drumming up new business

[Kwacker]

Hi all,

We have been trading now for about five years, and we are doing well. We have regular customers who keep coming back so we must be doing something right. But we would like to expand, Not a lot as we are just a two man band. I am planning to update our website and I am also starting to hit the streets for more customers.

So what I am asking is for a little help. We are looking for small bespoke kitchen manufacturers/builders to contact. If you have had a kitchen done recently could you provide us with some contact details or give them our, they might want to use us for the Granite worktops.

Also if you would like Granite worktops, get in touch.

Daniel

01488-681369

ETA sorry for edit but no web links.

PH Admin

[jamesuk28]

Without being rude, your website is pretty ummmm basic (nice way of putting it) This is your shop window and should be as smart as possible. I am sure your granite worktops are excellent quality, but as a proscpective customer I may be put of slightly by the site.

A new site would be optimised correctly thus hopefully bringing in much more direct business from search engines, given time.

[Jack Blag]

You have mail...

[shadowninja]

jamesuk28 said:

Without being rude, your website is pretty ummmm basic

Basic isn't the right word. Amateurish, is probably a better word.

The problem with describing a site as basic is that it could encourage the OPer to put more stuff in it like Flash spinning logos, background music, sound effects... and dare I say it... page curl and lens flare filters on all the graphics.

Edited by shadowninja on Monday 31st March 16:56

[singlecoil]

I'm happy to recomend Kwacker's granite work to anybody who might be in the market for some tasty granite.

The kitchen business is very slow at the moment, this is not just my experience but has been confirmed to me by a number of business acquaintances.

Daniel, if you are looking for a list of kitchen makers to call on and to ask for the opportunity to quote on their next project- the Thames Valley Business Pages are quite good because businesses tend to get included in that whether they want to be or not. DAMHIK

[shadowninja]

I'm sure a testimonial on his website would help.

[DonnyMac]

It's begun - urls removed from posting even in the 'Business' forum - didn't take long after Haymarket bought the site.

[DucatiGary]

DonnyMac said:

It's begun - urls removed from posting even in the 'Business' forum - didn't take long after Haymarket bought the site.

i noticed that, haymarket will only learn once its too late, shame they killed PH

[DucatiGary]

also, your website looks bad.

spend some money and get it done propper!

[Chrisgr31]

What makes a good website? What specifically is wrong with the website?

It seemed fine to me, yes it didn't appear to be professionally done but it was informative etc. How many people actually rely om a website when looking at this sort of thing?

[DucatiGary]

Chrisgr31 said:

What makes a good website?

I prefer a design led website, like this www.MomentumAutomation.co.uk

(yes I know it says its still under constrution)

Chrisgr31 said:

What specifically is wrong with the website?

it looks home made, gives the impression that they are a small company which on its own is not a problem but with a cheap 500 quid but propperly made website they could give people a greater first impression and those who have seen the site and walked away would be hanging around longer reading the info or making contact

Chrisgr31 said:

How many people actually rely om a website when looking at this sort of thing?

not entirely sure to be honest but 70% of the population use search engines to find information to contact companies now, id guess its not even optomised for the search engines, that will also help bring lots of biz/interest.

[shadowninja]

DucatiGary said:

Chrisgr31 said:

What makes a good website?

I prefer a design led website, like this www.MomentumAutomation.co.uk

I am not sure "design-led" is necessarily a good angle to approach things from. Content should still lead a site but it should be aesthetically pleasing and correctly designed.

[Jack Blag]

For the user, you need intuitive navigation and a clear layout. Good design and photography also help. Poor use of typography can often make a site look unprofessional.

For the business owner, search engine optimisation is essential as is using a tracker to analyse the traffic flow (or lack of it) to your website.

[singlecoil]

Funny how this has turned into a conversation about Kwacker's website, I don't really think that was what he was asking about. He's looking for small kitchen manufacturers and they won't normally be looking for granite on Google.

[Kwacker]

I really appreciate the comments, all of them. They have all got me thinking. And as I said in my original post I am in the process of sorting out a new web site. I'm not sure if I will be paying someone to do it or if I will do it myself (having come from a computing background I should be able to put a decent one together). And yes I know my previous attempt wasn't great, but I was pushed for time and wanted more than I needed and didn't achieve it very well. If I do attempt to do it myself again I shall put more consideration into what I want it to say and follow advice I always used to give - Keep it simple!

I would still be appreciative of any contacts.

Keep on posting

Daniel

[Hendry]

shadowninja said:

I'm sure a testimonial on his website would help.

Testimonials always help. We have a website to help people collect these. It will soon have the facility that you cleverly embed your endorsements on your website automatically.

Take a look at www.wecando.biz.

[shadowninja]

Interesting. Can I make stuff up?

[Hendry]

shadowninja said:

Interesting. Can I make stuff up?

Huh! Erm, there is nothing stopping you from doing so if you wished, other than you'll be breaching the Terms of Use, we'll sniff you out, hunt you down and then torch your car.

Anyway, sorry to hijack the thread but I am happy to help anyone here out, especially as PHers helped me get it off the ground in the first place.

As you were...

[taffyracer]

Kwwacker, YHM

[phoenixblend]

Hi Kwacker

A few people have been mentioning your website isn't upto scratch (The link was removed before I saw it) so if you;d like some free advice and a special PH discount if you decide to 'upgrade' give me a message or search for The Design Tailor on google and we're 1st link.

Also I may be able to help with the kitchen company thing too!

Thanks

Dan