The Tail-Sniffer dog
Tail sniffers tend to embarrass their owners at the most inconvenient times. On rare occasions (usually in comedy films) the embarrassment may lead to a worthwhile meeting.
The tail sniffer can only be kept under control when they're on a tight leash, otherwise they run off in blind pursuit of whatever they think is hot at the time. Often they'll get themselves into trouble because they've chosen to follow the wrong tail.
Occasionally they will disappear into the distance and get lost, until they discover that the tail they were pursuing wasn't worth the effort or wasn't as interesting as it first appeared.
The Tail-Sniffer website
A tail sniffer website is usually under the control of a computer person who is always on the lookout for the latest and greatest bit of website technology or web development software. Business outcomes are seldom considered.
Such a website is frequently being updated to incorporate the latest web development techniques, or revised using the latest version of web development software, with negligible business benefit. In other words costs of ownership are high, returns are insignificant.
The latest fad might well be some cutting edge software, technique or web innovation, but being first down the wrong road doesn't make you a leader. Even if you do “lead” as far as your developers are concerned, your business might end up well behind your competitors as a consequence.
The only beneficiary is the developer or designer who gets to learn new skills and acquire temporary bragging rights to other developers.
One thing's for sure about tail-sniffer websites - they do more harm than good for their owners.
Are you about to buy a tail sniffer website?
Here are some warning signs when you're about to buy a tail sniffer. In some ways they're similar to the show dog website:
- You feel that your business needs are being sidelined or ignored.
- Suggestions and recommendations are justified on the basis of them "being the latest" or "cutting edge".
- The provider talks as if having a successful website depends on you having or using the latest technology.
- You're being expected to pay for new software or development tools.
- Conversations centre on bells and whistles instead of business outcomes.
- Complementary off-line business strategies are not asked about.
- You're not asked about business goals and strategies.
- The conversation is dominated by talk about search engine optimisation.
- You're not asked about your customers and their needs.
- It feels complicated instead of simple and straight forward.
How to ensure a thoroughbred website
SnapSite will work with you through each of the important steps to website success. We can help you develop operational and strategic business battle plans that will give your business the potent advantage of having more than just a website.
Snapsite provide strategies, systems and services to take your business beyond the limitations of just having a website