After reading a blog post by Seth Godin today discussing the first question every web designer must ask I said, amen Seth…but there is an even more important question that needs to be asked in my opinion that really starts with the client NOT the web designer.

I have had a web development company for over 13 years now and have been a digital marketing consultant before it became cool One of the greatest web presence problems I have encountered when it comes to designing a web site is the client does not really understand (or care to in some cases) how to market online with a web site nor do they understand the online consumers wants and motivations so they don’t really know how to take charge of their marketing goals for their web site.

What happens in most cases is they leave the entire project in the hands of the web designer; graphic artist or programmer and most of them are not marketers!

Even if they were seasoned marketers like me…the business owner of that web site must be totally engaged in the development strategies and business plans for this amazing marketing tool if they want a return in their investment. Your web presence is not just a bunch of pages online. It’s a business asset…and a valuable one at that!

You cannot leave your front door to the world to just some cool effects, colors and things that go pop-up in the night! You must be in control of your web assets. The day of just loading that off to your web person is gone if you want to remain relevant and compete in this new business economy.

In all fairness to business owners, I understand many don’t know how to market using digital media and online strategies. That’s why I call upon Seth to help spread the word about the availability of those of us who are Digital Marketing Coaches. A short time ago he put up a post on Squidoo explaining the need for digital coaches who would help those who were in need of a tech coach. There is even a greater need for Digital Marketing Coaches that help bridge what I call the Great Business Digital Divide!

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