I have over 30 years of experience in web design, having started my own company over 20 years ago. Up to now, I have my own companies in both Hong Kong and Taiwan. I want to especially thank my brother Edmund whose assistance has greatly contributed to the success of our business.
This morning, I was at Donutes Coffee in the Xitun District of Taichung, diligently working on modifying the company’s web design system program. This is one of my passions, as it allows me to streamline the entire web design process, significantly reducing costs. While it may not be a huge business, it’s enough to lead the life I desire.
As I immersed myself in the world of programming, I noticed two foreign gentlemen beside me discussing web development matters in English. Initially, I paid little attention, but gradually, their discussion interrupted my thoughts.
One of them appeared to be a client, and his requirements were quite simple. If he were to engage our company, we could complete his requested website within a few days. In fact, our system is highly formatted, and a typical website could be completed in just a few hours.
However, Edmund mentioned that our company requires seven to ten working days because when the client volume is high, we need time to handle it.
The other gentleman was trying to persuade the client, using professional jargon to increase the production cost.
I’m not trying to belittle others in the industry; it’s just that our focus differs. That gentleman is obviously very professional and can provide excellent websites, hence the various suggestions.
As the head of a small company, I understand the needs of small companies, which are to be economical. I wouldn’t allow my employees or partners to waste time in coffee shops, aggressively selling high-priced items to customers.
Our goal is to quickly create a practical website for clients, which they can easily manage on their phones without spending a lot of time communicating with us.
In general, 70% of the costs of web design companies are spent on communication. While programming could significantly simplify the process, some web companies insist on constant communication, and these communication costs ultimately reflect on the client’s bill.
I might be a bit of an eccentric programmer and business process designer; I don’t particularly enjoy endlessly chatting with clients about work matters. I prefer to talk with clients about other things, like life, philosophy, or leisure activities, after building the website.
In conclusion, for a typical company website, there’s no need to spend too much time discussing it. Business websites are already very mature, so what new ideas can there be for general accounting/law/trade/chamber of commerce websites? No need to overthink it; follow the footsteps of those who came before us and quickly build the website step by step.
Some clients may say we need to spend time discussing design details like colors and fonts. But I can tell you, many web companies claiming to be tailor-made also use templates.
More importantly, the focus should be on the content of a good company website. Instead of spending time discussing pre-prepared color layouts, it’s better to spend more time creating useful content.
Your potential clients won’t stay because of your website design; they’ll only stay when they find the content helpful. Of course, basic design and layout are necessary, but they really don’t require too much discussion.
Just like this article, if you’ve read this far, you might start getting to know us and eventually become our valuable client.
Our goal is to serve clients in a way that is profitable for both parties.
Finally, I wish you all good health, smooth sailing, and prosperous business. Now, I’m going back to my world of programming. Until we meet again, take care.
