Effective Marketing Techniques - Are Company Websites Necessary? /
Effective Marketing Techniques - Are Company Websites Necessary? /
(OP)
I've been pushing for a website for the small civil engineering and land surveying company I work for, we specialize in land development. The owners feel that web-sites for a company like ours is a waste of Money and effort. They would say something like: "No one selects a civil engineer because of a stupid internet website...use the money for lunch or a round of golf with clients"
OK, Fair enough; but, while I may agree we might not get work as a direct result form having a website, I really do believe it would help support our other marketing efforts. Surely potentially clients would check it out. I look at everybody's website we do work with! I equate it to not putting our name in the phone book.
I'd very much like to here some of your thoughts about it. Has the website become a necessary part of business? Am I reading in too much to our "Lack of a website"?
Also, what about some other other aspects for marketing engineering services: like the office appearance and vehicle signage, is that important?
What does impresses clients? Assuming we are otherwise highly competent engineers.
Thanks.





RE: Effective Marketing Techniques - Are Company Websites Necessary? /
To be an engineering firm and not have a website these days is akin to saying "I'm not concerned about keeping up with current technology....now where did I put my slide rule?"
A website only needs to have basic contact info, perhaps a bit of history of the firm, a little about the principals, and maybe a gallery or write-up of projects. It's not expensive and gives you a hell of a lot more exposure than a round of golf.
You are right to push for it...it shows that you are progressive and can help push the firm (kicking and screaming apparently) into the next level.
RE: Effective Marketing Techniques - Are Company Websites Necessary? /
Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Effective Marketing Techniques - Are Company Websites Necessary? /
If ever I am looking for a supplier or service that we do not have an approved supplier list for the web is the only place I look. I am not looking for a flash site just an overview of the company, the sort of work they do, a contact number and name or email address, I would not consider using a company without this.
Whilst your boss is probably correct no work is won through a web site, it is where leads are generated from. The deal will still probably be won or lost on the golf course or over lunch, but a web site will help you get that far.
If I were a prospective customer how am I more likely to find you, through the web or being invited to lunch or out on the golf course?
For the money it costs it is a must have these days for any company IMO.
RE: Effective Marketing Techniques - Are Company Websites Necessary? /
The interesting thing is that many of them did a Google search, found me on eng-tips.com, and then followed the link in my signature to my web page. Not many people have Googled "MuleShoe Engineering", but the site statistics say that a lot of people have Googled the stuff I talk about here. When I look at the site statistics, a simple web page with contact info and my CV would not have worked for my business, the substantive material that I have placed on my web page seem to have enough meat to get people interested.
By the way, I built the web page myself using the tools that Earthlink provides and the only out-of-pocket expense is the $30.40/month I pay for the disk space and the annual site-name renewal. I've had good reviews of the page, and it doesn't have much glitz at all.
David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering
www.muleshoe-eng.com
Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
Remember, being ignorant isn't your fault; staying ignorant is.
RE: Effective Marketing Techniques - Are Company Websites Necessary? /
Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Effective Marketing Techniques - Are Company Websites Necessary? /
But, my impression is that a website that is "all fur coat and no knickers" is not really going to impress people, or even score many google hits. I'd have thought that a professional looking front page, and a few good articles, would be the easiest way of getting good hits. (says greg, whose front page is a shambles)
Cheers
Greg Locock
SIG:Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Effective Marketing Techniques - Are Company Websites Necessary? /
old field guy
RE: Effective Marketing Techniques - Are Company Websites Necessary? /
For attracting a more generalised client, or for attracting business from further afield, then a web-site is a must. It can work against you though if people see a badly designed web-site with links that don't work, or a site that is slow to open, or difficult to read ... or with curious ships and islands on the opening page (for example)?
corus
RE: Effective Marketing Techniques - Are Company Websites Necessary? /
"Do you want to work for this small company that you have not heard of?", "Mr Recruitment Agent, but I will do some research - I cannot find anything about them so I do not want to work for them"
The website is the cover on which the company is judged. My personal opinion is that it should have basic information and look as though it is cared for. I can point you in the direction of many websites that have the "latest news" that is two years old.
PS I have visited Muleshoe Engineering's website on a few occasions, by following the link on Eng-Tips and I thank David for its presence and content.
RE: Effective Marketing Techniques - Are Company Websites Necessary? /
Also, there are a lot that you can do with a web site. From a simple brochure type site to show just some basic info about your company to CRM dedicated site to take care of your clients. It can also be a lead generation tool. The question is how much you're willing to spend to create and maintain the site.
My company's website (www.dfoxonline.com), I did them on my own free time. I didn't even have any HTML abilities. It's just basic stuff and still a work in progress but it serves a purpose with what my company is trying to do.
RE: Effective Marketing Techniques - Are Company Websites Necessary? /
But I do have a good professionally done website, mostly to assure existing customers that we are in the game. It cost us about $4k to set up the first time, and about $500 to update periodically. It is due for a makeover soon.
RE: Effective Marketing Techniques - Are Company Websites Necessary? /
Even when I was unemployed and desperately seeking a job, I would not consider companies that did not have a website.
My line of thinking was that if they didn't want to spring for the hundred or so dollars for a website, they were either financially strained or would try to low-ball me on compensation.
RE: Effective Marketing Techniques - Are Company Websites Necessary? /
You'll be amazed how few companies bother to have a decent website and how difficult it makes in learning about them.
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Syl.
www.aercoustics.com
RE: Effective Marketing Techniques - Are Company Websites Necessary? /