Chamber Chat
Websketching Profiled in July
7/5/2009 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Websketching Web Design
Address: 18 N. Main St. 2nd Fl, Woodstown, NJ 08098
Phone/Website/Email: 769-5600; www.Websketching.com; cdegraff@websketching.com
Services provided: Website design/development, hosting & marketing
Issue.: The importance of maintaining a customer-friendly website for your business. This month we spoke with Christine DeGraff, owner of Websketching Web Design
Chamber Chat: Tell us a little bit about Websketching Web Design.
Christine DeGraff: Websketching provides custom website solutions for businesses. Most of our website packages come equipped with a content management system (cms) to allow our clients to easily update their own websites 24/7 from any computer with an Internet connection. We also offer photography and video services as well as Internet advertising, marketing and promotion services.
C.C.: How has the Web design industry changed over the last couple of years?
C.D.:There have been so many improvements – the one that comes to mind is the move from “brochure-ware” websites that are infrequently or rarely updated to websites that are timely, relevant and useful. This shift is due in large part to the advent of content management systems which take the chore of keeping the websites up-to-date out of the hands of expensive, overworked web developers; these tasks can now be performed by office assistants, interns or other employees, greatly simplifying the entire process and reducing costs.
C.C.: What benefits can a website bring, specifically to a small business?
C.D.: I think that nowadays, having a website is as expected as having a business card; however, I do not necessarily believe that just having a website is enough to benefit a business – in fact, I am certain that some businesses are losing business because of their website. In my opinion, it is better to have “NO WEBSITE” rather than having one that is not professional.
One of the biggest obstacles small businesses often need to overcome is credibility – and a professional website should go a long way toward providing that credibility. Your website should work tirelessly for you – professionally representing your business 24/7, helping you “close the deal” and converting browsers to buyers or potential clients to actual clients. It is your connection to the global marketplace and is often the first impression that visitors have of your business – which is why you need to make it a good one!
C.C.: You mentioned the importance of being able to keep the website up-to-date – what benefits should a small business get from having a website with a cms?
C.D.: By giving a business owner the ability to maintain their own website in-house, without having to rely on a website designer, we give them the ability to use their website as a marketing tool. For example, a realtor can post their open house dates and printable flyers; a restaurant owner can feature their daily specials; etc. Other features might include the ability to add new pages, to collect email addresses, to post press releases, links and photos, to accept applications online, to earn additional income by selling sponsor advertisements – basically, the tools a business needs to compete in today’s global marketplace.
C.C.: What is one of the most unique websites you ever worked on?
C.D.: I am not sure about the term “unique” – I customize each site to try to capture the unique look and feel of each business, but I do try to stick to standard practices of good web design, such as having navigation where it is expected to be, etc. Usually, it is the subject matter that determines whether the site is unique – for example, I have done quite a few realtor websites, lawyers, and restaurants – but only one farmers’ market (www.WoodstownFarmersMarket.com). Probably the one website and client that stands out the most is www.TaraLaRosa.net – again, unique because I had never done a website for a fighter, much less the World’s #1 Rated Female Fighter!
C.C.: What do you see as the future of Web design?
C.D.: I think that the future of web design is video – the technology has been there for years, but the infrastructure to let people watch video online is just now getting to the point where it is becoming a viable medium to include in a website. Websketching actually recently created a new grassroots “video community” website for Woodstown, www.Woodstown-NJ.com, which features “videomercials” of several local businesses. It has been our experience that visitors tend to stay much longer on websites with videos.
C.C.: Why is Websketching a member of the Salem County Chamber of Commerce and how has it helped your business?
C.D.: I am a firm believer in the “shop local” concept and feel that local business associations and chambers of commerce are a great way to promote that concept. The Salem County Chamber of Commerce has terrific events and networking opportunities and is a great way for a small business owner to network, socialize and have a voice in our local economy.
About Christine DeGraff
Christine has over 9 years experience in web development and marketing. For several years, she was the lead programmer for the Philadelphia Flyers. She also worked for RealTime Media developing online sweepstakes & instant win games for Maybelline, MasterCard, Old Navy, Kodak & The Philadelphia Eagles. Today, Christine is a partner at Websketching, a website design and development company located in South Jersey. Together, Christine and her partner, Larry Warwick, have developed over 100 websites and have received several awards and honors for their work and their commitment to customer service.
