Question on Websites to those who have them?

[mastevt]

Thought I'd post this here, since it seems the most active.  For those of you who have websites, and would like to share with me, I have a couple questions.  I'm not a big volume call maker, I prefer to make them custom per individual, and make them special, and I'm often asked what is my website?  Well, I don't have one.  That said, Did you have someone build your site? or did you do it yourself?  What does it cost to maintain?  Have you noticed that your sales increased because of it?  I now they may sound kinda dumb, but since I only make, maybe, 50 calls a year, cost is one I have to consider.  Thanks,  Scott.

[callmakerman]

I don't have a website and don't want one as the word of mouth thing keeps me plenty busy. With that said I thought if I had to do something it would be a face book page just for my turkey calls. It wont cost you anything and you could control it yourself. Just my thoughts.

[Mjc21706]

Im not a callmaker but with all the blogs, social media, and websites like this one. I would recommend posting your work and have your current customers give feedback on them. The nice thing none of it cost you any money. Just my thoughts

[mastevt]

I am on facebook, and have a link with photobucket of current calls that I have for sale, plus albums that people can see other calls.  I'm just researching the possibility of it being feasable. Hoping to get feedback from those on here.  I figured with a forum like this, most of the guys on here are builders/callmakers.  I didn't give it much thought that none callmakers would frequent this forum.  I'm probably wrong tho.

[Shadetree Callers]

There are plenty of free website building sites on the web. Having a website does not necessarily increase sales but it gives you a place for customers to view your calls.

[The Woodsman]

I am not a call maker but prefer a standard site. I as well as others do not have facebook so it would leave us out.

[TRKYHTR]

I have a web site. I think the domain name cost 25-35. I had someone help me with the site and she charges me 20.00 a month to keep it up and running. I worked with her to get it like I wanted. I agree with Bob that it gives those who are interested in buying a place to look at your calls. My sales increased a little but word of mouth is still the best seller. JMO

TRKYHTR

[longbeard48]

I use webs.com.  Its free and you can upgrade later if you want.  I've had it for five or six years and have no problems with it.  It is easy to work with but I don't update it often enough.  I probably sell almost as many calls thru the website than I do Ebay and word of mouth put together.  The trick is getting it listed with the search engines.
Tom
www.mississippiscratchboxcalls.webs.com

[jmck]

Tom and Joe are dead on.
There are free sites you can go to get website designs for web page creation. If your IT dumb as I am...I went to my ip provider and got him to make the site for me.
You do have to buy the name although its a nominal price. Also, you may consider a provider to assure its always running.