10. Not Establishing your Company as the Expert

Your website must establish you company as an expert in meeting the clients needs.  If you don't establish your expertise, what is the point of your website?

9. Google Rankings

Do you really think that someone will choose an architect or engineer using a keyword search on Google?  They may try to find a specific company, but almost certainly not by using keywords like "structural engineer".  Concentrate your efforts on providing valuable content -- not keywords.

8. Broken Links

Check every link on your website at least once a week.  Broken links detract from the otherwise valuable content on your website and discourage potential employees or clients.

7. Under Construction

Please don't use the "under construction" sign.  You are far better off removing the link until the content is loaded.

6. Out of Date News

If your most recent news is from November 2004, you have a problem.  There is either no news or you are too lazy to update your website.  In either case you are sending the wrong message.

5. Out of Date Press Releases

If you are committed to having a press release section, please make sure you have at least one per month.  Also make sure that the most recent press release is listed first.

4. Not Focusing on the Client

Too many companies fall into the trap of designing their websites to impress their competitors.  Most clients care little about your "design philosophy" or your company for that matter and they care even less about your employees.  They care about themselves.

3. Your Company Name is Not on the Home Page

This is hard to believe -- but it is true.  Type in www.coredc.com

 for an example of what I mean.

2. Hide and Seek Links

I absolutely hate those sights that have hidden links that only pop-up when you accidentally scroll over it with your mouse.  Aside from being a lame attempt to be clever, these companies are losing credibility because of it.

1a. Thinking your Flash Intro Graphics Impress Anyone

They do not impress potential clients.  They annoy them.  If annoying potential clients is your goal, this is one of the best ways to succeed.

1b. Contact Links that Dump to an Automatic E-Mail Inquiry

I really just wanted your phone number to call you about a potential project.  Why are you forcing me to send an e-mail?