand how the limits of their skills are something you'll need to deal with.

*blush*

My last seminar was on February 27th at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, here is the feedback I received:

"I had the opportunity to attend The Internet Educator's 'The Three Things' seminar today and must confess I am blown away at how interesting Ross makes all this 'geeky' information! Ross presents in an interesting manner and relates to attendees in a clear, concise and easy to understand way. I learned a lot and can't wait for the next opportunity to learn even more. If you get the chance to attend a seminar presented by The Internet Educator - grab it!" 

Lorna Dee Nichols
Executive Director, Franklin County Chamber of Commerce

Speaking of speaking...
Places to be if you want to get enlightened

Thursday March 20th at 6PM

My next seminar is Thursday March 20th - at the Jay Middle School Cafeteria. The Three Things - free and open to the public. Please RSVP to Bonnie Perkins at the Jay, Livermore , Livermore Falls Chamber of Commerce: info@jay-livermore-lf.org or (207)-897-6755

My good friend Chuck Snell, who will soon be opening Big Mouth Burrito in West Farmington, will be providing delicious homemade cookies for this event. So yes young Cartman, there will be "punch and pie".

As always you can see all of upcoming seminars by clicking here.