Too Many Hats

What hat are you currently wearing? I don't mean physically, we're talking mental here! It does not matter if your a painter, builder, teacher or even an investor. When it comes to doing things yourself to save a buck or wearing your super hero jack of all trades tool belt. Most likely.. you wear all kinds of other hats though out your personal, business and social life.

I heard a local radio commercial the other day. It was one of those do it yourself online website builders. Less than an hour you're online and ready to go!!! What! One hour? I did not even bother to go try it or even look at the company making the offer. We all know about the phrase "if it seams too good to be true" etc.. well I'd have to disagree with that phrase as the source of this offer is not important. Enough said.. that's not what I'm talking about any way. It's what the commercial made me think about when it was over.

One Hour Website!!!

One would instantly say to themselves. Whoo hooo! I can save myself a ton of money and knock this project out myself. Just need to put my logo, company name, couple of photos along with the details of what my website is all about. Let's not forget the contact us page as well as some legal jumbo mumbo ya know. Gotta protect my interest as they say! Ok, so it's been an hour and I'm all done. Perfect!

Or Is It?

Let's listen in on a conversation that could easily take place between two business partners. Let's refer to them as Mike and Debby for this example:

Hey Mike, come take a look. I created the company website in less than one hour! I saved us time and money. It's all free for the first year! Domain name, hosting and my online website builder account. Cool! Let me take a look at it. Hey that's not bad! I like it, we should do great with that website!!

Mike is your typical hard working painter. Does not use the computer, no email account and does not even text on his cell phone. What can he offer in regards to advice about the website? Show his thanks and gratitude for his partners efforts. Of course, it's polite to do so. Debby knows all about installing computer software, fast learner and is indeed a regular at the online games, chat, emails, text'n .. shes' all over it ya know! So, she's done exactly what the radio commercial said she'd be able to do. Happy times!!

A few months go by and the only thing bringing in sales is still the local newspaper ad they maintained till the website took over the task of bringing in new customers. Over a period of say 6 months they got 1 job from the website. It was a friend that was already going to buy, but they looked at the website from the newspaper ad and called. So, what really got them the job? The newspaper, sent them to the website. So, they keep the ad running.

Later on, Mike runs into Scott from Snerdey.com at a cabana over on the island. While enjoying a ice cold brew conversation takes place between two perfect strangers. Talk about what each other do for work, swap business cards and Scott ask for the website address as it's his passion, hobby and really has a desire to help people succeed in life. 

One of the first things that's noticed right away is that the website address is not even on the business card. Later that evening Scott reviews the website and sends off an email with suggestions, modifications and most always includes a free quote or two for an overhaul using one of the website templates or even the cms software. The email address on the card is one of those free online email accounts they've used for everything since day one. Not the new website address with their own email.. ugh!

Let's take a look at the email Scott sent.

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Hello Mike!

Great to meet you, enjoyed our visit. I've looked over your website and as you asked you requested my honest review and what I'd do to make it work better for the company.

My first impression is that the website is taking over 25 seconds to load on a cable modem even. Websites need to open within just a few seconds or less for the home page at least. There are 20 photos on the home page that are all 5MB each. Those photos need to be reduced in byte size and I'd move them to their own page using a photo gallery.

--- skipping to end.

Overall the website is ok, it's a modified cookie cutter website and I can see it's one of those free website offers. You've done a good job with the content "wording" on the services page. Checked backlinks to the site and there are none. Checked for directory listings, social media and the only thing I find when searching your services in the area are 100's of pages of other painters.

Let's meet for a free consultation over the web via my online meeting software. This way you can see my screen and we can go over the issues I see on the site. I've also provided a few options below to spiff up the website to bring it up to par and blow your competitors websites out of the water!

Design Option One
This design is all ready laid out for a painters website.
Requires basic HTML Skills, CSS and Adobe Software

Design Option Two
This website setup is focused more on colors for a painting company to offer.
Also requires knowledge of HTML, CSS and Dynamic Website Design and Adobe software.

Design Option Three
Now this template is all about "DIY" or Do It Yourself can be a painting website easy!
Actually requires no special software, does cost a little more but it's so easy to use...

Let me know what you think!

Have a Great New Year!
Scott

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HEY YOU!!.. Yeah You! the one reading this post... Which design would you select?
Please comment below and let us know which one and why?

To view all website templates ... pay attention to the "Type" of website template. If you have

Happy Editing!
Snerdey