Generally the more you know, the better you will be served.
You will have a better understanding of what you are getting when you have a website. It will help your website to be better, because you know how it works and how to make it work for you. It then becomes the awesome tool that it is, increasing your business.
Over 90% of people that own a website struggle with a general understanding in this areas: Understanding of the Internet, what a website is, and what it can do. Knowing how to use Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Forums, Social Media, etc. together to bring them more business. Having basic knowledge of SEO (Search Engine Optimization), SEM(Search Engine Marketing), and how to use them to increase their visibility online. Why they need to setup an email marketing campaign, and how to convert website visitors into conversions, etc.
Lack of Knowledge.
The bad news... Fact is, most people are busy running their business/organization etc. Most don't have time to do a little research on how the Internet works, and what it can to for them. This is a shame because it is the start of a downward spiral. It puts someone in a position where they know enough to know that they need a website, social media, etc. But that is where the knowledge usually stops. There website, Facebook, etc. become some obligation. Another thing they need to deal with. Something else that is just going to cost them money. That typically leads to conflict with the person designing the website. Sadly, in many cases this can end the build before it is finished, feeding the frustration. That leads to a further launch date, finding another web designer, etc. Or once the site is up, it is neglected. A website that is not updated semi-regularly will not get found as easily, and not give visitors a reason to come back. At that point the website is a burden, and costing more then it is earning.
The good news... Almost all of the problems with a website, or web design can be solved by Knowledge. The more you know the better it gets. Now, you don't need to be an expert either. That is why there are people like myself, webmasters, where this is what we do. We are experts, and live on the Internet. Being as dynamic as it is, there is always something more to learn. New products that change the game. Examples like when Google Beta came out in 1996, or 2003 when MySpace became available, leading to Facebook in 2004. It is our job to be experts on all things that change the game.
Things you need to know are just the fundamentals. A basic understanding of how the Internet works, and how it can work for you. What does a website do? How can it bring you business? Things along those lines are what you need to know.
It is an unfortunate fact that occasionally things go wrong with things on the internet.
Sometimes it is a server, hosting issue, browser problems, a connection problem, something from the backend/IT department. Sometimes it is a local issue, caused by an old Cache, Cookies, or many other factors.
Of course you want to have something that is as reliable as possible. Even still, with the most sophisticated programs, computers, and software out there, things can still go wrong. So what do you do if that happens, and you need help?
Any good web design company should have 24/7 customer support. Look for a minimum response time also. Here at MyWebBarn, we have a minimum response time of two hours. So you get help fast, when you need it most.
About 90% of business owners have no direct control over their own website.
This is detrimental to their website as it typically results in a downward spiral.
Does this sound familiar? - You need to change something minor on your website. Some date needs to be changed, different hours, change of address, phone number, a change in products or services, add/delete pictures to your website. You then need to contact your webmaster via email with the changes. About 1-2 weeks later the change is made, and you get billed an hourly rate for the change.
Sadly this is incredibly common. These similar situations usually lead the owner to become frustrated with their website, and/or webmaster. The website becomes a burdensome obligation. Something that they have to have.
This attitude usually leads to no changes to the website, and consequently the website starts to loose traffic. The website then has become a burden, costing the owner more then it is earning.
There is a better way.
A different approach can drastically change this into an upward spiral. Be able to control your own website, and make edits.
Get involved, and start with education. Know what your website is capable of. What things need to be implemented to get it to do what you want? Find an expert, and ask questions. The more you know, the better your website will be. As you increase in your general understanding of web design, the internet, social media, online marketing, etc. you will know what kind of questions to ask, and become more a part of your own website.
You don't need to become an expert. Surely learn as much as you would like, but you don't need to become an expert in web design either. That is what your webmaster is there for.
As you become knowledgeable and truly involved in your website things begin to change for the positive. When something needs to be changed/updated on your website, you not only can do it, but know what and how it should be done. The result: a better website, that gets updates regularly, and brings you more business. If you run into any problems, or questions, be sure that your webmaster is someone that is readily available, and helpful.
