Take 5, Then Click Contact

I have a bunch of Web sites. As with NetManners.com and my WordPress Consulting site, when an e-mail request comes in  I review and respond promptly.

One thing I noticed as of late is the increasing amount of e-mailers that either do not read what is on my site or in my earlier e-mail. I am always here to answer questions, concerns or offer more details about any of my sites, products or services but should that cater to those who do not make the effort to read my site? If you don’t have service online, you’ve got nothing and I pride myself on offering prompt and concise replies to any inquiry that comes in.

Until now….

I can understand onliners frustration at not being able to find the answers they seek. Many sites are poorly designed, do not have any coherent navigation and really do not consider their site visitors when developing the site in the first place. This leads to visitors not being able to find basic information to the common questions that pretty much any site visitor might look for.

I make it a mission to track customer inquiries and questions.  Over the years I can honestly say that for every e-mail question that I get its answer is on my site(s) with literally only a click or two of effort.

I see this pattern happening with clients, customers and every day Netizens. You give the sought after info either on your site, or in an eZine, or in a library of articles and onliners do not want to take the time to check those resources for the information they seek. They do not even use the Search tool. It’s easier to just click on a contact or e-mail link and blurt out their questions–even when the answers are easily found.

Is it because there are so many bad sites that onliners have given up looking? That could be part of the reason — but I think a small part. Is it because they don’t know how to recognize a good site with clear navigation that provides the information for them — if they want to take the time to read it? I don’t think that’s it either. I genuinely believe they don’t want to make these minor efforts. L.A.Z.Y.

Here again, this all boils down to a lack of consideration for the person on the other side of the screen.

“I want it now!”
“I want it delivered to my inbox now!”
“My time is more important than yours so I am not going to make any effort to find and read the info I seek! I’ll e-mail and you’ll give the answers directly back to me!”

Hmmm… Who would have thought even a short decade ago that the wealth of information now online would be moments or clicks away on whatever topic when you wish? Now, unfortunately, it seems that isn’t even good enough for some.

Everyone needs to slow down. Take your time when reviewing a site. Make the effort to see if they have what you seek. Read e-mail replies carefully. Don’t expect those folks to send personalized answers to you because you don’t want to take the time to check their site or the materials sent to you before. That’s just common courtesy!

So take just take 5 minutes to find the info you seek before you click that e-mail link or contact button. Don’t just click because you do not want to take the time to check the information provided.  Doing so will speak volumes about what you will be like to communicate or do business with. How would you like to communicate or do business with someone who would ignore all the information you offer because they don’t want to take the time to read it but want you to take the time to repeat it? (I admit that I do take this into consideration in determining who I add to my schedule over @ The IStudio®.)

Then, if you do not find what you seek after making an honest effort, do e-mail with courtesy and proper e-mail etiquette about what you seek. No doubt, if the site owner is like me, they’ll be pleased to hear from you and add the information you are looking for to their site for other visitors — or they’ll just point you back to the information they provided in the first place.

Some More Info for You:

1. 3 Steps for Business E-mail First Contact
2. Before You Click Send…
3. Before You Click Submit…