Let’s be civil. The Flathead Beacon encourages vigorous discussion and lively debate, but we will delete comments that attack other readers, make accusations we can’t verify, stray too far off topic, criticize local businesses (call them if you have a problem), convict someone of a crime, use profanity or are simply judged to be in bad taste. We don’t always have someone moderating comments, so we ask for your help: If you see a comment that violates these ground rules, or you simply deem it offensive, please e-mail editor [at] flatheadbeacon.com. The views expressed in the comments section do not reflect those of the Beacon.
By JB on 04-23-08
The flathead valley is plagued with ugly websites, and Real Estate companies are not the only one the culprits. Restaurants, Schools, and even local web designer’s sites need to catch up and be more than just an electronic business card. The beacon site is somewhat a breath of fresh air in this sea of local ugliness.
Beacon Readers Rated This Comment:
By vallry_dude on 04-23-08
Hmm… just checked out your web site, apparently you don’t take your site very seriously either
Beacon Readers Rated This Comment:
By Mark Riffey on 04-23-08
@JB - No question the people on the design side of the Beacon are doing an outstanding job (Stephen, Chris, probably Lido and I dont know who else).
@Vallry_dude - Hey, I didnt say mine was perfect, though a number of the things on the list I provided are on my main site (perhaps not on the front page) or exist on one of the 80+ sites I own. At no time are any of them perfect and they are all perennially under construction of some type.
But this column really isnt about me, it’s about me hoping I can help our readers and bring attention to things they can do to make their business more profitable, stronger and more resilient regardless of the economy.
I should note that I’m not (just) picking on real estate folks, in fact, I count a lot of the local people in real estate as friends. When next week’s issue comes out, someone else might be grumpy at me as well. And that’s ok, because someone will take my comments as intended - advice on how to make your business better.
JB and vallry_dude, thanks for reading - and especially for adding to the discussion.
Mark
Beacon Readers Rated This Comment:
By vallry_dude on 04-23-08
Well at least you can take some ribbing, I was simply being sarchastic of course… I agree there’s many poorly constructed sites out there, but as a web developer in the valley, I have to say that often you get what you pay for.
As the internet has evolved over the last few years, we are being exposed to many sophisticated sites developed by teams of programmers and companies with large budgets for web services who are capable of doing many things the average small business owner cannot afford (realtors excluded!).
I’m not excusing poor design and or lack of useful content, but for many businesses, the majority of their customers and or income does not come from the internet… that said, I’m sure they could increase their revenue with a quality site that includes many of your suggestions.
The internet is simply another tool for many to do business, but I will agree that in the future it will be one of if not the most important tool regardless of the business type. As far as realtors, I completely agree with you - to me, that’s the one business model that should truly benefit from a quality site.
cheers!
Beacon Readers Rated This Comment:
By illustr8r on 04-23-08
I am in the design industry so I am swayed by a nicely designed website with a no brainer UI and a nice logo. If there are flashing emoticons, badly animated gifs and annoying music I run away! I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but as a consumer I am more inclined to contact a company if it has a professional looking website.
Beacon Readers Rated This Comment:
By JD on 04-27-08
Oh how I wish I could do a website! I’m not that computer savvy so I have to rely on others. Yes you get what you pay for, and my website needs major help. The expense is staggering, though, on top of what all the other forms of advertising add up to.
Thanks for reminding me, JB. I need to notify the high schools that their websites are important, too, and are the lamest in the valley. Flathead High’s swim team page is two years old. What a horrible letdown to this years swimmers, to be so unloved and unrecognized.
I’ll be in touch, Mr. Riffey.
Beacon Readers Rated This Comment:
In order to post comments you must register once with the Beacon and be logged in. Log in below or register now.
‘The Defining Story of This Band’
Glacier’s Quick Road to the Top
Giving Comfort When There is No Cure
Schweitzer Rejects NMAR’s Request for Special Session
Political, Agriculture Leaders React to Buffett’s BNSF Purchase
Comments on: Taking Your Web Site Seriously?
Let’s be civil. The Flathead Beacon encourages vigorous discussion and lively debate, but we will delete comments that attack other readers, make accusations we can’t verify, stray too far off topic, criticize local businesses (call them if you have a problem), convict someone of a crime, use profanity or are simply judged to be in bad taste. We don’t always have someone moderating comments, so we ask for your help: If you see a comment that violates these ground rules, or you simply deem it offensive, please e-mail editor [at] flatheadbeacon.com. The views expressed in the comments section do not reflect those of the Beacon.
By JB on 04-23-08
The flathead valley is plagued with ugly websites, and Real Estate companies are not the only one the culprits. Restaurants, Schools, and even local web designer’s sites need to catch up and be more than just an electronic business card. The beacon site is somewhat a breath of fresh air in this sea of local ugliness.
By vallry_dude on 04-23-08
Hmm… just checked out your web site, apparently you don’t take your site very seriously either
By Mark Riffey on 04-23-08
@JB - No question the people on the design side of the Beacon are doing an outstanding job (Stephen, Chris, probably Lido and I dont know who else).
@Vallry_dude - Hey, I didnt say mine was perfect, though a number of the things on the list I provided are on my main site (perhaps not on the front page) or exist on one of the 80+ sites I own. At no time are any of them perfect and they are all perennially under construction of some type.
But this column really isnt about me, it’s about me hoping I can help our readers and bring attention to things they can do to make their business more profitable, stronger and more resilient regardless of the economy.
I should note that I’m not (just) picking on real estate folks, in fact, I count a lot of the local people in real estate as friends. When next week’s issue comes out, someone else might be grumpy at me as well. And that’s ok, because someone will take my comments as intended - advice on how to make your business better.
JB and vallry_dude, thanks for reading - and especially for adding to the discussion.
Mark
By vallry_dude on 04-23-08
Well at least you can take some ribbing, I was simply being sarchastic of course… I agree there’s many poorly constructed sites out there, but as a web developer in the valley, I have to say that often you get what you pay for.
As the internet has evolved over the last few years, we are being exposed to many sophisticated sites developed by teams of programmers and companies with large budgets for web services who are capable of doing many things the average small business owner cannot afford (realtors excluded!).
I’m not excusing poor design and or lack of useful content, but for many businesses, the majority of their customers and or income does not come from the internet… that said, I’m sure they could increase their revenue with a quality site that includes many of your suggestions.
The internet is simply another tool for many to do business, but I will agree that in the future it will be one of if not the most important tool regardless of the business type. As far as realtors, I completely agree with you - to me, that’s the one business model that should truly benefit from a quality site.
cheers!
By illustr8r on 04-23-08
I am in the design industry so I am swayed by a nicely designed website with a no brainer UI and a nice logo. If there are flashing emoticons, badly animated gifs and annoying music I run away! I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but as a consumer I am more inclined to contact a company if it has a professional looking website.
By JD on 04-27-08
Oh how I wish I could do a website! I’m not that computer savvy so I have to rely on others. Yes you get what you pay for, and my website needs major help. The expense is staggering, though, on top of what all the other forms of advertising add up to.
Thanks for reminding me, JB. I need to notify the high schools that their websites are important, too, and are the lamest in the valley. Flathead High’s swim team page is two years old. What a horrible letdown to this years swimmers, to be so unloved and unrecognized.
I’ll be in touch, Mr. Riffey.