Company websites

[Peter Normington]

no, dont have, dont want.
It wasnt a poll option? but to me a web site is like yellow pages, if you have one you need to get customers to look at it, so you either need to spend money, or think of something to get you noticed on the tinterweb.
Dont assume that having a website will generate work.

Peter

[John & Dawn Roddick]

Peter

I did put that option in but obviously incorrectly as it hasn’t appeared 😳 😳 . Have tried to add it in but with no luck – it’s been one of those days.

Dawn

[Nicola McIntosh]

i need to get mine finished simply because new customers that phone actually ask if i have a website….its easier for them to find out what sort of work i do, and the more impressive looking a site is…i pressume would generate more business 😀

nik

[Patrick Donaghey]

that’s what i was trying to do last nite looking to c if i could get a web site that allows you to build your own website . I had one but gave it up and now i want a better one it lets new and existing customers see what you can do

[Carlos Cavanagh]

I guess it depends on the type of business. If your market is local you can get away with either no web site or a simple one. If your customer base is national, then you have to provide all information to make a sale, which makes for a lot of work and may even include the ability to take orders over the site.

[Dave Bruce]

Have to diagree Peter, I have a website which costs me less than £100 a year and brings in bigger jobs than I get on a daily basis. As has been said it is a showcase for your work, cheaper than reprinting a wee brochure everytime you want to show new and interesting work.

I get loads of people asking if they can see my work on a website, but then we have islands here where people can’t just nip in to see you.

Cheers

Dave

[Peter Normington]

quote Nicola McIntosh:

i need to get mine finished simply because new customers that phone actually ask if i have a website….its easier for them to find out what sort of work i do, and the more impressive looking a site is…i pressume would generate more business 😀

nik

You do not need a website to have an online portfolio, you can just email your brochure and portfolio to people who ask, its more personal, and as for signs, most on the boards, I think, frown on "on line ordering" type sites, It doesnt allow any creative or unique input.

So I still think a www. is just an add, you are competing with a billion others for attention.

Just my little bit,

Google "van signs" or "graphics for my business" and see what you get

then decide if you want to be there…

Peter

[Dave Bruce]

I get new comers (and others) searching online for signmakers in Oban, yer you live in an area with a higher population so there will be hundreds of signmakers there which makes it a bit different.

Go search signs oban

Cheers

Dave

[Nicola McIntosh]

quote Peter Normington:

you can just email your brochure and portfolio to people who ask, its more personal

i would still prefer to direct customers to browse my website at their lesuire and it saves loads of my valuable time,
and as dave says, saves time and money printing wee brochures or flyers that get chucked in the bin half the time anyway 😉

nik

[John & Dawn Roddick]

quote DaveBruce:

Go search signs oban

Cheers

Dave

Don’t do it – some cowboy outfit comes up :lol1: :lol1:

[Peter Normington]

Dave if your name is Known then people will find you. if I am looking for a product I will look up signs in the yellow pages lots will come up, yell.com will list the top payers first.

I did find this very nice job, under a google for van graphics, Face I think you will regognise, but who did the job? http://www.petsnakes.co.uk/Under_The_Sp … van_5.html

Peter

[Dave Bruce]

Don’t do it – some cowboy outfit comes up

:lol1: :lol1: yeee haaaa

[Peter Normington]

Dave, its nice not to have a lot of competition 😀

Peter

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[Dave Bruce]

What you are forgetting Peter is that we are in a small town, we actually have competition from Fortwilliam, Inverness, Stirling, Glasgow etc.

Plus other wee guys not listed there, but yer it looks good, and ofcourse those other people on yell.com whoever they are have no idea on design :lol1:

Cheers

Dave

[Hugh Potter]

i’ve had a number of people hone me about work, who’ve heard of me, but couldnt find me because i’m not on the internet, well.. not got a website anyways,

i am in the process now of sorting one out, a kind of online portfolio really, not an "order online type"…. too much grief in my opinion ! i personally feel its a good idea, i can link it to my yell.com ad, and also link it to current adverts i do,

thumbs up from me !

[David Rowland]

website "for the win" im afraid… has worked although i need to finish writing it as it has a lot of out-of-date images on it.

Its mainly used as a porfolio, another good use is when ur in the office with a customer and u want to show some vans… u just bring them up on screen.

so its a tool really, if you got a catchy webaddress then that helps remember it too

[Peter Normington]

quote Dave Rowland:

website “for the win” im afraid… has worked although i need to finish writing it as it has a lot of out-of-date images on it.

