Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Aug 02, 2008 4:27 pm As an IT support/developer/web guy, it really bugs me to see the effort - or lack thereof - that some companies (not just builders) put into their web sites.
My new block of land is a weird shape, and I have trawled through pretty much every single builder's web site in australia looking for a plan that would suit my block. I've seen some pretty bad web sites, but this is a lesson in what not to do: http://www.chb.com.au/ Now maybe I'm just weird, but I don't see the point, and I consider it unprofessional! A web site is (or should be) your shop front window or display home that is open to the entire country! For a company to have a web site like this, on a sub-concious level it tells me that they do not take pride in their work. I don't know if anyone else feels this way, but if a company doesn't have a web site, and doesn't have a land line (another pet peeve), then it's a pretty sure bet that they won't get my business. For a builder, I think a web site should at least have full contact details, styles of homes, whether custom or volume, price range, locations of display homes, and most importantly, high quality photos of not only display homes, but previous work as well. It also really bugs me when a volume builder does not show their plans, but I understand there are concerns about copyright. end of rant After 2 false starts, a year living overseas, two more world trips and 3 years of uncertainty we are now starting the build process again - hopefully for real this time! Re: RANT: How not to do a web site 2Aug 02, 2008 4:32 pm Wow, and I recall some off beat remarks about MY website!
That’s a ripper! I agree……what’s the point! Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: RANT: How not to do a web site 3Aug 02, 2008 4:35 pm Oh and one other thing. There are literally thousands of builders that describe themselves pretty much along these lines...
"we can build from architect or designers plans, or we can arrange the design of your home by experienced professionals, to suit your budget and blah blah" ... so tell me on your web site why I should build with you and not Mr 2nd builder down the road? What makes you so different? After 2 false starts, a year living overseas, two more world trips and 3 years of uncertainty we are now starting the build process again - hopefully for real this time! Re: RANT: How not to do a web site 4Aug 02, 2008 4:40 pm Why don’t you get in contact with them and offer to do them a REAL website! Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: RANT: How not to do a web site 5Aug 02, 2008 4:43 pm That's a great idea Michelle
I don't have the time at the moment (we leave for canada in 2 weeks) but I will definitely think about it! After 2 false starts, a year living overseas, two more world trips and 3 years of uncertainty we are now starting the build process again - hopefully for real this time! Re: RANT: How not to do a web site 6Aug 02, 2008 4:51 pm I think your comments are a bit out of line. Granted what's on that site isn't good, but to me it's akin to a holding page or the dreaded 'site under construction'. We've all been there so maybe you should cut them some slack. Not everyone has a tech mind for the web or maybe they're just too busy to devote any time to it. If you're involved in web design & development and deal with these types of clients on a regular basis you would know this. Re: RANT: How not to do a web site 7Aug 02, 2008 4:54 pm I had a guy email me, and ask me would I like him to help me get to top ranking on Google!
I emailed him back and said no thanks I’m already there, but thanks for the offer! Doesn’t hurt to try muzzman! Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: RANT: How not to do a web site 8Aug 02, 2008 4:58 pm d@n I think your comments are a bit out of line. Granted what's on that site isn't good, but to me it's akin to a holding page or the dreaded 'site under construction'. We've all been there so maybe you should cut them some slack. Not everyone has a tech mind for the web or maybe they're just too busy to devote any time to it. If you're involved in web design & development and deal with these types of clients on a regular basis you would know this. I feel if you are going to the extent of having a website or webpage, it should be a good representation on what you can do. You should never leave it in limbo, it looks bad. I have seen a website for a designer down here, that has NEVER been finished in 2 years!!! That’s shocking! Its still reads, “Photos and updates coming” Like when…… Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: RANT: How not to do a web site 9Aug 02, 2008 5:06 pm Michelle I feel if you are going to the extent of having a website or webpage, it should be a good representation on what you can do. You should never leave it in limbo, it looks bad. I don't disagree with you, but for muzza to come on here and bag out this guy online when he doesn't know him or his business is a disgrace and very unprofessional. Why the hell would that guy now employ him after that....what a joke!. Stick to answering those it support calls slash development slash web whatever you friggin do.....cos you sound like you're jack of everything and master of nothing! Re: RANT: How not to do a web site 10Aug 02, 2008 5:19 pm D@n - you have a fair point, but, come on now, there's no need to get personal. This forum is here for members to get support, not to get flamed with personal attacks.
