Need feedback

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Permalink Reply by Noel Norwick on January 7, 2010 at 7:51pm

On a quick scan, I like what you have done. Possibly I missed it, so I suggest that you might add sections addressing the following:
1. The different needs of independent contractors working in; another's "store front business", their own licensed business location or performing out calls to client homes/offices vs. W2 employees working for a licensed business.
2. Insuring that the "sophistication" of one's website accurately reflects what prospective clients will actually experience when they first meet you in your work environment.
3. When & how to choose a web host provider vs using trade association freebies.
4. When and why to include links to related websites on your website.

Permalink Reply by Linda Roisum on January 7, 2010 at 8:06pm

Noel, thanks for the comments and suggestions. You have given me some great ideas for future blog posts.

Noel Norwick said:

On a quick scan, I like what you have done. Possibly I missed it, so I suggest that you might add sections addressing the following:
1. The different needs of independent contractors working in; another's "store front business", their own licensed business location or performing out calls to client homes/offices vs. W2 employees working for a licensed business.
2. Insuring that the "sophistication" of one's website accurately reflects what prospective clients will actually experience when they first meet you in your work environment.
3. When & how to choose a web host provider vs using trade association freebies.
4. When and why to include links to related websites on your website.

Permalink Reply by Jenny Ray on January 8, 2010 at 11:48am

Hi Linda,
Very nice....good information clearly stated...easy to navigate and interesting...
I have two web sites, one for my CE education company www.sacredstonemedicine.com that is informational and educational only along with the contact info. The other site is for an association I work with that includes all the above with a pass code protected Pay Pal system for memberships.www.stonewalkersassociation.com
I built both of them in Front Page so they are not as up beat or fancy as I wish, but...I came to this option after I was ripped off by two different web design companies (to the tune of $15,000 total) and spent a full year battling them to no avail.
The biggest risk I have found with this advertising method is the lack of integrity among web design companies, leaving most of us to 'fin' for ourselves resulting in semi acceptable sites. I currently spend over $125 a month on server fees, shopping cart fees and such.
The worst part for me has been not seeing actual results. The client's I reach come through networking, purchased advertisements and promotional efforts. The web sites end up being a source of information for existing clients after they have been directed to the sites through off line avenues. I can not say I find this an effective use of my advertising dollar (or limited time) but it does seem to be a requirement for validating my company image. This 'store front' is expected when negotiating with new prospects. The time involved in maintaining the sites, updating information, creating new images and promoting the sites has been extensive. In some ways it feels like one more product to sell.
If you or anyone else has suggestions as to how to increase traffic to the site (got all the key words, Google search and such in place) then I'm all ears.....
Do others actually see results in client numbers through web sites or is this just another 'busy' part of doing business these days?
Thanks,
Jenny