Its mainly used as a porfolio, another good use is when ur in the office with a customer and u want to show some vans… u just bring them up on screen.

so its a tool really, if you got a catchy webaddress then that helps remember it too

Sorry Dave, what does "for the win" mean?

And why do you need a web site to show as a portfolio? surely its better to just make yourself a nice little slide show or presentation?

Peter

[David Rowland]

we have a vehicle wall full of A3 prints, a logo wall, a signs wall and monitors at everydesk… so there is always something to see.

Website makes it easier if your visiting a client or client visits your office space, nothing to carry around.

For the Win! :lol1:

(its a geeky/gaming term)

[Phill Fenton]

I used to think the same Peter but a website is definately a plus for any small business. It’s your portfolio and you don’t have to do anything to let people see it. Why not upload your own portfolio onto a website and save yourself the trouble of emailing any enquiries that come your way. I get a lot of new enquiries that have studied our website in detail before even contacting me. And yes I have sold a number of signs through the site without any direct contact with the customer. You need to have a website – it’s a lost opportunity otherwise and doesn’t cost the earth. If I was starting a new business today it would be based around a website.

[John Barr]

just recently got site opened, good for reference to new prospective customers, doesn’t guarantee, you will get the work, but shows what part of the market you’re in, and progression of the trade, thanks JOHN JBS

[David Rowland]

yeah exactly…
as we have an image.. in our sign, business card, logo, litreture and this also reflects in our website… so it all ties in and we have gained work. We have an email address setup on the website that collects the SPAM and enquiries, there is a lot of people who email info@website.co.uk instead of person@website.co.uk. Well, they must find us somehow.

[Phill Fenton]

It’s true you have to advertise your website as well but this is easily done. Just include it in your yellow pages and Thomsons advert also add it onto your invoices and letterheads. Your van obviously (or in Peters case – brand new expensive 4X4 pick up that is no use to any tradesman but is great for posing in 😛 ).

…..Just teasing Pete 😉

[Peter Normington]

quote Phill:

I used to think the same Peter but a website is definately a plus for any small business. It’s your portfolio and you don’t have to do anything to let people see it. Why not upload your own portfolio onto a website and save yourself the trouble of emailing any enquiries that come your way. I get a lot of new enquiries that have studied our website in detail before even contacting me. And yes I have sold a number of signs through the site without any direct contact with the customer. You need to have a website – it’s a lost opportunity otherwise and doesn’t cost the earth. If I was starting a new business today it would be based around a website.

If I had anymore work I would need to employ staff and move to premises. I personaly can do without all that. All I am saying is, dont think a website will be the holy grail. It is like Dave(R) said, a tool. In the right hands it can produce good results, but dont spend money without considering the returns. I have had websites since the early days of the net. (Other business) Yes, the net is a valuable tool, we are here, so no argument.

Each to their own best solutions. What works for one is not always the way forward for others, just consider your own needs. the costs involved etc.

Peter

Ps do you regognise the person in the snake van link?

[Peter Normington]

quote Phill:

It’s true you have to advertise your website as well but this is easily done. Just include it in your yellow pages and Thomsons advert also add it onto your invoices and letterheads. Your van obviously (or in Peters case – brand new expensive 4X4 pick up that is no use to any tradesman but is great for posing in 😛 ).

…..Just teasing Pete 😉

It will get to the customer quicker than your vivaro thing, and carry more workers to do the job 😀 😉

Just teasing Phil 😀

Peter

[David Rowland]

actually our company scooter will :lol1:
traffic here is a nightmare!

[Phill Fenton]

Yeah but my Vivaro (Actually Renault Trafic) thingy is more fuel efficient and has a vast expanse of area for me to plaster my signs all over. It also doesn’t collect rain in the winter and doesn’t cause global warming to the same extent as your gas guzzler. Tyres are cheaper too 😛

[Peter Normington]

quote Phill:

Yeah but my Vivaro (Actually Renault Trafic) thingy is more fuel efficient and has a vast expanse of area for me to plaster my signs all over. It also doesn’t collect rain in the winter and doesn’t cause global warming to the same extent as your gas guzzler. Tyres are cheaper too 😛

😀 Rain is valuable, we should all save as much as we can, You would be suprised at the economy Phill, I only do about 5000 miles a year so probably dont warm the planet up as much as your traffic, vivaro, nissan thingy 😀 😀 😉 😉
BTW will you stop highjacking threads… 😀
thats my job,

Peter

[David Rowland]

Yeah.. I think Peter’s after Rob’s post count record

[Shane Drew]

I have a website, not that I expect it to get me more work, which it does every now and then, but just so that I have a presence.

