Once
upon a time, any company with a Website was one step
ahead of everyone else. The tide changed several years
ago, however, when comments like the following could
be heard: "They don't even have a Website!"
Having a Website become a basic requirement, much
like having a phone. Still, while some companies spent
hundreds of thousands, others got by with basic looking
sites put up by interns.
Things have continued to evolve, however. In most
every industry, the standards of professionalism have
continued to rise. Having a bad Website is now a new
way to stand out, but not in a good way.
A
site with bad graphic design is often the first
impression someone will have of your firm. You
may have a nice sign, a pleasant reception area,
perhaps your employees dress professionally. But
if a visitor goes to your Website first, they
won't see any of it.
A
site with text that is dated, at best, lets people
know you don't keep things up do date. At worst
it may continue to promote an image or message
that you no longer wish to present.
A
site with bad functionality can drive a visitor
away in frustration. It's unlikely the visitor
will come back, either to your Website or to your
office. Broken links, images that never load,
forms that ask for information but don't deliver,
back-buttons that won't go back, all cause people
to click away as quick as they can.
A
Website that makes promises will cause great problems
if you don't deliver. Do you offer products, mailings,
or newsletters? Do your promise information, instructions,
prices, or answers to great questions? If you
do, and people come to your site and navigate,
register, or order, then you will look bad if
you don't deliver.
