myths about websites

You may have assumptions about websites. Some of them may be true, some not. Let us help by dispelling some of the more common website myths.

A website is a commodity

All sites are not created equally, and all sites will aim for different goals. Your business’ website is a distinct business tool, and should be perceived, created and managed as such. The “product” supplied will differ greatly from one web design company to the next. Be mindful of the old adage: You get what you pay for.

Your business needs a website because every business needs a website

This is not always the case, but in truth, it is quite rare to find a business that could not benefit in some way from having a website. Some universal applications include email addresses, company contact information, listings of products and services, as well as brand recognition and proliferation. But getting a website just because your neighbour has one is definitely the wrong attitude to take. Your needs and goals will be unique and your website should therefore be unique.

If you build a website, visitors will come

Sadly, this is not true. It is true that, in time, the major search engines will most likely find your website and index it, but this may not happen for many months and they may not index your site favorably (i.e. visitors searching on your products or services may not be able to find your website).

Active and passive techniques should be employed to bolster the amount of targeted’ traffic your website receives (targeted traffic consists of visitors who are actually interested in your business and its products and services, as opposed to visitors who wind up on your site by accident or misleading techniques). There is an assortment of different ways to promote your site, and your web developer can help you get started, or take your existing strategy to the next level.

 

A website is simply an online brochure

Yes and no. Good brochures, like good websites, have goals. They set out to achieve something specific. A good website understands who its audience is, and helps them to achieve their goals.

 

Your website’s image should be a unique part of your brand

This is a big mistake. You have invariably spent lots of time and money creating a brand for your business. You have certain fonts, colours, and styles that are already associated with your brand. When someone who knows your company “offline” visits your website and sees something completely different, they may feel as though they have landed on a different company’s website (who happens to have the same name as your business). This dilutes your brand and can work against your marketing efforts.

Your website should be closely tied in to your other marketing and branding efforts. You need to present a unified front to your customers to be memorable in the marketplace. Your site should reflect the quality, character and values of your business. Remember - you only get one chance to make a good first impression.

 

We need a website, hire a techie

A website is a lot more than a technical matter. Only the guts of a website are technical, and good sites require a combination of skills. There are big benefits at modest cost to consulting a professional internet company before you begin. “The only thing more expensive than hiring a professional is hiring an amateur.” Red Adair.

 

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