Blog

Alright, I hear this a lot, especially lately when talking with new and potential clients.  “How do I know I really need to update my site?  It’s been working OK.”

To that question I answer with a multi-pronged question.   Is your site traffic where you would like?  Does your site full represent your company, in both terms of style/presentation and the information?  Is your site getting you noticed and driving business?  You should be able to say yes to all 3 of those!  I would wager that about 70% of the people I talk to just need to have a way to keep their sites updated on a regular basis thats quick and easy.  You don’t ALWAYS need a re-design of your site.  However, with Web 2.0 and all the related technologies and social networking its hard to conceive that your site you designed 3 years ago is still relevant and is the running with your competition.  If your customers are web savvy then you need to cater to their needs, just as you do everywhere else in your business.   Think of it this way, if you dont update your site, its outdated (if the content is 6 months or older…you’re antiquated), what kind of message does that send your customers (they’re not important enough to update the site)?  Just because you’re located in the Quad Cities or the midwest doesn’t mean its not imporant, or you’re not relevant.  Everyone is on the web these days!  With techno-services out there like FaceBook, Twitter, and MySpace its hard to conceive of a business that doesnt need to keep their site up to date.

Just yesterday we heard from a gentleman in the construction business right here in the QC.  “I’m just not sure I’m ready for the web.”  This day in age, I dont even know that means!  Having a site developed is the easiest thing to do, and its a good investment for your company.  He may not be ready for the web, but his customers certainly are.  What are your customers doing, how are they using the web?  How is your competition using the web?

The economy is not good, we all know that.  We hear it ALL day on the news, in the check out lanes, etc.  So, is this a time to sit back and just let it ride?  Absolutely not, for me its batton down the hatches and push full throttle.  Take this moment in history to explore your opportunities and see what your business can do, try out those new products or services you’ve been wanting to tinker around with.  Now mind you, if you’re changing your business you’ve got inform your clients, and what better way to do that than with your very own web site?  I’m always updating this blog, it lets me air my thoughts, dispell my rants and most importantly…stay relevant.

Are you staying relevant?