Thanks for the input Diane. Yes, I agree that it is time for me to develop a means for the end-user to maintain their own site. I had thought about this already, and would want to do it on my own time so that I could use it for more than just her. So that is now on my list of things to do/research.
As for selling her on the value/concept of the site, I may be wrong but I feel that I have done everything that I can. I have given her several ways in which she can promote it (non-web related), which she has done to some degree. The site is getting hits, and while the numbers are not "Amazon" numbers, I was pleasantly surprised due to the size of the area that she serves. I persuaded her to start up a small newsletter with "email only" specials for people that signed up for it online. That has gone fairly well. She is not really interested in a shopping cart, so she is going to be somewhat limited on the area in which she can provide business. I have also provided her with several additional things she could add to her site to make it more personal and add value, and while she jumps at the thought of the idea and what it could do, she always comes back with "she is so busy and doesn't have the time for that right now". So in some ways I feel that it is a losing battle. I provided her with the stats for one month, and then offered to roll that into the "monthly maintenance agreement", but she was never interested in it. She has several projects for the site through Christmas, then I will probably have to sit with her again and propose her with her alternatives from here on out. Since I am not that experienced (but am a great learner!) on creating an interface for the customer to do their own updating, I have to ask - won't that usually have to be done via a database, and isn't that overkill for most small sites? Or are you thinking also along the lines of creating templates, etc. for them to do their own updates. I really have been thinking about all of these things, but as I'm sure you understand it can be pretty overwhelming to us newbies. Thanks again for your thoughts - they are much appreciated!! Todd -----Original Message----- From: Diane Schips [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2002 7:33 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [wdvltalk] RE: [OT] Problem with service after the sale - LONG Ah, alas, like many others here, I've also been there. How much do you love doing the work? If this is something you intend to continue long, then as another poster suggested, you should certainly develop the skills and code library that would enable you to build a site that the customer can maintain. Yes, the best jobs are those that provide a long term relationship, but there are people who want to or for a variety of reasons need to maintain the site themselves. She sounds like a perfect candidate for that. While I agree with another poster in that you haven't sold her on the value and concept of a website, I also know that there are some people who just don't get it, and maybe never will. Websites for them, are the current 'thing' - everyone has one right? Learn how to develop a website that the customer can maintain. I agree that it should be done on your tie, and not for a particular customer. Then explain to her that if you are going to do work for her, you will need to charge her for it. Then explain that you can set it up so that she can take over the maintenance, and how much that will cost her. If she doesn't go for it, ask if she wants to maintain her website at all, that you've been getting hints that she may not want to. Do you have a stats on visits to her site? If she's been getting traffic, let her know, then ask her why she feels that the website is losing money. After all, a website can be a singularly effective for of advertising, how can she be sure that the site isn't bringing people into her shop? If she still wants to drop the site, drop it. If she wants to continue it, explain her options 1)self maintain, 2)maintenance agreement at what cost, 3)hourly rate FOR ANY WORK DONE!, with a surcharge for emergency work (anything without sufficient notice - you define sufficient). Diane ____ • The WDVL Discussion List from WDVL.COM • ____ To Join wdvltalk, Send An Email To: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Send Your Posts To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To change subscription settings to the wdvltalk digest version: http://wdvl.internet.com/WDVL/Forum/#sub ________________ http://www.wdvl.com _______________________ You are currently subscribed to wdvltalk as: archive@jab.org To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
