THE CUSTOMER
The customer is the most important part of any business. Customers want to know if they can afford a website and what it will do for them. Will a website get them more customers? In this day and age people are a lot more cost conscious and don't want to spend any more then they have to. This is understandable with the country in the state it is in right now. With this in mind, the question is why would anyone use a web developer that only thinks about how much money they want to make when Shape Web Designs focuses on the customer's needs first and foremost?
(More on "The Customer" from Shape Web Designs owner, Robert Woonacott)
The reason I initially went into web development was because of a web developer who really was an opportunist giving the impression that you could trust him with anything. I soon found out over a course of a year or so that this guy was nothing more than a bully, and a huge scam artist. To this day I can still see him sitting in his office preying off unsuspecting clients, coding out websites, and making a living on screwing others over. I just cannot do this to people (my customers), and that is why I spend my time getting to know my customer, knowing their product, and learning from them. That is what makes Shape Web Designs the best choice and me so much better than that other guy.
Being in business is about making money, but it's also about the customer. My customers are the most important people in my business life. I take care of my customers, and don’t nickel and dime them to death. At one time doing anything for free was considered “Bad Business”. Those days are gone forever, and the future is bleak for the people that still subscribe to that mentality. It's companies like Shape Web Designs, that are going to make a dent in this world. Companies that care about customers -- not about their money. Companies that care about the things I care about. That is truly what good business is all about!
When I have a new customer who is inquiring about a website and they want to know what it will do for them and their business, I take a step back, take a look at my customer and try to understand how I need to talk to them. Let’s be honest here, most people don’t understand the web, coding, SEO (search engine optimization), and all of the other stuff involved in web development. I just keep it basic, and don’t overwelm my client with a lot of technical terminology that they might not understand. To do so doesn’t make me look smarter, it just potentially confuses the customer.
I have known a few local developers here in Grand Haven that emphasize to their customer how much college they have, how outstanding their credentials are, or that they were a spy in the government, or designed websites for the United States Military, etc. Maybe that's just their way of justifying high web development costs -- however, they spend a great deal of time trying to make themselves look smart and wasting the customer's time. The truth is most customers are not interested in that stuff, they want to know if you can build them a website. I don't waste the customer's time trying to justify high costs by spouting off creditials. I don't need to because my costs are reasonable, my integrity is high, and my work speaks for itself.
Customers need to know everything you want to do for them, and how you are going to create and design their site. Customers also want and need to be heard. At Shape Web Designs, we listen to you, the customer. We listen very carefully, because we know that you will tell us what you want to see. By listening we can determine what your goals are and point out and explain areas to focus on to best meet your goals or flag potential problems which might detract from your goals. We are open and honest and you, the customer, is our top priority.
Shape Web Designs is all about the customer, building a relationship and gaining trust. We want our customers to see us as part of their family or business. We truly want the best for our customers and that is why we care so much.
