How come? (Roanoke: fit in, real estate, 2010)

[Justme2010]

How come the quality of some of the web sites for businesses in the sw va region is disappointing? I'm talking about some very basic function like a contact or feedback form. Or is it purely my bad luck?

[Dr.Jim]

IMHO "Disappointing" is a relative word. In small markets, there is usually a shortage of skilled computer-technical trades. This is fostered by small advertising and marketing budgets of small mom and pop companies. So without larger budgets to make web marketing or advertising more 'lucrative', the economics of scale create offerings that fit within small budgets. Hence, websites that are limited, or advertising that is limited.

This concept applies everywhere that any service is solicited for low budgets. Not just SW VA, and definitely not just web.
We have all seen ridiculous low end TV commercials as well as non-functional, limited websites,.....bottom line is: You get what you pay for. When there isnt much money, there typically won't be much quality. Not always the case. But more often than not.

[SouthernMomto3]

I'm frustrated that in looking at Roanoke real estate online that there are so many houses that only show one exterior photo or no photo. There are many of the realtors who do great. Haven't been looking at too much else but I have made that observation. May be like that everywhere though!

[Justme2010]

Dr. Jim, thank you for your observation, which I understand, however, I need to add that one of sites that failed with basic and yet fundamental function is actually a very substantial business.

SouthernMomto3, which "Roanoke real estate online" web site that you would expect more/better features?

Thanks.

Don

[Jerry_Williams]

Originally Posted by Justme2010

How come the quality of some of the web sites for businesses in the sw va region is disappointing? I'm talking about some very basic function like a contact or feedback form. Or is it purely my bad luck?

Well, I think this is what to expect from this region. As simple is that.

[Justme2010]

To Jerry_Williams,

Were you my co-pilot and doing nose-diving all the time I would be a dead man already
ok, joke aside, I wrote down my observation (I could be seeing 1% of an elephant), but "nose-diving", negative vibe would not help me as a new resident here... Thanks for your understanding, man!

[SouthernMomto3]

no specific site...there are simply many listings that no matter how many sites you look on do not have more than one pix or none. My favorite listing agents are those that do the virtual tours with floor plans. I know that it costs more but it can help save time by weeding out certain houses.

[Mr_Jonas]

I am sorry to say that Businesses web sites around here are not very good. As simple is that.

[Justme2010]

Thank you, Mr. Jonas, so, how may I drive this point across to help local businesses to achieve what they intend to do with a web site or a step further web app without offending the stakeholders? Other than personal observation History channel also seems to suggest there's a unique culture here... As a first step I've joined the local chamber of commerce...

To Jerry_Williams, koutou to you as well if I sounded defensive previously.

[Jerry_Williams]

I assume you are not from around these parts. A big problem will be is that many business people will see you as an outsider so they will have a hard time trusting you. The problem is that many companies around here joined the information age very late. Were I work they started having company e-mail and internet connection to all PC’s in 2002!!!! An organization down the street form were I work started with company e-mail last year. So there is a huge gap in understanding here.

So I would say there are two things you need to do. First make people see you as one of them. Then you need to make them slowly realize what rival companies (in other states) do with their web sites.

There is also a culture here of being VERY conservative. By this I do not mean that people vote republican. What I mean is that people always have the mind set of “this is how we always have done it” and people are also very negative towards investing in new ideas that does not automatically generate a profit in a few months. How one deals with this mindset I really have not figured out in the 5 years I have lived here.