[thelist] Site Conundrum

[Canfield, Joel]

Haven't needed to do this yet, so this is theoretical stream of
consciousness:

Does the subcontracting content need to be securely separate from the end
user content, or can the .com site have a subtle link to the .net site (Deep
Pockets Click Here) ?  Will your clients really be distressed if they
discover that you subcontract for less than your home-grown projects? They
shouldn't be bothered but that assumes some common sense.

Does the content need to be divided at all? It should be no surprise to
clients that you subcontract, nor surprising to contractors that you have
your own clients. Make sure you're not complicating unnecessarily.

How will folks be directed to the site?
* search engine - they'll get to the correct site whether they're named
similarly or not, but there's the potential for confusion on return visits
* invitation - when you direct professional visitors, you'll specifically
point out the 'semi-private' address of sitediva.net and make sure they're
aware of the special pricing they're getting. they'll remember.
* word of mouth - if a client recommends you to someone interested in
subcontracting to you, they'll likely see the .com site first, but if they
like what they see they'll contact you and be directed to the .net site


Joel D Canfield
Applications Manager
Magis Networks, Inc.
jcanfield at magisnetworks.com
858.523.2328 

-----Original Message-----
From: Gina K. Anderson [mailto:gina at sitediva.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2001 12:40 PM
To: thelist at lists.evolt.org
Subject: RE: [thelist] Site Conundrum


Thanks to Jay and Janet for responding with their ideas--gave me alot to
chew
on! :-) Doesn't anyone else have anything to add? I'm really eager for some
advice here.

Here's a copy of the original post, in shorter form:
----------------------

|I am having a problem with the direction I need to take with my site.

|My target audience is potential/existing small to medium business
|clients, *and* professional design firms that need help from a
freelancer/subcontractor.

|I have thought of having the whole shebang at one site where the visitor
|picks which area to go into--but I'm not sure a potential client would
really
|know what to do...I'm playing with a tentative splash page design here:
http://www.sitediva.com/sitetest/

|Do you see enough guidance about which audience should go where--or do
|you think I should just separate the audiences with two different sites,
maybe
|sitediva.net for the outsourcers, and sitediva.com for the clients???
|Any input?

|Has anyone else tried/succeeded/failed in catering to both audiences with
one
|site? Any input is appreciated.

Thanks,
Gina