"I am asking a general question and I am not prepared or interested in being contacted by any web developers or marketing companies."
I have an interest in getting my website rebuilt. I am concerned that some website developers are not actually doing the work themselves and they are simply acting as a broker. I suspect that some may actually be farming the work out to subcontractors or independent agents in other countries.
The issue is not technical proficiency, but simply a question of perspective. How can I possible feel that someone on the other side of the world, or even someone on either coast of the USA is going to understand my point of view when I am from the heartland? How can I trust that the same person who started the project will be the same person who will carry the project forward in a few months when I want to add more functionality?
How can I trust what I am being told? The internet and social media have systematically forced us all to be cautions about on-line transactions.
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EDIT: Dec. 30. 2021
I want to genuinely thank all of those who have introduced themselves to me. That was not what I was looking for and I was not yet prepared to have lengthy conversations. I received some coaching about how best to use Alignable and deflect contacts until I am really ready to talk. Still, some of the brief conversations I have had by phone were a good introduction to what I will experience in the future.
So, to amend and rephrase my original question, I would like to append this as though it were at the beginning of the question:
"I am asking a general question and I am not prepared or interested in being contacted by any web developers or marketing companies."
I made a serious error by thinking this was a Discussion Group rather than a 'Jobs Board'. I also made a serious error regarding Alignable. This platform is not nearly as finely tuned or as focused as I thought it might be. What do you think Discussion Groups on Alignable are for?
And still I may come back to this group to make connections and discuss further topics.
For those who have made the effort to reach me, THANK YOU! Stay in touch. Some of you did a much better job than others. And, just so you know, I prefer written communications. It allows me to parse every word that I read. And I can keep notes. And I can compose my thoughts into coherent sentences. Phone calls while I was driving should have been deflected by setting a time to talk when I am in the office at my desk. My Bad! Lesson learned.
Comments (1-10)
I think it starts with the conversation. The person who replies first and yells "I can help" without ever asking about your needs or challenges can't possibly understand your needs and challenges. It seems obvious but I think it's something that's missed especially when people are just looking for the cheapest vendor. Once that that conversation starts it should be a two-way discussion to make sure it's a good fit for BOTH people/organizations and if it's not either party should feel comfortable saying so and walking away.
At least that's what we do. I'm the first person to say we aren't for everybody - and everybody isn't for us.
if you have any questions you go through the process I'd be happy to chat.
When I was looking to rebuild my website, I gave one of those brokers $300 & mos later still had nothing. I then asked fellow business owners for recommendations, I met with 3 with a list of what I wanted done. 1 guy used outdated software & insisted on showing me a 10 minute PowerPoint that 3 hours later I was ready to slit my wrists. Another didn’t have any samples of his work & never got back to me with an estimate. The 3rd had very varied samples from a variety of businesses. He was ok with my hosting my own web server (my previous website designer disappeared. It was a good thing I maintained the server or else I would have never been able to update my website) Also, updates. My guy told me I could update it myself. I don’t want to. He charges $100/hour for updates. So every few months I send him a list, gets it done & bills me. I guess what I’m saying is stay local, know what you want & ask yourself, “Can I work with this person?”
Hi John Hansen, welcome to the job board, err.. Well, you know... I need to complement your ability to showcase your personality in your post.
Despite your post getting a lot of action, I also want to discuss your initial dilemma. I promise not to pitch.
When you're ready to move forward with your web designer search, I'd check the company's reviews on Google Maps (Google My Business.) Since you want to ensure you're dealing with the same person throughout the relationship, I'd look for a small "1 man show" type of operation. The reviews should not only indicate weather the person is prompt, provides a good finished product, sees their customer's vision, has fair prices, etc... You would also see that same person's name a lot in the reviews because the clients built a personal relationship with her/him.
Once you stumble upon a potential good fit, their website should showcase their portfolio, where you can see if their prior work aligns with your preferences. They should offer a free consultation where you can ask them about turn-around time and who they have on the team.
One thing to consider before you even do that, is what is inspiring your desire to update your website? Are you trying to get found by more potential clients? Maybe you want an easier way to upload and share the inspection reports, contracts, and payment methods? Or are you trying to minimize the website related ridicule from realtors when you meet at networking events? Either way, finding someone who is familiar with your industry will likely be an even more important consideration. However, if you are trying to land more clients through search engines, make sure that the potential marketer won't work for your competitors.
FYI, I didn't look at your website, I have no idea if it deserves any mockery. I worked for an HVAC company that used to get laughed at for our website by general contractors at bid meetings. Now days I work for my brother-in-law's digital marketing company that helps law firms get found online, so I'm speaking from a familiar landscape about web designers. I think you will know when you have found the right company. When our clients find us, they get a sense of how genuine we are, and I believe you will too.
Great subject, John.
There are certainly brokers and salesmen in our industry. And there are one-man bands, small boutiques, agencies, and more. They all provide a very different scope of work and way of use. Big differences that equal a flavor that you will either like, love, or hate.
Here on Alignable we have all of the above and then some. Read the replies and if you find some you like click on their name and explore their Alignable profile. If you like their profile go further and learn more about their company, people, product, and services.
My agency does not farm out our work but we are not accepting new clients until at least Q3 2022.
Best wishes on your hunt for the perfect website, James.
I use Groove, I do all the work myself, it's a one time fee, and they're always SEO ready upon completion. (usually takes 2 weeks to a month and a half depending on the scope of the project) I also do everything else digital marketing related but some is handled by a few others on the team. Anyone need a Blockchain domain since we're headed for Web 3 soon? Build a site, use it as your crypto wallet, and several other uses are available with these domains. Message me and I'll send you to the right place.
Who is doing the work and where the work is being done is irrelevant. As long as the quality of the work is good, can be accounted for, and is within scope.
All that being said, I have not outsourced any development or SEO work since going on my own. I do that on my own.
Instead, I only outsource time-consuming tasks that require minimal communication and effort.
I believe this is a concern not just with website but marketing, IT and many other services. My best advice is you have to get to know the company and that does require conversations where you vet them. If you are not wanting to do that right now, perhaps a better question (or an additional question) might be to ask who out here has first hand POSITIVE experience with a company that has built their website and the same team they spoke with is the team that completed the work. I think a team is better than an individual (what if something happens to the individual) and that is my experience with the company I would recommend. Best of luck on your search and I hope this was helpful.
Hello John! That's a very legitimate concern. Unfortunately there's a lot of companies that will outsource work to save a dime and that's just not fair to their clients. We've been in business about 15 years now and have worked with hundreds of small business owners. Our team is small but mighty, and we do everything internally. Our philosophy is one of honesty and reliability always. Would love to touch base and learn a little more about your project to see if we might be a good fit for you!
Ask them directly: where are you located, do you work for XYZ, or are you an independent contractor? Our designers are in-house. Our customers have the designer's email address and phone number and can reach us all on the same number if needed. We are USA based and use the same snail mail address on our business cards :) Plus if you're in the area (not more than 50 miles, we'll meet with you.
1. I would suggest finding someone local. That way you can talk to them in person and just ask if they offshore their work.