How to Overcome Being Victimized by a Web Services Company & Come Out Better for it…
“The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.” ~Rafiki
You are approached by a company who has gotten word you’ve purchased a domain name or maybe they’ve found you from various business listings. They sound amazing! Making extensive promises of what they can do for your business, whether it’s building a powerfully large website with tons of functionality or getting you on the 1st page of Google in a month. They often offer guarantees; either about getting you to page one of Google within a short amount of time or creating the Millennium Falcon of websites. In your mind your thinking…it’s too good to be true, but you ignore it ‘cause you want to believe they can do miracles for you!
In the end it’s taken 8 months to even get something to look at, you’re left with a site that is not at all what you envisioned, doesn’t have the functions promised and basically isn’t finished. Or your site isn’t on the first page of Google after 6 months, much less the promised 3 months.
“I hired them last year and still haven’t seen anything.”
“I can never get a hold of them, they never answer the phone.”
“They didn’t deliver what they promised.”
“We need to make changes to the site but the developer disappeared.”
“They said they are working on my social media profiles, but I haven’t seen any changes.”
These are just a few of the comments I’ve heard from small business owners in the San Diego area and nationally that have had less than stellar experiences in their journey into website development and/or SEO services.
If you’ve been victimized by the last company you worked with, I would like to offer you some advice to regain trust that there are great web consulting companies who want the best for you and your company. There are agencies who do what they say, are honest about the outcome and with whom you can develop a long term relationship with.
You’re Wiser
You’ve learned through experience! Regardless of what industry you’re in there will always be a bad seed. Your experience will make you so much wiser when you seek to complete your web site project. Because you’ve began a project, you will be more familiar with aspects of the process. You’ll know what questions to ask and you’ll be a bit more familiar with the language.
Your Expectations Will Be Realistic
If you’re considering hiring a web development firm, check out their website and really read their content. Do they promise to give you the moon? Or do they articulate realistic guidelines and expectations? Better to hire a company that spells out accurate guidelines rather than using over-elaborate lingo.
On that note, also follow up with doing a Google search for the company name followed by the term “reviews”. Take into consideration that just as there are bad apples in the web services industry there are also bad apples on the client end of it. If the company has an overall amazing online reputation but has a couple of bad reviews, read those reviews. I have hired companies who have amazing reviews and a few negative ones because the reviews were histrionic and dramatic which didn’t lend much credence to the reviewer in my eyes.
Everything Happens for a Reason
That web project that totally went to the wayside would never have been what your business deserved. What you will be getting by the company of your choice will be so much better. “The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.” Wise words to live by from old Rafiki.
Get to Forgiveness
If you hold onto bitterness going into the next leg of your web development journey, the bitterness and mistrust you’re holding onto will completely spill over onto your next developer. They will feel hampered, micromanaged and will be the target of the ill will you’re harboring. Ask for a forgiving spirit… we’ve all blown it, made mistakes, not followed through and would like to be forgiven. Even if the previous web developer hasn’t copped to the wrongdoing, holding onto resentment is only going to hurt you in the end. Do what you need to in order to find closure. Working with the local BBB who will act as a mediator and will seek a satisfactory outcome for both parties is often an amazing way to come to peace with your experience.
Blessings on your endeavors into your business’ online presence, I’m hoping for amazing success for you and your company.
