I am starting the process to rebuild our company website. It’s interesting that when I’ve told a couple people, they replied with “Why?”
I was stumped for an answer. The plan is to lift the existing content and put it on a new chassis. There will be some tweaks, some navigational improvements. But really, what they were asking was right, in a way. The current site is effective and serviceable. Certainly if someone wants to try to corner me on ROI, I couldn’t do it.
The best answer I could come up with is this: Re-doing a website is like buying a new car. You love the old one and it is reliable enough. But at a certain point, the old one seems old. To you, and to those around you. Car fever ensues.
A step forward in technology, efficiency, and style looks expensive, but worth it. A modern website is a reflection of a modern company. That’s why salespeople get car allowances. And that’s why I am taking this step. It’s time, that’s why.

I think there is definitely a shelf life for a website’s design. Using your analogy of a salesperson – you don’t want to send out a salesperson wearing clothes from 1960, out to meet with Boeing. >>Your website is typically one of the first places people learn about you. It’s an extension of your sales force. Make sure it has the image you want.
I think there is definitely a shelf life for a website’s design. Using your analogy of a salesperson – you don’t want to send out a salesperson wearing clothes from 1960, out to meet with Boeing. Your website is typically one of the first places people learn about you. It’s an extension of your sales force. Make sure it has the image you want.
I agree. There are times (and you know when they are) when things need sprucing up.
I agree. There are times (and you know when they are) when things need sprucing up.
It can be an overwhelming task to redesign a site. We’re currently in the process of evaluating how to layout our next generation site. Similar to you, we have a lot of content, but we are seeking better ways to connect with visitors. Forums, online chat, blog, etc… The list of Web 2.0 tactic seems endless. As a B2B marketer, how have you approached these questions?>>Adam
It can be an overwhelming task to redesign a site. We’re currently in the process of evaluating how to layout our next generation site. Similar to you, we have a lot of content, but we are seeking better ways to connect with visitors. Forums, online chat, blog, etc… The list of Web 2.0 tactic seems endless. As a B2B marketer, how have you approached these questions?Adam
Adam, I only want to bite off as much as I can chew. No real Web2.0 stuff for me, its just not realistic for me to be able to leverage, let alone manage.>>I do want to pump up my product pages. The new CMS will have some handy tools for managing and maximizing all that content. There are a couple cool ideas up my sleeve, tho.>>I guess what I am saying, is the best way (for me & my marketplace anyway) is to connect with site-visitors is with detailed, usable product information and tools.
Adam, I only want to bite off as much as I can chew. No real Web2.0 stuff for me, its just not realistic for me to be able to leverage, let alone manage.I do want to pump up my product pages. The new CMS will have some handy tools for managing and maximizing all that content. There are a couple cool ideas up my sleeve, tho.I guess what I am saying, is the best way (for me & my marketplace anyway) is to connect with site-visitors is with detailed, usable product information and tools.
Good blog, very insightful…
Good blog, very insightful…
For Industrial Marketing where functional benefits play major part in generating sales, i think Website is important media to impose first impression on customer. We always advise our customer to look at our website for detailed product technical specification. >For above reason website should be the reflection of companies vision and future direction.
For Industrial Marketing where functional benefits play major part in generating sales, i think Website is important media to impose first impression on customer. We always advise our customer to look at our website for detailed product technical specification. For above reason website should be the reflection of companies vision and future direction.