Building Web Sites....

woodmagman

Why bother having a web site if you don’t put your location, the locations you will work or a phone number on the site.

DamionR

kinda sounds like you anwered your own question

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woodmagman

yeh but......look at all the sites that don't. I have been on three this morning from this forum alone.

DamionR

Yup... most people design sites and have no clue what needs to be there.

Once again... it all comes down to basic marketing principles. If you want someone to call you - but your phone number is not htere... or buried somewhere at the bottom - what do you expect?

Here's a tip I use whenever I work a client.


The very first step before you do ANYTHING with your website is to see if it's going to do what you want.

First.. I have the client write out a list of EVERY possible action they'd want the visitor to take once they arrive at the site. This can include:

• Filling out a form
• Calling the office
• Bookmarking the site
• Downloading a file
• Referring the site to a friend
• browsing a photo gallery
• subscribing to newsletter
• posting a comment
• etc.

In the end... that's all that really matters. Actions. If the visitor doesn't take action - whats the point of having them come there?

After we compile a complete list.... I have the client order them in value... from greatest to least. A phone call might be more important than someone downloading a file, for example. So the entire list is ordered.

Next - we review the site, from their point and mine. Does the current design of the site focus on driving visitors to these most important actions? If so - great! If not... well... it's time to rethink the design and copy on the site.

Once we have a design that seems to focus on the main action items, then we begin a testing phase. We can assume that it will work... but until we see some visitors t the site and know some facts... it's all assumptions. The testing wil confirm that the site is doing what we want... or if it's time to do different design/layout/copy.

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liltrainerboy

what does one charge for web design

Steve Nyhof

Hi liltrainerboy,
The sky is the limit depending on what you need in a web site. I have been dealing with contractors all my life, and for about 5 years in web site hosting.

I am a home designer and builder, but I also have learned a great deal about the Internet. However, I have also learned that contractors and the Internet do not mix well. I have come to realize that contractors are people in control, take charge, administrate and organize... BUT, "a web site!?! Nope, don't need that! Doing just fine." Surrre! What I hear is, "ohhh, I don't know anything about techy stuff so I am going to run and hide."

Many web hosting companies have made their systems so easy... "your kids are doing it!" Ok, I'll step down now. Most contractors need very basic template driven sites to display their content, which are typically very inexpensive. There are a number of ways to market your site, but working with someone who understands how to guide you with writing content for your local area is very important.

One thing I also have a hard time understanding, is that many web sites are hosted for under $10.00 per month. Just get one and start learning about them. When you know more, move on or upgrade to something better.

You need to repair something in the house, you go out and purchase a $150.00 drill, do the job and store the drill. But something like a website that many time costs less and helps promote your company... "I don't know!!??!!, I could be really taken here because I don't understand this stuff." My responce... "So what!" It's a small price to pay, just get going and stop with the procrastination already.

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President; Steve Nyhof Enterprises, Inc.

lusori

I'd recommend contractors get someone to design their site(professional firm). It pays in the long run by having a more professional appearance.

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pera

i don't know what you guys are talking about? $8oK websites?
i actually got on here today to post and see if anybody knew someone that could put up my site. just a few pages of standard info about the company and our services and some pictures. I thought I could have something simple like this done for about $500.
No?

Steve Nyhof

Of course you can. And hooking up with the right company will continue to benifit you as time moves forward. Find someone that already knows the construction industry.

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Steve Nyhof
President; Steve Nyhof Enterprises, Inc.

mickeyco

Earl Scheib, any web site, any color, $19.95.

mickeyco

Do you have dancing monkeys on your site, for that kind of money I'm expecting dancing monkeys.

Nathan

We have two sponsors on this site that can make great websites for you for that budget.

Vision Web Services

and

Footbridge Media

Both are excellent and I'm not just saying that because they are sponsors. Do a search on the site for these companies and you will see good things.

Thanks

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Nathan

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot

Steve Nyhof

I thought about the dancing monkeys!

Actually I have spent that kind of money over the past 7 years as changes to the Internet and alternative programming languages became available.

I have asked myself many times whether it is all worth it or not. I have programmed our CAD system and company systems and connected it all with our web sites. It's all very cool stuff, but does it pay?

I chalk it all up to advertising costs and business expenses. And justify it because what we offer our home building clients and home builder clients is far greater than anything else available. Spend a few minutes on my web site looking at testimonials found in a number of areas, they will speak for themselves. Then come back and comment about the $40,000 I spent which I view as part of the cost to operate a professional company.

Oh, and sorry... there are no dancing monkeys.

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President; Steve Nyhof Enterprises, Inc.

dougchips

I am always lucky enough to copy the links before they are removed. Nice site Steve.

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Steve Nyhof

You see mickeyco, you should be more careful, like dougchips. I see you both sell decking. I build large homes on Lake Michigan and have built $20,000 deck systems with glass railings. I spend $40,000 on a web site, chances are I have some money. No, not dancing monkey's.

Just giving you a hard time.

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Steve Nyhof
President; Steve Nyhof Enterprises, Inc.

mickeyco

You can get to his site by clicking on his name. The site(s) looks good but there is way too much stuff for an ADD guy like myself, I'd ask what exactly you do, but I think it'd be easier to ask what don't you do related to construction/housing/plans/remodeling/software etc. I do have a question about plans, how does that work with selling plans in different states that have licensing and "direct control" requirements? I see that that you have the different aspects divided into different links but I got lost, probably not a problem if people arrive at, or are pointed to, a specific site of yours. Keep my dancing monkey suggestion in mind.

dougchips

Whoever posting the dancing monkey picture on here a couple of weeks ago, I stole it and it is now on my staff only page of my web-site.

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mickeyco

Have you noticed how much the staff's attitude and performance has improved after adding the monkey, you just can't lose with them.

Steve Nyhof

Something like the dancing monkey does help keep the humor in the conversation. It might get a bit boring otherwise.

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Steve Nyhof
President; Steve Nyhof Enterprises, Inc.

dougchips

The staff get a kick out of it, the dancing monkey and two fish that go back and forth. I was planning on a zoo but one of the sites that I got the images from caused some issues with my computer the other night.

I wish I had the nads to try the monkey on my landing page.

What was the topic?

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