Advice Needed - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

realpurty2 · 04-02-2006, 11:32 PM

I am working on totally revamping our entire website and need advice.

I want to include a page that displays the logos of our preferred suppliers.
(I've been told that helps SEO because of back-links and also looks good to clients that they are getting quality materials)

My question is how to list suppliers that are competitors of each other without a conflict of interest? Such as:

CertainTeed vs Alcoa Siding
Anderson Windows vs Pella vs CertainTeed

Is it more common to specialize and only offer one brand? We've always taken into consideration the customer preference and budget, the highest quality option, and what would best meet their needs when deciding what to offer. Now that it's going to be visible online, I'm not sure if I should mention brand names at all to avoid conflict.

Suggestions?

dayspring · 04-03-2006, 05:39 AM

Ah, You are in Greeneville. Both of my kids live there. I actually lived there myself for about a year.

Personally, I see no problem with ads for the same type of product by different suppliers or manufactuers as long as you would suggest and install either. You could build a page just for suggested products. If you are into remodeling you just about have to install what tthe homeowner chooses.

CE1 · 04-03-2006, 06:16 AM

I would check with the suppliers, they might want you to use one of their special web sites or web address. Also the supplier might give you a kickback for referrals to their website. There are probably more people out there that know more than I about this, so keep asking. Also showing more suppliers of the same type of product gives the impression to the customer that he/she has more options in what products and services you have to offer. Look at HD <duck> (missed me HA! HA!)

Hope I helped a little

Jason · 04-03-2006, 12:48 PM

When I see a suppliers logo on someone elses website I usually assume that:

1. They prefer this product and its what they can use. They have access to this brand.

2. They are certified installers of that specific product and usually will carry additional expertise in this brands products.

3. They may carry additional warranties when using this product. (ex: CertainTeed offers additional warranties for groups passing their product test)

I would put the logos / brand names of the companies you respect, use, and have access too; especially if they are competing companies. It shows to me that you have options and are an expert in your field.

AaronO · 04-03-2006, 01:29 PM

I have to agree with everything everyone is saying. Not only should you be putting the manufacturers' information on the website, but also you should be putting in extreme detail the actual products you use for each manufacturer. Not only does this help with providing information to the consumer, allowing them to know the options that are available, but it actually helps with the optimization of your website.

You should definitley have a seperate page that focuses on the manufacturer, and the products that they provide.

Another thing you should do is definitley ask for a possible reciprocal link with the manufacturer. Depending if you are a dealer for them, they should already be doing that for that website. It is a win-win for both companies, regardless if you think it is competition. I have never come across a manufacturer, requesting to have information deleted from a website, when all it is doing is selling their products.

RobertCDF · 04-03-2006, 02:51 PM

If YOU are paying for the hosting I dont think there should be a problem what products you provide links to. If you look at my webpage in the links page I have some of the same "type" of products from differant manufactures listed. If I had one of the companies "ask" me to remove its competion from my webpage I would probably drop THEM instead. Now if they offered to pay to be the only one on there I would say no problem. But as long as you are footing the bill do what you like with it.