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Just a thought from a guy with some marketing background... BE CAREFUL WITH "DO IT YOURSELF" WEBSITES

Most of the marketing that any of us do should be leading potential customers to our websites. There is no better way to inform and "wow" the world with our products and services. The problem arises when contractors use some of these "free" or "do it yourself" web design programs. Many free or very inexpensive websites LOOK cheap. That is because no real scrutiny has been applied to the layout, navigation, and look of the site. When your website looks cheap, YOU look cheap. I don't mean to offend anyone but most of us are NOT WEB DESIGNERS! Imagine if home owners used an inexpensive service that enabled them to stamp, stain, and seal their own driveway. Wouldn't you agree that some things should be left to professionals? I believe that a website that represents the quality and professionalism of a decorative concrete contractor should be professionally designed.

Your potential customers will be looking at your website as well as multiple contractors' websites and if you want to be competitive your site should be on par with your competition. So if every other contractor in your town has a cheap looking "do it yourself" website then you don't have anything to worry about. Go ahead and keep using your Yahoo email account, too. But if your competition has spent some good money on a thorough, informative, well designed website in order to put their best foot forward and make a quality first impression on potential customers, then I suggest you do the same! Its a great marketing investment.

I realize that some of you just starting out may not have a budget for a professionally designed site. Try to find someone that is willing to work with you on their fees. Web designers need to feed their families just like we do. Some of them are slow right now. I think that having a great website should be a priority right up there with having a reliable work vehicle!