7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

How Do I Tell You Your Site Sucks?

by sjkstone
6 replies
I've taken some time off to learn more about web design. I've been developing sites for more that five years now and for some big companies but I wanted to be better than the competition and I have succeded.
Now, how do I contact potential clients (and some I know personally from business relations) and let them know I am better and can offer them more than what they already have?

Thanks
Steve
#site #sucks
  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    Offer comprehensive free page by page Website reviews. Put the offer on the home page of your own site and on your business cards. Make it a challenge that you will absolutely find a way to improve their site or you'll give a HUGE discount on your services.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[351678].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rob Canyon
    Steve,

    You don't tell them, you sell them on what changes can do for them. And
    its easier to sell when you back up what you do with testimonials from others...

    Probably the best thing you can do is find out who their competition is
    and show them how with your services you'll get them ahead of the pack.

    Money back guaranteed of course.

    Merry Christmas,

    Rob
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[352028].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author warriorkevin
      If you have a relationship with these people, perhaps you could
      create some helpful information and send it to them with a 'free personal comparative analysis' offer?

      create a checklist and a brief and easy to read guide on -

      Is your site doing what you hoped for?
      What should your site say about your business?
      What kind of site does your industry need?
      Do you have these important features in your website?
      Do you still feel your website could be better? or is not quite there?

      Close with the 'guarantee' and testimonials and offer.

      Perhaps you could mention - I took a look at your site and I think I see what you are trying to do. Perhaps this checklist and guide could be helpful. Let me know if you would like me to take another look at it with you and see if there are some things you could be doing better..

      one caveat - I can tell you (and maybe you know already...) some people just don't care if their website sucks no matter what you tell them.
      Recently, I saw a company looking for partners and offering potentially large money. Since it was a business I had almost started myself a few years back, I took alook at their site. Wow was it horrible.

      I wrote them and told them nicely, that I thought their business idea was great. In fact, I think you could make a few changes to the website and you would increase your sales even more. ( i gave my credentials - senior programmer for some MAJOR corporations).

      While they answered, they were not the least interested in changes (at least not with me and I was very much wrote it like above.) Now I could tell them 'look, your site is awful, I can barely stand to watch it load! let alone try to believe you have an ounce of business savvy.' BUt I doubt it would fare any better.

      I also have clients I created custom CMS sites for and mange servers. But when it comes to doing the website itself, they would just plain do it themselves and it shows....

      Good luck, let us know if you find a better way

      K_
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[352125].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Capone
        Tell them they're leaving a lot of money on the table because their website...(cough) is not up to par.

        If they're local I would HIGHLY recommend getting a face-face meeting. Convince them you can do better and be confident. Break down their current site page for page and tell them everything that's wrong with it and why. Show them what you're going to do differentially. Remember be confident in your abilities. Be nice about it to

        There's no loyalty anymore in the business world. If you can save or make a company more than their current vendor then your in. I even recommend being somewhat aggressive.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[381621].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author UnityinAustralia
    I'm in web design too. i would email them first with an outline of the new awesome skills and service you offer. Expect them to take no notice (ie, not respond).

    then 2 days later follow up with a personal phone call direct to the contact decision maker. ask if they read your email as a way to break the ice and introduce your topic.

    Refer to the content in your email during the conversation (example, "did you see we are doing XYZ now.")

    Depending on your sales skills, offer to send them more info if they are interested in pursuing your offer (weak close, but good if you are nervous or a newbie, follow up with another phone call after), or ask them for money now and handle all their objections, offer a guarantee, etc.

    Go in to a meeting after that, and assume the close because they are spending valuable time with you (they could be out making money, after all, instead of spending it with you).

    It's pretty straight forward if you know your stuff and they don't know much about design - they will lean on you for advice, your knowledge and expertise, online marketing experience, etc.

    Never underestimate the 'halo effect' of being an expert in web stuff!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[395912].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author CorporatePuppet
    If you're marketing to businesses then it's all about conversions. You don't have to tell them the site "sucks"... just ask them if they would like for it to convert better.

    One of the best ways to sell someone is to ask them what issues they need help with.. businesses always need help with conversions. Good site design for a business will convert more prospects.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[404843].message }}

Trending Topics