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Real Answers from Debbie Hastings
Flying Change Webs & Graphics
Owner & Web Designer

"BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME!"

One of my husband's favorite movies is Field of Dreams. And, for some reason, during a recent conversation with a potential client, the line from the movie came to my head. I was asked "What are the benefits to having a website designer build my website rather than build it myself?"

Let's explore that with a little more detail:

BUILD IT - Yes, of course, the first step is always to get that website built. But the big question is do you attempt to build it yourself or hire a web designer? Although sometimes you can get the build-it-yourself packages at a low monthly rate, many clients end up coming to me 6 months later and saying they just never got it up and running. Unless building websites is what you love to do, it's hard for many to make the time. I'll pass up painting the kids playroom over building a website any day. It is the nature of things. You know, the plumber who has the leaky faucet!

The other point to consider with build-it-yourself packages is what lies behind the page. I've redesigned many of these build-it-yourself websites and almost all of them have excessive coding in the background ... enough to even put Google to sleep trying to scan it for the important key words. (I've written an entire article on this on my website called "SEO Basics: Beyond the Keywords".)

THEY WILL COME - Getting people to your website is a waiting game with search engines, even when you have a professional design your website. I've blogged about SEO before (see SEO 101 Blog Entry from August), so I won't go over it all again here. But this is the one area where you will get the most BANG FOR YOUR BUCK by hiring a professional.

Here is an example of how a professionally designed website with search engine optimization in mind can work for any small business.

The client: Finest Kind Caterers.

BEFORE:
The website was tough to navigate and was buried at least 20 pages deep on Google when searching for Catered Maine Lobster Bake.

before

AFTER:
You can easily navigate to Lobster Bakes or any catered function. After just 4 months, they are on the first page on Google in a search for Catered Maine Lobster Bake.

after

(Below: The actual Google Page for the Search)

google

So yes, if you BUILT IT and build it properly, THEY WILL COME and visit your website, business, or organization.

October 2008

Cancer. Breast cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by that word: Cancer.

In 1996 I lost my father to Lung Cancer - not the smoking type, but the type that attaches to the outside of the lung. Seeing what he endured during his 9-month struggle with the disease has pushed me harder to want to finding the cause and a cure for all cancer.

In my opinion, it doesn't matter what type of cancer you back. If they can find a cure for one, then certainly it will help all forms of Cancer. So, as a women, I have chosen to place my support for breast cancer.

Question: How can I make a difference?

The Real Answer: As far back as October 1997 I chaired the PR committee for the Maine Cancer Society's walk in support for breast cancer. As an individual, choose an organization that is close to your heart and donate your time. Whether it is breast cancer, aids, or Alzheimer's - these organizations survive on volunteers. If you are unable to donate financially, donate your time or services.

Question: How can my business make a difference?

The Real Answer: As a business woman, I donate a custom website design (or redesign) to the online auction - Cure Breast Cancer For Me. I also donate to other local non-profit groups. These groups are always in need of goods and services. It doesn't have to be for an auction. For example, if you are a florist, donate the floral arrangement for an event.

"It's the small things that can make the biggest difference."

September 2008

Instead of questions this month, I want to use my small Jack Russell Terrier (Holly) in several examples of how you can make the most of your small business.

The Real Example: Holly will go face-to-face with a horse for a treat. (This is no joke ... I've seen it happen.)

The Lesson: Small "packages" , like small businesses, are often strong and steady. They know their niche and they are proud to stick up for it. Small businesses often have a specialized market they cater to. This often makes the small business extremely strong in that area, so there is no need to be intimidated by the "big guys".

The Real Example: Holly runs circles around her black and yellow lab "friends".

The Lesson: Small can make it easier to move around and shift gears quickly to accommodate changing situations. A small business doesn't have all the "red tape" to go through, so they can often customize their service to cater to the needs of the customer.

The Real Example: Holly cuddles up with the cats who are nearly DOUBLE her weight.

The Lesson: The larger businesses are your friend and as a small business owner, don't be afraid to refer someone to them if the job is out of your scope. The customer will appreciate it and come back to your or, better yet, pass your name on. So be a friend to the big guys.

The Real Example: Jack Russell Terriers love to have a job. Holly's job is to go run around the barn where the horses are … I think she believes she is protecting them. When she doesn't get to “do her job” one day a week, she is restless.

The Lesson: Have a focus. Find a passion. Do what you love and it doesn't seem like work. Maybe that's sewing, baking, reading, or designing websites.

"Know your strengths and use them toward your
own personal (or business) success."

August 2008

Question: I have a small painting business - do I really need a website?

The Real Answer: Without a doubt - YES. In today's world, most people turn to the internet to find services, to find out if the service is the right fit for them, or to get the contact information. How many times have you picked up the phone book in the past year? If you are like me, you could probably count it on one hand. Even if I know the name of the small business I want to use, I search for their name ... on the internet! A website - even just 3 pages - is not only a way for new customers to find you, but also works as advertising and a convenient directory listing. A great value for the money invested.

Question: I'm ready to give my small business a website. What is the difference between registering the domain name and signing up with for a web hosting service?

The Real Answer: Many people get confused when it comes to the domain name and web hosting. Your domain name is the "www.yourbiz.com" of your website and is registered with one of the many companies out there. There is no need to pay big bucks to register your domain name - there are services out there that offer it for $11/year. The actual files for your website reside on a server. Web hosting is the service or space you purchase to hold your files on a the server. Most small businesses don't need a lot of server space and can acquire a web hosting package for as little as $60/year.