There is a song that was out on the pop charts for quite a while I believe was called 'Money For Nothing and Your Chicks For Free'. It rather exemplified the concept of performing very little to get paid a lot. I bring this up because I recalled the tune after performing a bit of research for my business regarding web designers and their variety of services and prices. Like most studies, I found there where:
In doing the research, I started to see a pattern that was quite appalling.
Having the proper tools to do most any job is a necessity. The same is true for web designing. Having automation tools, templates and examples to reuse makes the project go faster and can save the customers money when used effectively. I have absolutely no problem with this practice.
The concern came when I learned that several web designers only have one way of building a website and it is only learned by the consumer when he/she wants a modification. At this point, it is scrap the existing site and start over! You have got to be kidding!
On top of this, the site has virtually no promotion to cause people to visit it. It is somewhat expected that 'Build It And They Will Come'. There are still multiple web designers stating this to potential clients and some even believe it themselves!
When pressed about getting visitors, the general answer is 'Pay Per Click' is the only promotion that works. I was absolutely amazed that this mentality still exist.
Let's put it another way... by reading this blog you are using the internet. Think about how you find websites. Do you search via a search engine? Google? Yahoo!?
When you search, do you click on the advertisements or the 'generic listings'?
In my experience, the vast majority of people avoid the advertisements unless something is very difficult to find or the ad is so compelling they can't resist.
Being a data person, I usually try to keep the law of averages on my side and go with the majority. In this case the generic listings. When you build or rebuild your next business website, please think about how you use the internet and determine what would cause you to find the site. This should go a long way towards getting others to visit yours.
Also, check into the customer recommendations first hand of a web designer before allowing them to build or rebuild yours. If I can't get a good reference when spending the money it takes for a good website, I go elsewhere. Considering this is your first impression with potential clients, I would suggest you do the same!