Websites for Dummies?

Hi Everyone

Technology – Gotta love it! (or not), It’s here to stay and we better get used to it. Sometimes it makes all of us feel sort of stupid. Including me. The challenge to keep up with all of the technology out there is enough to make a rouge scholar feel sort of incompetent.

It’s not that any of us are dumb. The real problem is there is just not enough time to figure all of this out. We could hire someone to do it but will they do a good job, will it work like we want and can we afford their services.

We’ve talked a lot about websites lately at ChiefExperts.com and It’s time to take action.

We’re done a a one and a half day online class for current members of ChiefExperts.com. We’re discussed you how to set up and maintain a website from A-Z. And in plain English.

If you don’t already have a website you need to get one. If you have one and want to improve it and take control of it you’ll know what to do. If you’re working with someone on a site you’ll know what to tell them.

This is cool stuff. I’ve been a student of this for years and I show you how to do it.

This is really important – The first thing that a potential client will do when looking for contractors is look for your website. It’s the least expensive and best form of advertising you can do. In fact all of you advertising should lead people to your website. There you can show them how great you are.

Take a look at your site. If you were looking for a contractor would you trust the company represented by your website. That’s the first thing to ask yourself. You’ve got just a few seconds to convey trust.

Our focus was show you everything you need from how to get your web URL to what to put on each page and everything in between. This is going to be fun!

I need to ask you a favor. Could you please leave a comment and let me know if you would be interested in another class like this. If so what sort of things would be helpful to you. You feedback is important and very valuable.

I also want to make you aware of the software that I’ll be using to teach the class. This is world class software and it’s as easy to use as a word processor. I’ve been looking for a platform that is simple enough for anyone to use and this is it. It’s not free but for $197.oo it’s the best value for what it can do that I’ve ever seen. You can download a free 30 day full working demo to check it out. It’s powerful stuff and I’ll show you exactly how to use it as well as the other things you’ll need to know about setting up a great website.

The software is called XSitePro. Here are some links for you to check it out:
XSitePro Home Page
Product Video
Product Training Video
Product Brocure
Order Page

I’ve worked with lots of website software but this company really gets it. They make a great software, back it up with great support and are building an unbelievable community. I’m excited to be part of it.

Check it out and learn as much as you can about the software. That way when we do our class you can focus on creating your website and not so much on the software.

Remember to leave your comments and I’ll keep you informed as we firm up what we’re up to.

To Your Success

Dan Baumann

Website Review Webinar

Last Friday was a great day at ChiefExperts.com.   We hosted a webinar addressing the new world of marketing and how critical websites are to your marketing efforts.  We had a very informational session with over 100 people enrolled.  Dan Baumann led the discussion on marketing as it evolves from the traditional 4P’s of - Product, Price, Place and Promotion to the new world of social marketing and the 4R’s – Reveal, Reward, Respect and Retain.  He also discussed all the mental triggers that your marketing efforts, especially your website, should address. 

We also offered to review your websites and offer our advice on areas of improvement.  Wow – we were overwhelmed by your response!  We had over 50 requests to review your websites.  We loved it and have really enjoyed visiting your sites and giving them a critical eye.   We have seen some excellent sites and some not so great sites.  We talked about a few during the webinar, with much more to come.

There is so much contractors and designers can do on your website:

• highlight amazing galleries and portfolios, 
• promote your awards,
• video testimonials from clients, subs, employees,
• photos and bios of your staff,
• private client areas,
• your contracts,
• education for your clients,
• your community involvement,
• & blogs, of course. 

The list keeps growing every day, it’s really exciting.  Your website is a great place to differentiate yourself in the competitive construction industry.   

If you want to hear the whole webinar, current members can check it out at ChiefExperts.com, it’s very interesting and will get you thinking about how you can adopt these new marketing strategies and enhance your website to make it more effective.

Good luck!

What to Blog? – Good Question

One question we get from contractors often is – “What should I blog about?” 
Good question.  Let’s see if I can give you a good answer. 

A blog is a new format to share “news”.  What is “news” is pretty subjective, but that’s the beauty of the internet, if you don’t find a blog or website newsworthy, then you don’t have to read it.  That said, if you think something is newsworthy, great, blog about it.

Some suggestions for contractors or designers -

• Open House – talk about an upcoming Open House you are hosting
• Trade Show – tell people where you’ll be, what contest you’re offering, invite them to come by 
• Community Event – talk about one you’re participating in, even if it’s for a favorite charity
• Post Event – after the event is over, talk about what you did, what was interesting, surprising, or even disappointing
• Green – it’s the new buzz word.  If you’re doing something in this area (a project, your business, your home), talk about it
• Designers – talk about a particularly nice design feature you’ve done, show pictures, talk about how the client loved it, quote them too
• How To – talk about a fairly simple home repair or project that homeowners can do, include pictures or video if you’re ready.  It makes you the expert & if they struggle, maybe they’ll call you to take over.
• You – if nothing else, talk about you & what you’re doing, build a relationship with your future clients.  If they like you, they’ll hire you.

Hopefully these ideas will give you a start.  Go ahead, have fun with it. 
Let us know what you’ve blogged about.  We’d love to hear about it & read it.