A potential client just e-mailed me about writing the wording for his website.
I took a look at the site. He has a neat product he invented, and seems to have the manufacturing part down. But the site itself troubled me. This is what I wrote in reply:
Hi -name withheld-,
Thank you for your quote request – I’d be happy to help you.
Yea, I agree with you – your wording/site is missing some pizazz. I think part of your problem is the website layout and design. It just looks cheap/homemade. No corporation is going to take that website seriously (sorry). And there’s no “packaging” for your product, so a wholesaler won’t be that interested either. It seems like your main intent is to sell individual pieces to people (which probably is the wrong direction to go.)
Anyway, I am telling you these things because I don’t think my writing will help until A) you have a better website, and B) you have a clear direction on exactly who you are going to target. (for what it’s worth, I do not do web design and won’t offer a recommendation – I have no horse in that race, so I hope you feel I’m sincere in saying this.)
It’s a neat product, there’s potential here, and I can very likely help you. But first, what are your plans / direction?
Dan
So essentially, I am saying NOT to hire me until these concerns are addressed. Now, perhaps a new website is in the works – that would be great. But, dear reader, what you should take away from this exchange is I’m not doing work that I do not think will help my clients.
Being honest is the only way to do business. If you can’t be honest – even if it means turning down work – then close up shop.