Being a one man band, a website lets me project a more professional image.

I can have an online portfolio that does not rely on people having to ask me for anything. I have found that in the early days when I posted out pdf’s to interested partys a lot of people didn’t ask for a brochure for fear that they were making a committment that they did not want to make at that time.

I get people now ring me after they have been thru my online portfolio to ask for a quote. They don’t feel that they are under any pressure if they can view something online at their leisure.

I put my web address on everything, and I get a lot of hits which suprises me. Obviously the UK ones are probably mostly generated from here, but I get heaps of people actually contact me via my site from Texas and South Africa 😕 Bit far to go, but they do usually sign up for my newsletter which is a bit of fun.

I don’t think our industry really generates much internet business as a whole, but it does get the name out. Especially if someone see’s our signed vehicle and want to check us out without us knowing.

Just my 2c’s

[Adam McGuire]

I have a website too of sorts, only I’ve not finished it yet so it’s not uploaded. I need to get work in to be able to photograph it to even start thinking about a portfolio! I have the tanning studio shop front and thats about it until I’ve got round to learning how to draw so I can do the Rally Impreza and BTCC Primera! Then I’d have a portfolio if not a tad small!

Adam

[Chris Parsons]

I have a fully workable website…where standard graphic kits/lettering/logos…etc etc can be purchased without me having to man the phone all day.

The website is great as it allows me to project my company worldwide 24 hours a day 365 days a year. It only costs me £35 for hosting plus around £150 per year for the secure server with online purchasing availability.

Without the website I would not have been able to get my company recognised in many Countries including Sweden, France, America, Norway…etc etc.

It is also great way to get examples of what your company is capable of like a showroom gallery.

[Chris Whitehead]

I did my own website 🙂

Seems to have had a positive effect..

[Steven Platt]

I really don’t think any business is taken seriously any more unless they have a website. Also it can be done for about a tenner a year, hardly costly.
A couple of years ago I was having a pint with the head of a manufacturing/importing company and he said to me that the internet was a bit pointless and would never take off. I was too stunned to even think of offering him a bet. This year he’s going full on e-tail!

BTW, we don’t have a website yet. It’s one of those jobs I can’t get around to doing because of damned interfering customers.

Splatt

[Nicola McIntosh]

quote Splatt:

BTW, we don’t have a website yet. It’s one of those jobs I can’t get around to doing because of damned interfering customers.
Splatt

you speak the same language as me splatt 😉

nik

[Andrew Boyle]

and me…………..

suppose to finalise design – pics and text by 1st June 😕

Cheers[/i]

[Peter Normington]

Like I said guys, if you cant get round to it, you dont need it.

How would you cope with all the extra work it would generate?
And…you would also have to maintain it, stale out of date sites can be counter productive.

Peter

[Nicola McIntosh]

quote Peter Normington:

Like I said guys, if you cant get round to it, you dont need it.
How would you cope with all the extra work it would generate?
And…you would also have to maintain it, stale out of date sites can be counter productive.
Peter

i know what your saying peter……………..but i still want one!!!! 😉

nik

[Peter Normington]

quote Nicola McIntosh:

quote Peter Normington:

Like I said guys, if you cant get round to it, you dont need it.
How would you cope with all the extra work it would generate?
And…you would also have to maintain it, stale out of date sites can be counter productive.
Peter

i know what your saying peter……………..but i still want one!!!! 😉

nik

Spoilt brat 😀 😉

Peter

[Nicola McIntosh]

i always get what i want peter ……………… :lol1:

nik

[Chris Whitehead]

I’ll happily help out/advise anyone on website stuff if they want 🙂

I’d post my web address up, but im not sure if i’d be allowed to… 😕 As thats got all my contact detials on…

[Pauly]

I designed one for my company, it has produced a little work for us directly, but i feel it has been used on a number of occasions for bigger clients looking for a legitimate company in the tender stage. We view it more as an "online business card" than a business generation tool. It allows people to check us out without having to ring directly in the inital phase of finding out whether or not we are up to the job they require.

Just putting a website online and expecting it to generate new business is having high expectations, but i think its great for letting potential clients check us out before commiting to the quoting process.

Im also in the process of setting up an online quoting system, so that should produce interesting results in the coming months, some of the bigger clients don’t want to be waiting around all day for proofing, this way, as soon as i finish the artwork, they will be able to check it online and return an email advising us if it is approved.

