[TheForge] blacksmith websites

[lama]

Jerry, I like to use the analogy of a street sign to a web site.
One can be the best blacksmith in the world and put a sign
at the end of the gravel road where they live. Only the people
passing the end of the road are going to see the sign.
Similarly, one could have a great web site filled with great
looking work, but if it doesn't show up on the search engine
or is in 102,975th place, nobody is going to see it.
That is a whole other game, figuring out how to get a good
spot on the search engines, a lot of techno-babble is used.
If you are going to learn to do this yourself, it's not too hard
and it needn't cost you much. If you are going to have a pro
do it for you, It can be costly depending on what features
you want. (excuse the blatant commercialism, but my son
is a professional web site builder. nmudge@hotmail.com )
Web sites that make money are the type that the visitor can
simply order something @ a fixed price, and punch in their
credit card number. Most of "our" type of work is very
different than that where a lot of negotiation and varied detail
is employed.
Having said all of that, I find my 'commercial' web site to be
of great value for attracting and referring potential clients.
http://MagicHammer.IronWorkers.com
Put your web site address on your business card. People ask
if you have a brochure or where they can see more of your work,
you refer them to your web site. You can run an ad in your local
Sunday newspaper "art" section with just a picture of your work
and the web site address. (be sure that contact info is on the site)
Other people asking questions about blacksmithing, (they are not
going to buy any of your work), could be referred to a web site
more geared to that. http://MagicHammer.FreeServers.com for
example. Or http://www.abana.org
dave m.
----- Original Message -----
From: <VenezianoJ@aol.com>
To: <theforge@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2002 6:03 AM
Subject: [TheForge] blacksmith websites


> This begs the question....those of you who have websites, how many of you
> have found them to be worth the effort and money business-wise?  I've had
> mixed reviews from those "sited" smiths I've spoken with in person, but
> that's a very small sample.
> Have no quesiton that they're great for sharing with friends and
compatriots,
> but how about business-wise?
>
> Yes, I'm looking at building a site in the near future, hence my question
=)
>
> Jerry V
> Williamsburg
>
> << Amos, the site looks and works well, and a good way to show off your
fine
>  work. You will be surprised how much work comes your way because of it.
>
>  Best of luck.
>
>  Harry Foster >>
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