Web Site Check-up

Florida technology services company, DiscoverTec LLC, specializes in Web site design, hosting and maintenance. The firm, through its director of Web development Jesse McKay, recently shared its guidelines for firms thinking of updating their Web sites.

To determine whether it's time for an update, McKay says, "A static Web site — your typical five-page electronic brochure — may only need to be updated every few years. An informational portal is often updated continuously in real time. If you have frequent return visitors, fresh content, particularly on the home page, is a must. The average builder should list his current stock of homes, available lots, and upgrade options. Most will want to exclude pricing, leaving the specifics to their sales force."

Has your site kept up with the latest innovations in Web technology? For example, McKay says, "I am a big advocate of giving customers the ability to submit and track change requests. The Web enables a central repository for these change requests and provides a means for accurate, timely updates as to their status."

It's important to get customer feedback on your site, so include in your customer surveys questions about how your site is performing. And, be aware of what your competitors are doing with their sites, advises McKay. "A poorly designed Web site can result in unhappy customers, missed opportunities, and lost revenue," says McKay. He adds that many businesses would benefit from hiring a consultant to evaluate how the web could streamline their business processes. For more information, see www.discovertec.com.