Reply by MichiganAl on 2/16/06 3:11pm
Msg #97777
Amateurs creating websites
As a former web designer, I wrote an article very similar to that about four years ago (so much so, that I almost think some of my article has been, um, borrowed). They have some excellent points about fonts, images, and color. Which brings me to something I've been thinking about saying for a long time. Almost everyday, someone posts their website here and asks for input on the design (fine if you're looking for input on general content). This strikes me as something like the blind leading the blind. While some of you have done a decent job considering you have no web design experience or training whatsoever, I wish people would consider spending the money to hire a professional designer. As nice as you think your site is, you're really missing the mark. There is so much more to a properly designed website than an untrained person knows. Proper navigation, fonts, headers, image placement and optimization, color schemes, alt tags, search engine optimization, writing for web pages (much different), keywords, basic understanding of HTML, optimizing for different browsers and versions, cascading syle sheets, avoiding worthless things on your site like counters, weather, pictures of your dog Foufou, and more.
You may think you don't get business from your site so it's not worth $300 or $400. But I'd beg to differ. When you list yourself on places like NotRot, you include your website link. I'd venture to say most companies will check out your site. It says a lot about your professionalism. Don't you want to put your best foot forward? Also, someone who understands how to properly design a site and understands SEO will make you much easier to find.
I understand money may be tight. But it's a wise investment. Sorry guys, but you just don't know what you think you know when it comes to creating a professional website.
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Reply by Kelly M Robertson on 2/16/06 3:57pm
Msg #97781
I'm Sure no Expert
But the things that Al says sound solid. I disagree with one thing in particular: I definitely would never post my fees on my website. That's subject to negotiation (travel) at time of referral and it would be pretty dumb to out-and-out post that you take a certain fee for a certain zip code when escrow/lender is willing to give you more. That's why when a potential client asks what my fees are, my response is always, "Well, what is the most you are authorized to pay?". I can't tell you how many times I've made a ton more than I was willing to charge. Good info Al.
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Reply by thnotary_NY on 2/17/06 3:41pm
Msg #98035
Re: Amateurs creating websites
So, MichiganAl, are we to assume that you no longer do web sites.? And if so, can I see some work.?
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Reply by MichiganAl on 2/17/06 3:56pm
Msg #98039
Re: Amateurs creating websites
Other than my notary site, I stopped doing them 4 years ago and recently trashed everything. I hated it, don't want to have anything to do with it ever again. You can check out my site, though.
www.detroitnotary.com
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