I work with several web designers and I help several clients with SEM and SEO. Sometimes this means working closely with their web designers. I am continually seeing a trend that is unfortunate and unfair to those paying for web design. I am not sure what I would or should call this trend because there are several aspects to it. These apsects include:

• After receiving a down payment a lack of interest appears. I am not sure if some people just enjoy the selling process and the excitement needed to create a great site just disappears or what? Basically, I see clients dropping large sums of money after being being promised a spectacular site and then the designer is not too interested in creating something fabulous…they just seem to make something quick and expect it to be enough. Well, it isn’t and the lack of time and effort clearly shows.

• Web design companies telling clients that they need to pay for services that, in reality, they really do not need. I am not sure what happened to honesty and/or not feeling guilty for taking money from someone for a service they don’t need and will not receive. Deception for more money seems pretty pathetic to me.

• Empty Promises. Happens all the time and clients end up angry, frustrated and upset over their loss of time and money.

• No devotion to trying hard. I understand burnout and that people are worn out between family, work, the world, the IRS, their kid’s jerky teacher and traffic. Believe it or not we are all tired, but we all have a job to do and our clients deserve our very best effort, period.

• Charging for monthly SEO services when they know nothing about SEO. I think this is pretty pathetic, unethical and embarrassing for the company, but I see it all the time.

I have been called conservative and the truth is I am, but I also think that there is a basic amount of decency we should all have and it seems that a lot of respect for “your fellow man” is disappearing. I don’t care if you are rich or poor, my price stays the same and I think this is why I get so much work. Plus, I take the time to care about my clients and their needs.

Don’t get me wrong, I want to make money. I am tired of worrying about paying bills and helping my son through college three years from now, but I don’t think I could live with myself if I lied to my clients to make more money!

I wish more people today were more concerned about doing what is right, than doing whatever it takes to make more money.

Melissa Fach- Sarasota – SEO Copywriter