As many forum members have done before, I was just venting my frustrations. And as far as "under construction" pages go, well I don't like those either. It all amounts to building up potential client's expectations ("oh, you have a website? great!") only to have them get disappointed when there is just fluff. And, just so you know, I am a senior consultant and third in command (well, technically second but there are two directors) at the market leader of production reporting/data warehousing software in the mining industry, and am about to start up our north american office, so I am a master at some things. After 2 false starts, a year living overseas, two more world trips and 3 years of uncertainty we are now starting the build process again - hopefully for real this time! Re: RANT: How not to do a web site 11Aug 02, 2008 5:25 pm This is true dan, a vent is a vent, and that’s all it is.
I have done many vents. Muzzman was not calling for personal reactions on this subject. So I think we might just leave it at that. Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: RANT: How not to do a web site 12Aug 02, 2008 5:31 pm muzzman D@n - you have a fair point, but, come on now, there's no need to get personal. Then maybe you should take a bit of your own advice. You accused that guy of having no pride in his work. WTF! Pretty damn rude. Quote: so I am a master at some things. Clearly, dealing with web clients in the real world isn't one of them. Re: RANT: How not to do a web site 13Aug 02, 2008 5:36 pm Hello?
Look at me, look at me…….. I’ve already had to deal with bad calmer on the forum this morning; I’m not looking to go through it again this afternoon. I’m trying to write! If this gets to out of hand I will lock the thread. Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: RANT: How not to do a web site 14Aug 03, 2008 2:21 pm I work as a website / graphic designer as well, and I think their website is fine.
The website belongs to a builder, not a project home company. Not everyone can afford to have a full website, but it's still good to have at least some sort of web presence. Despite not having much content, it still looks classy. Re: RANT: How not to do a web site 16Aug 03, 2008 6:45 pm I think every business needs website, because that's what (most) people expect. It's similar to how people expect a business to be in the phone book.
But when times are good then various aspects tend to get ignored by some businesses. Some get very choosey with their jobs; don't bother calling people back; don't advertise; don't bother with websites. I agree that a poor website sends a bad message. But then so do companies who don't return calls. Do the hard jobs first. The easy jobs will take care of themselves. - Dale Carnegie Re: RANT: How not to do a web site 17Aug 04, 2008 6:45 am Cabinfever - I agree, and if a company doesn't return my calls within an appropriate time frame then they won't get my business either (I know it's a different story though when there is a signed contract involved).
amilelka - I pointed out that web site for the following reasons: - it doesn't tell me what state they are in - it looks like it is just a brochure that has been scanned it (i.e. has not been designed for the web) - it doesn't tell me what kind of style, price or anything of homes they build - it doesn't show any history of any previous work - most importantly it doesn't tell me what makes them different to bob the builder down the road So, again I say, what is the point? Please please please understand that THIS IS JUST MY OPINION so please don't flame me. I have nothing against that builder in particular I was just pointing out their web site as an example - which follows they are probably getting most of their work by word of mouth and I can only assume they do good work so WELL DONE TO THEM! After 2 false starts, a year living overseas, two more world trips and 3 years of uncertainty we are now starting the build process again - hopefully for real this time! Re: RANT: How not to do a web site 18Aug 04, 2008 8:05 am Hey Muzz
I have to agree, whats the point, it looks like the guy has tried to have a go himself at web design, but how did you find his site, i would imagine he would appear on page 2000 as he has no content on his site for keyword searches. Re: RANT: How not to do a web site 19Aug 04, 2008 9:56 am I was actually going through the builders section in www.yellowpages.com.au state by state and clicking on all the entries that had a web site listed.... still looking for that perfect house plan.... After 2 false starts, a year living overseas, two more world trips and 3 years of uncertainty we are now starting the build process again - hopefully for real this time! Re: RANT: How not to do a web site 20Aug 04, 2008 10:33 am It may just be the classic case of engaging a web developer that just never delivered... I could run my entire web business off just finishing sites that other companies never got around to finishing. Alan and Thuy in Melbourne Building a second time! because its not being managed properly. Also "properly" is too broad and too subjective a term to be able to pinpoint a single event as not being managed properly.… 1 2728 I am not sure whether Perth has its own way of doing things in regards to this. Most of Perth has class A (sandy soil), except for some areas near rivers or hills. 2 8238 |