| Calling All (Good) Web Developers!!!Thanks for your interest in being listed in the National Directory of Website Solution Providers. First, I owe you an explanation.
If you are like most Website solution providers, you'll do your homework and discover (oh my gosh) that yes, I also own a Web solution company... I've already received the question many times: "That sneaky guy," you're thinking. "What's he up to?" Nothing underhanded folks. Honestly. If you REALLY do your homework, you'll find that I do a lot more than just Website development and SEO / SEM. I'm a former Naval officer, I'm a commercial pilot. I'm (obviously) an author. I'm a business success coach. I serve on a lot of boards, and make a lot of public appearances, and teach a lot of classes, too. Big deal. So don't fixate on me being some kind of "evil competition with a hidden agenda." I'm not. Now that that's out of the way, here's the point of this directory. As you well know, there are tons of business owners and organizational leaders out there who need Website solutions. They're very good at what they do day-to-day, but a lot of them are absolutely "stumped" when it comes to what to do with this whole "Internet" thing. And many of those that aren't stuck in "analysis paralysis" mode are just frustrated with all of the conflicting information, scams, upselling, and double-talk that has given Web developers a reputation of being "intimidating and overpriced." Website 411: Business Survival in an Internet Economy and this Directory are meant to help the small- to medium-sized business owner make informed decisions and do business with competent, reputable solution providers so they can focus on what's most important: the success of their businesses. What will they see? The Directory is a sortable database that allows clients to filter information by any of the column headers. It is password protected, and is accessible by people who have read the book (the password is in the text of the book). The actual directory appears as follows (company name and link data is intentionally blurred):  (Field names may periodically be added or modified, and layout may vary slightly) Okay, so here's the deal, folks. I'd like to accept your application for submission to the database. To accept it, I'm looking for some pretty straightforward criteria to be met. The form on the next page will ask about what general services you offer, and for each, it will ask for two or three samples that are representative of your work. For site design, I want to see a couple of site names that are live on the Web. For SEO and SEM, I'll be looking at meta-data, Google® PageRank™, etc. For graphics design, please point me in the direction of some logos or other artistic work. You get the picture... I'm simply looking to ensure quality control and the assurance of a portfolio that my readers will be able to trust when they call upon you. I want to see it with my own eyes first. I will be reviewing each application individually. Yes, that will be a painstakingly slow process, but by including you in the database, I feel some kind of burden on my own reputation for recommending you. A convenient listing of qualified Website providers is what's in it for my readers. What's in it for you? Free publicity to local clients from a nationally marketed book, and a relevant link to your Website. (You want to return the favor? Add a link to this Website from your site, for which I thank you for being a team player). I'm not interested in making a dime from you in exchange for listing you in the database... I just want a good win-win for all involved. Of course I mention my own company in my book. (I do consider myself credible and reputable.) But my emphasis is on educating the reader and on checking the National Directory of Website Solution Providers on this site. There is a lot of business to go around, and I'm most interested in my readers having good, qualified choices that they can trust. All of that said, I believe I've explained myself and my intentions to the extent necessary to alleviate any apprehension you have for submitting your company to this listing. If you want to proceed, click on the button below to fill out the application.
Important note: You will receive email notification that you were included in the Directory if I select you. If you do not hear back from me and want an update or an explanation, please email me at TomElliott@website411book.com. I will answer the mail. Not every application will be accepted, obviously. If, for example, ten companies from the same city all represent and specialize (exclusively) in the same turnkey platform, I will only accept a couple based on the quality of solution they provide. I don't want this Directory to become saturated with ditto copies of the same product or solution. I'm sure you understand. My apologies in advance for anyone whose application is not included. I will hold myself accountable for answering to your inquiries. Thanks, folks.
| |
|
