Choosing a Website Vendor

 

Websites for Small Business Owners

I just read an interesting on-line article from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce which was released yesterday, containing a list of do’s and don’ts for small business owners seeking to build a website for their business. Gallop Web Services operates on the same concepts expressed in the article so we want to share it with you here.  When looking for someone to create a website for you, keep the following points in mind:

• Use a web vendor with a track record for servicing small business owners. Today’s web vendors should be more about customer service than technology. So look for referrals from other businesses, and ask the vendor if you can speak to some of his or her customers.
• Look for technology that is “vendor neutral,” which means that if you become dissatisfied with your service you can find a new vendor. If you go with a proprietary software package, you lock yourself into that vendor. Target vendors that use open source software.
• Have your vendor integrate your site with social networking sites. These sites are great for marketing your business and driving traffic to your site for a low cost.
• Watch out for hidden fees. Some web companies offer low introductory prices or low monthly fees. Be aware that they may lock you into a multiyear contract, offer bare-bones technology and service, and charge you for additional requests.
• Do not feel compelled to immediately purchase every software application a vendor may offer for your new site. A website is an evolving tool that is never finished. The right vendor and technology can go live today with the basics such as content management and e-commerce. More advanced applications can be added later.

Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce magazine