Why I'm Different Than Most Web Designers

Since the Internet is a fairly new phenomenon, most web designers come into the field from basically two camps - those with a computer background ("propeller heads") and those with a graphic design background ("ponytail heads").

The Propeller Head

If you've ever known a true computer engineer, you'll understand what I'm saying here! These folks know their way around bits and bytes and scripts, and will spend hours and hours programming up a storm, but when it comes to a logical, intuitive interface that normal, everyday people can understand, well... let's just say they use a different part of the brain than most people. They excel in the 'back end/ database area", but usually fall far short when it comes to creating a functional interface that customers can intuitively interact with.

The Ponytail Head

Boy, these guys create beautiful web sites! They really do! Artistic, cutting edge, thought provoking, interesting, and most definitely unique! Coming from a graphic design background, these people are true artists, and I honestly say I admire their work! However, many of these sites are designed to be beautiful. They are designed to be different. They are designed to be cutting edge. But most often they're not designed to bring in business. In fact, they are often designed against many of the rules for good search engine rankings, so in the end they cannot be found on major search engines!

They aren't always intuitive. Sometimes they are so "different" you honestly can't even figure out what it is or how to navigate through the site! Or you don't have one of the many plug-ins needed to view this artistry! Or the type is so tiny you can't read it. Or the site is so graphic-heavy that it takes forever to download.

The Bald Head

That would be me.

I come to this field as a business owner. After nearly 30 years of owning my own businesses, and doing all my own marketing, I understand the needs and budget restraints of the small business owner. I understand that the sole purpose of your web site is to be 1) found by people who want or need your product or service and 2) easily navigated so whatever information the customer is seeking is available quickly and easily.

I know my way around computers, but am far from a Propeller Head. Nothing bores me more than programming! I have an artistic side and a good aesthetic, but am hardly an "artiste" in the true sense of the word.

I design sites from the beginning that are clean, to the point and optimized properly for the search engines. If a "gimmick" isn't in the best interest of your customer, you won't find it here. Flash intros? Unless it serves your customer, I discourage it. The only people who really want to see your logo dancing around and hear your thumping music is 1) the 'artiste' who spend hours designing it (and charging you big bucks for it!) and 2) the business owner who thinks it's 'cool'. The reality is flash intros do NOT get indexed by search engines, therefore your site will never be found. In addition, the most often clicked sentence on the internet is "SKIP INTRO". Nobody cares. Trust me. They don't. And they'll appreciate not to have to endure your commercial. It's all about the customer.

Visit some of my customer sites. Please contact them to see how their account was handled. You should feel comfortable about the people with whom you hire to build your web presence. In this online age, your web site may be your potential clients first introduction to your business and, indeed, may be your sole marketing tool going forward. It pays to have your site professionally designed in a way that keeps your audience coming back. Remember that customers will judge you by your web site. Make no mistake about that.

Previous business experience includes owning two Workbench Furniture stores in Moline IL and Des Moines IA and owning The Roommate Connection of Boston for over two decades. I was also the founder and President of The Greater Boston Business Council (GBBC) from 1990-1993.

I have been designing web sites for small businesses, organizations and REALTORS® since 1995. I can provide an all-in-one solution for your web site design needs that will put your technological fears to rest. Your site will be taken from the planning stages all the way through launch and maintenance, hosting, submission to over a hundred search engines, and everything in between.

I have spoken to various business organizations such as Chambers of Commerce, Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs as well as ERA Masiello Real Estate and the Massachusetts Cemetery Association, educating business owners and REALTORS® on how to move their businesses and marketing strategies from traditional forms of advertising onto the Internet. I have been interviewed by Advisor Today about online marketing for insurance agents and small businesses. In April 2005 I was selected to judge Best Website submissions for the 24th Annual Evvy Awards - the largest student-run televised production in the nation - at Emerson College, Boston.

With each customer I strive to get the best quality product and, regardless of your size, ensuring that you receive the same prompt, courteous attention.