Can I tell you something that just burns me about beautiful websites?
… People who list their addresses, phone numbers, etc. as graphics so I can’t copy and paste the information into my address book.
Look, I know you probably did it because you thought it would cut down on spam. But it also cuts the number of people who actually WANT to get in touch with you.
If you’re a professional organizer (hint, hint — narrowing down the field of people I MIGHT be annoyed with at the moment) and you can’t figure out how to set up filters in your mail manager, then how can you help a person who signs up for every emailed newsletter and offer there is.
Professionals don’t scribble their phone numbers on the torn edges of old envelopes. They have beautiful business cards so the person who gets the info thinks they are a professional. Maybe he even thinks you’re bigger than you really are.
The reason businesses, especially small businesses and solopreneurs, have a web presence at all is so that prospective clients think they are professional. The web is a great leveler. Fancy websites — and by that I mean well designed, easy to navigate, and professional looking — give prospective clients a certain confidence in the product they’re looking at.
Here’s the back story that riled me up this morning.
I am a coach. I work with people who have too many ideas. I’m looking for a few organizers to recommend to clients who want that service.
I personally know one of these professionals. I write to her and ask for some other references so I have more than one person’s info to pass on.
I go to each of the websites of the people she mentioned. The sites were all well laid out and easy to navigate. BUT two out of the three had graphic phone numbers. I couldn’t copy and paste them into my list of people to whom I’ll refer clients.
True, if you’re looking on the web, likely you’ll send an email first. But what if I need the info to send to my aunt who doesn’t use the internet? (yea, i know, it’s sorry to admit.. but facts are as they are.)
What bugs you?
Leave me a note.