I think the whole internet presence is a no-brainer, using it on its own probably isnt going to sell you much, but in conjuction with your other marketing tools, its bound to help show your company in a way you want your clients to see it, not how they picture it from some text in a yellow pages advertisment……

[Nancy Wannous]

well company website i designed my own got the home page workin and just didn’t have the time to finish it off working full time and night time doesn’t help much but i will one day lol .

[Garrie]

its something we are doing currently..

Without doubt web presence is a very positive thing providing the site is pro looking, I’ve seen very poorly design sites which leave a bad impression. I think a lot of people don’t realise your site is most likely the first impression a customer gets of your business.

[Andrew Boyle]

We ended up having to use some old photos because it just drags on…and on…..
I worked closely with another company but can still upload text and new pics when I get to take them 😕 🙂

[Robert Lambie]

our sign business doesnt have one, yes, i have domain names in place, yes i have webspace, yes i have completed website structure, but have i got around to loading images, info, contacts etc etc ? have i hell… 😳 :lol1:

[autosign]

We’ve had as many jobs from our website as we have had from our YP and BT Phonebook ad’s this year – and it costs us nothing.

Also a lot of people will look in the YP and then check the website so they can see what sort of work you do.

[David Rogers]

quote DaveBruce:

I get new comers (and others) searching online for signmakers in Oban, yer you live in an area with a higher population so there will be hundreds of signmakers there which makes it a bit different.

Go search signs oban

Cheers

Dave

With that type of specific search, you get the best results. I’ve got #1 placements in Yahoo.com, Ask.com (jeeves) and Altavista.com and #3 (local) in Google with "signs Dundee". Just come from being VERY pro-active!
Hell, you can even direct people with the use of key words. I get #1 in Yahoo & Altavista with "signmaker dundee", "signmaker aberdeen" and "signmaker perth". It pays to be creative 😛

quote Pauly:

I designed one for my company, it has produced a little work for us directly… We view it more as an “online business card” than a business generation tool. It allows people to check us out without having to ring directly in the inital phase of finding out whether or not we are up to the job they require.
Just putting a website online and expecting it to generate new business is having high expectations, but i think its great for letting potential clients check us out before commiting to the quoting process.

Exactly, you wont get any visitors unless you market your site – and it doesn’t do that itself.

Dave

[David Rowland]

Try this folks….
Alexa collects data about your search patterns…
Visit here
http://www.alexa.com/data/details/main?q=&url=www.bbc.co.uk

This is the data for BBC website….
Type you own website in

Then look under:-
People who visit this page also visit

2 of my websites have nothing on them but the main one has about 10 of our customers on it. Although I would expect the competition to appear but actually our customers do

[Nigel Pugh]

This is a good thread to read, the one thing no one has pointed out though is exactly where you are reading this, no not your location 🙄
but the internet, a website in fact.

So a company website is just another tool needed to help business flourish, its just the next new thing to get yourself noticed.

Nigel

[Hugh Potter]

i’ve got a pal who’s wife does websites, she’s currently doing me one as we speak, it’s cost me £30 for two domain names (so also catch people don’t put the hyphen in the proper name), and the much discounted build price of £60 has been swapped for a decentpair of magnetic signs for her husbands new business !

talking of websites, i must send her the info for it, i view it more as an online portfolio than a shop, plus, being relatively new, i don’t advertise in the yellow pages etc yet, just yell.com and local press, lots of people have just taken my name fro the car and called, and several have said they’ve had to wait to se my car again to get the number cos they couldnt find a website, so it seems a natural way for people to find me.

[Adam McGuire]

I couldn’t agree more! People have followed our Window Tinting van for miles then gone round the roundabout and back the way we’ve just come. Sometimes even called the office while they’ve been following. The only trouble is, when driving, you have to have a good memory with web addresses. You can’t really write the address down unless you stop. I see lots of addresses I want to have a look at, even if it’s just curiosity, but I rarely remember the address by the time I get to my destination. I guess the simpler the address the better. All the nice addresses are gone though like the one I wanted for my Sign Business 🙁

[Hugh Potter]

I know what you mean, my company name is quite distinctive though, but for the web adress i made sure i caught those who forgot the hyphen, the co name is something like (this is made up !) 1234-56signs.co.uk but i also went with 123456signs.co.uk to catch those who didnt think of the hyphen,

i couldnt have the .com address as someone has got the non hyphenated version, but not really using it,

[Adam McGuire]

I’ll have to resort to the hyphenated address for my site, but the car tinting site was hyphenated so it made more sense when reading it. I’d post the name so you can see what I mean, but I’m not allowed to am I?