As web consultants we sometimes canvas the websites of local businesses to discover who could use a little assistance. Often times running into HORRID web designs, created by overconfident and under qualified web masters.

It seems like the worse the design, the MORE COCKY the webmaster is.

Recently we had a run in with a prime example of an overconfident web master.

Meet Bradford L. Brown, or as he refers to himself, “The Wizard” - (the electrifying filter effect is ALL him)

His command of all things web is impressive indeed, to quote from the “webmaster page” of the company he works for:

“all of the design and coding of this website began right here, in this chair, so, depending upon your point-of-view, I’m either to blame — or I get the glory. There are times when inspiration fails me, but then lightning usually strikes, and immediately, I know just what to do next. HTML to ya!”

As proof of his mastery of web designing I share with you exhibit A: Wicked RAD Custom Wizard to Rabbit GIF animation:

After looking over the site that he is currently “Web Mastering” ( http://www.robertson-tire.com/index.html ) we contacted him to let him know that we would be interested in helping them with their site, to which he responded “Thanks for your interest in our website. The site works very well for us (we get tremendous traffic now) and costs us practically nothing to maintain. Why would we want to upgrade?”

Well EXCUUUUUUUSE ME!

In hind site, I should have recognized that they were in good shape just by looking at the site, this master piece of web work:

I was a little upset and offended, but then I took a look at his “Web Master Bio Page” and realized I was in fact dealing with a true web professional, a “WIZARD” if you will.

In an attempt to convince him that he needed a little help, we spent some time doing an analysis of his site to identify potential problems and sent him the following email:

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Hey, thanks for the reply - we understand that you guys probably get lots of traffic to your website, but lots of traffic does not mean that we still might not be able to help you improve the site.

Here are some major issues and problems with the website we noticed, which we can help you address:

1. Uses Frames
2. Scrolling Java Scripts
3. Uses Animated Gifs
4. Low resolution photos and graphics
5. Awkward Navigation
6. Outdated Design & Layout
7. Needs Major Algorithm Compliance
8. Harsh Color Scheme

9. Could use some usability and conversion analysis

The site really is in need of a major upgrade not only for better conversion, but to leave a better impression on your customers - right now your website is doing more harm to your business than it is good.

Please let us know if you might be interested in some consulting on how we can help bring the site from the 90’s to 2008.

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We are still waiting on his response . . . .