After some 20 years in the website creation business, we at HirMon have noticed that there are two types of potential clients:
- Those who are serious about their website.
- Those who are not serious about their website.
How we tell which is which is really very simple. From a few hundred emails we have received over the years, here is an example of #2:
How much would it cost for you to build me a website?
That’s it! Don’t try to read anything else into that sentence: that’s all they say! (Yeah! A little more information would be a real help, but it isn’t there!)
They say nothing about the nature or focus of the site, what it’s target audience might be, what kind of functionality and design might be required just -- build me a website. Worse - a request for just a few more details, usually results in the person "going somewhere else."
And, as you might suspect, this type of enquiry isn’t that unique: You can see any number of such requests on venues like Craigslist.
We think (but cannot prove) that this type of request is due to one or more of the following:
- Someone not having a clue about websites, how they work and what they are all about (see this section)
- They are "blasting" a lot of emails around to try to get some kind of handle on what a website might cost.
- Already have someone in mind, but still want to shop around.
- Are trying to find something that is supposedly "within their budget." (Can’t fault anyone for that -- unless -- cost is considered just for costs sake; then there are problems brewing!)
- Idiots (sorry, but a few really come over that way...)
Our problem can be summed up very simply:
Our crystal ball broke years ago and it’s still in the shop waiting on parts...
In our own defense, HirMon has a lot of experience with a wide variety of websites, such as those for:
- Quasi and true governmental agencies (e.g. health departments, Denver Chapter of the American Red Cross, etc.)
- Private sector support agancies (such as Jewish Family Services of Denver and associated assistance fund distribution organizations)
- Public sector businesses, like: Real Estate agents, Insurance Agents, specialty book services, etc.
- Performers and authors publicity sites; here are just a couple: BillBarwick.com, CorinneJoyBrown.com (including calendar, sales, audio/video clips, etc.)
- Online information services (like travel newsletters and allied subjects)
- Small hotel/B&B sites (with/without built in reservations systems)
- General small business sales websites
And, you see, there is the point: Whether or not we have the expertise to build a "my specialty" website or not -- is totally irrelevant: we know how to apply businesses to the Internet.
Those who are serious
These are the people that know what business is all about. They know that the real secret to success is marketing and look at websites as business tools to help them get that special "edge" on their competition.
9 1/2 times out of 10, they know what their website should include and if they have a problem it is simple this: They are unsure if something they would like to have can actually be included.
When they contact us, we usually get a "laundry list" of details.
And we are so happy!
Someone (namely them) had the presence of mind to sit down for a few minutes and actually work out a plan to include their website into their business plan.
And that is the real way we can tell those how are serious from those that are not:
A serious website owner will recognized that a website is not an end-all and be-all unto itself.
It is only part of a comprehensive business strategy.
And of our clients that understood that -- 99 % of them have websites they consider a success.
The rest that "knew better" -- are still off somwhere in the ozone.
Finally
Although I cannot prove it, being "ignorant" or even "playing dumb" when approaching someone to build or repair a website, will probably get most potential and existing owners in a world of trouble.
Pure ignorance is "not your friend."
That is one of the reasons Web School 101 exists on this site.
