Why Websites SUCK and how we make them BETTER!!!

!!!!!!!!!Here is a list of ten reasons on why most small business websites suck and ten ways to make their small business website better!!!!!!!!!

Reason why websites "SUCK": 

1. Static websites with no fresh content
2. They took the “cheapest” route to get online just because they heard they should
3. No call to actions
4. Design is horrible
5. Using Flash
6. Using a free website solution that either uses a sub domain like yoursitename.freeservicename.com or puts their ads on the free website until you upgrade to take it off.
7. Small Business owners are usually great at what they do but don’t have a clue on the latest user interfaces, user experience techniques, and just think once they have a website they are done.
8. Most of the small business websites we see are great for “current clients” in mind but aren’t used as sales tools or a welcome mat for new customers to sign up, call, or buy your product or service.
9. They built their website in 1999 when people and phones both were not "Smart" and folks used terms like "Floppy drives" and it still looks like they were built in 1999
10. They don’t treat their website like they do their location or real estate. When they find an office or a location to start their business they put thought into that and maybe even are willing to invest 20k a month for their retail or office space. But then they go and spend 2k on a crappy website? Your web space is virtual real estate and should be looked at that way.

How will we make it better:

1. Use WordPress
2. Invest money in (local web designer's) who have an updated portfolio of websites that fits your style and needs. Obviously like us!
3. Check out services like www.rethinkingweb.com if you still want a great web design but are on a low budget.
4. Get a great domain name and consider either a great brand strategy related to your business name or use the main keywords of your service or product within the domain name. www.webmaharaja.com is a great place to buy domain names because they don’t sucker you into going through ten pages of crap to try an upsell stuff you don’t need.
5. Use really good hosting that has 24/7 live chat support similar to www.webmaharaja.com and allows use to build other websites down the line if you need to. They also have 1-click installation of content management systems like WordPress.
6. Think of a content strategy once the website is up. Are you going to blog to keep your site fresh with content related to what you do? Or maybe have a videos that you do and upload to the site if you aren’t into writing all the time.
7. Answer questions that customers always ask you in person on your website. This way when they call they are ready to buy or just need a little more clarification before pulling the trigger on using your service.
8. Don’t use flash, we are now in 2012
9. Use WordPress plugins to make your site mobile friendly or help with the on page SEO structure of the site
10. OR – Find a website management & marketing company you become familiar with, like and trust to do all of this for you so you can focus on your business. You don’t expect a web design and internet marketing company to know how to pull a tooth if you are a dentist, or change your oil if you are an auto repair shop, so we don’t expect you to build all of this better then someone that lives and breathes this every day..? If you want to take a shot at it keep some of these tips above in mind and let us know if you have any questions.

Why is it alright to pay a little more for a well designed website!!!!

Your website is open 24/7

A website allows your business to be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. There are millions of people, from all over the world, online at any time of the day. Many of them are looking to source products or services. If you run a conventional brick and mortar business, you can only attract the people who walk or drive past your shop, in any one day. Having a website designed for you allows you to attract new customers that would otherwise never find you - and they can do so when your shop is closed! A well designed web site also gives them a reason to revisit the site in the future. While we invest millions in designing and maintaining our shop or office to make sure we create the right impression on our customers, the same should apply for our website, wherein, not every designer or agency can achieve your vision and put it online in a professional and aesthetic manner.

Websites increase customer confidence

A professional, well designed website, with the right content, easy navigation and quickly accessible contact details, greatly increases customer confidence in your company. A well designed website shows people that you are forward thinking and customer focused, much in the way a well designed business card did in the past, which is an important factor in any buying decision that they have to make.

Websites increase customer referrals

What is easier to remember, www.rethinkingweb.com or +919167677045?
A website address is much easier to remember than a telephone number, so it stands to reason that having a website increases the likelihood of referrals - and let's face it, referrals are one of the most important sources of new business. Without referrals and leads any business around the globe would stand no chance of surviving.

A website address increases the ROI when advertising

Including your website address on all of your adverts, business cards, letterheads, invoices, etc allows people to take action straight away, when they view an advert, or hear about your product or service. Visiting your website is so much easier than driving to your store, telephoning or writing a letter to you. When online, a potential customer can take their time and enjoy finding out about your products or services without the pressure of having a salesman floating about in the background. In fact with constant updates and technological development it is much easier now a days for your potential and existing customers to interact with you whilst they are on the website via tools like live chat, contact forms etc.

Website sales

Your website is one of the most impressive sales presentations that you will ever have. Allowing your customers to buy your products or services online is a wonderful and inexpensive way to expand your business. Spending thousands on advertising, for an ad that is featured in one mag, for one month simply doesn't compare to investing in a long term sales marketing solution - or a well designed website as we like to call them!

Even if you do not offer a product or service that can easily be purchased over the Internet, a website still acts as an impressive first contact, convincing the potential customer that they need what you are offering and inviting them to contact you, via telephone, email or contact form on your website. In short your website acts as your silent salesman.

Websites promote future business

When a potential customer comes into your shop and leaves without making a purchase and without speaking to anyone, they are basically a dead prospect. When someone views your well designed website and doesn't make a purchase straight away, they can easily revisit anytime to make the purchase in the future. On top of that, you can use your website to collect the email addresses of visitors and send them periodical promotional emails, newsletters or updates on your product or service. So although they may not buy first time around, you have more than one opportunity to close the sale!

RethinkingWeb believes in designing and developing websites which work for you and not just be brochures online which just give out information and not give back ROI. With “Dynamism” being the name of the game, we always have tried giving more than required. When it comes to delivering the best results we don’t compare we set the benchmark for others to follow.