Almost every business has a website. Yet Google ignores MANY of them!
In 1994 Neil Pierson project managed his first website for Healthworks Corporate in Sydney.
“The internet was new, fresh, expensive and relatively unknown. It was the days when if you saw “www.” it showed a company who was ahead of the pack. As publishers of a monthly newsletter with over 100,000 copies we decided to join in. The website was simple but even then did help tell some of our story.” Check out a 1998 archive at Healthworks 1998
Working at Heathworks for 12 years Neil project managed the website though a continued evolution. Since then he has project managed the creation of numerous websites for clients and friends. “Every project is different with its challenges and adventures. The options may have changed but the need for storytelling remains”
“Many of the search engines of the 1990′s have gone. The number of websites has skyrocketed. The amount of rubbish is incredible. Having your story found among the clutter is essential”
Google is a robot. It is part science and part art. Anyone who promises they know how to beat it is on slippery ice. While the search engine is a robot the people behind it are not. As one technique is abused Google tweaks their system to avoid those sites. It is a continual game.
“I enjoy tweaking websites. SEO is a living art not a set and forget. Yet every website project must start with asking what are people looking for and wanting to know. It is no longer a one way conversation. It’s a chance to connect with customers and build community”
Combining good content with ease of navigation is still essential. Understanding titles / descriptions / headings and links can make good content be found. YouTube, blogs, twitter, facebook can all help drive traffic to your site.
Marketplace Answers DON’T build websites
Instead Marketplace Answers work with sub-contractors who create them. Most importantly they work with people who understand internet marketing.
“Beware of graphic designers who build websites. There are a lot of them. I am often asked to help clients because Google is ignoring their website. The problem is graphics. Google can’t read a graphic or flash. They may look great and have their place if people know your URL but are useless if you are trying to be found in search engines”
Neil’s work with Covenant Christian School’s website earned the school a Gold Award in an International School Marketing Competition.
Looking to create a website?
Talk to Neil first. Make sure it will work for you. Having a clear website scope and story before you start makes life so much easier. Many organisations just say “I want a website like someone else” and miss a great opportunity.
