Internet Arrogance

What's up with website developers? I have quite a bit of experience dealing with people who build websites and I have to say, I am somewhat mystified by the prevailing attitude of many of them. Let me first say that I, at least at this time, don't build sites myself. But my training is in critiquing sites to see whether or not they are built properly for search engine visibility. Among other things, I am concerned as to whether proper on-site optimization has been implemented or not. If it hasn't, I point out a few suggestions to strengthen the site. So when I look at your site, my first concern is not how pretty it is, or that you have butterflies flying across the screen or that it plays "My Heart Will Go On and On". (I am not a fan of either of these types of functions by the way.)

I am also well trained regarding SEO, SEM, adwords, local search, keyword strategies, social media, backlinks, etc. So when I analyze a website, it is my intention to help make the site more visible to Google, Yahoo!, Bing, etc.

But here is the stickler. When I offer information or make suggestions, I find that the site developer often tends to respond with arrogance or even anger. They downplay the suggestion and pooh-pooh its importance. They often seem to feel they need to defend themselves by "out-tech-ing" me. And this applies to both the do-it-yourselfer and to builders who work for companies who create sites.

It makes me wonder whether the schools who train these people, or website building guide books, even cover on-site optimization. My training goes even farther and relates specifically to commercial website visibility. There are certain elements that are of particular importance to local business sites.

Wouldn't you think you would welcome some tips and pointers from a trained professional if they help increase your online exposure?  So why the arrogance? Take the criticism, weigh the suggestions fairly, and then act accordingly. We are on the same team. The goal is the same, so let's work toward that common goal and forget who knows the most or who has the degree.

I recently had a great meeting with a young man who handles a local company's website. This guy was a breath of fresh air. He is among a minority of the webmasters with whom I have dealt. We had a very profitable time because he was open and soaked up the information I shared like a sponge. Likewise, I learned a few things from him. When the environment is one of co-operation, all parties benefit. There should be no room for ego or turf protection in this type of circumstance.

My bottom line here is that, if you are, or if you have, a webmaster, make sure he or she has enough humility to be open to information that might benefit your business. The person who handles your online presence should be a lifelong student, always learning. The net is very fluid, constantly changing. Search engines constantly revise their algorithms. It is worth the effort to stay teachable about the internet.