What do you consider the primary purpose of your website, and what do you wish your website could do better?

Great question!  I treat my website as a variation of my business card.  I never expect visitors to randomly come across it; they would first have to know my name and then they would have to know at least one of my keywords.  By the time they know all of that, we've probably already met and I've given them the URL myself.

I'm not a website creator, but while internally kicking and screaming ("I can't do this!!!") I managed to create my own site.  Since I don't use WordPress often, it's awkward and daunting to go in and make changes; I'm worried that I'll mess something up and won't be able to fix it.  That's actually part of why I believe I'm good at helping others learn the software that I teach -- I never forget how it feels to "not know" and dread missteps.

I would like to have more confidence about updating content. Some of my sample videos are practically prehistoric; I have no problem creating new ones but it's the fear of making the swaps that keeps me frozen.  I'd also like to know if I'm missing any simple tricks about coming up higher in searches, but that's probably not an easy fix.

Thanks for posing this question -- you've given me an outlet to air my small pet peeves and realize they're really directed at myself!

Dan, are you a web developer? I ask because we have a project in search of WordPress web developers. If that's you and you'd like me email you an informative invitation, please private message me your best email address. Thanks!

Strictly to have a presence online that comes up high in the rankings when someone local searches for chiropractic. 

The outside of our website is for sales.  So it is set up to encourage a company or individual to use our products.  The inside of our website is for function.  It is set up to be intuitive to the needs of our clients and offer multiple ways to communicate with us and manage their applicant information.

Thank you!

Donna

The primary purpose of any website is to explain what you do as a person or what your company does. Any website should clearly state what the "unique value proposition" is so that you grab the attention of the viewer in the first seconds of their time on your site. These days either an audio of graphically sophisticated presentation is the most effective way to engage with anyone who visits your site. You don't have a lot of time to grab a set of eye balls so use that brief amount of time to make your point most effectively. 

My website is two-fold: Information about taking piano/voice lessons, and promoting myself as a jazz singer and my original songs.  I think the biggest challenge is getting found on search engines.  Not sure I answered your question! 

I maintain two WordPress sites that are mainly for awareness of the ministries. I do have issues with adding and editing content mainly because I am not willing to pay $25 a month for a business plan for each to get the "needed plugins to make it easier."

I think if I was running using a site solely for business purposes, that is generating income, expanding clientele, etc. I would look to hire a professional or at minimum do the upgrade.  

If you are not getting 30% to 50% of your business off your web site something is wrong.

Your web site can give you the biggest BANG for your marketing investment dollars if it is done by a professional. Problem I see is 80% of web designers are amateurs and never complete the job. They don't know anything about proven marketing methods, keyword phrases, optimizing the web site to get more traffic, calls to action, testimonies, etc. Amateurs create a "pretty" web site not a functional marketing asset.  Many companies will tell you they have a web site and think that is all they need, not having any idea if it is ranking well in the search engines or if it is generating sales. Your web site gives answers to their problems. They don't care about your "Brand" they have a problem and you are the solution to fix their problem. Address their PAINS, FEARS and DESIRES. In this day and age no one goes to the phone book anymore they go to the Internet and you would be a fool if you don't have a web site for your business...

Educate, Enchant, Empower

Information.