Quick survey on choosing a web designer

[techiebabe]

Hi there,
 
I have written a survey on choosing a web designer / getting a website.
It's a 10 question / 2 minute job - if anyone could spare the time to complete it, I'd appreciate it very much.
 
It's at http://www.webdesignandmastery.com/cgi-bin/survey.pl
 
I promise I won't spam or sell to you as a result of completing it - it's purely research!
 
I will publish the results here in a few weeks, if any one is interested.
 
Best wishes,
Flash Wilson

[paulhiles]

Hi Flash,
 
I filled out your survey - some very pertinent questions by the way!
 
One quick pointer on looking at your background/profile on your site. I would try and avoid starting every paragraph in the first person. "I" and "My" are normally used in more informal sites, as a business site, I would expect a slightly more professional feel.. and maybe the use of "we" and stressing the company name when describing your expertise and services.
 
Hope you don't take my comments the wrong way, it's just my viewpoint that's all. Take a look at Ecru's site and revs.org - they stress accessibility issues as part of their overall sales approach, but do so in a professional way.
 
Hope that helps,
 
Paul

[Business Brian]

Hi techiebabe, and welcome to business-talk.
 
 I'll have a look later today - just popped in before starting work.

[techiebabe]

I filled out your survey - some very pertinent questions by the way!
 
One quick pointer on looking at your background/profile on your site. I would try and avoid starting every paragraph in the first person. "I" and "My" are normally used in more informal sites, as a business site, I would expect a slightly more professional feel.. and maybe the use of "we" and stressing the company name when describing your expertise and services.

Hi Paul, thanks for your help!
 
Good point about using "I" and "we" - as a sole trader I'm not sure really, it sounds a bit false saying "we" when everyone knows it will be just me dealing with it. I had thought about using bullet points which makes it easier to write without any personalisation at all.
 
It's a bit of a tricky balance to strike since I have two types of client, small businesses without a website (for example I am currently creating a site for my plumber, who needs the friendly and personal touches as he knows nothing about the net) and those with a website already who need it checked for accessibility - obviously those are a much more professional client, and I'm not sure my site hits the right note for them. But if I have a more corporate look / feel I might scare off the small businesses, who are my bread and butter at present...
 
Thanks, I'd be very interested to hear more opinions on these lines because it is something I've agonised over!
 
Flash