The Hobby Line Internet

Q: What's your name and position in the company?
A: Mike Dippel, Owner, The Hobby Line Internet

Q: Describe your company in 5 words.
A: low cost web design

Q: What's your business philosophy?
A: We make owning a website possible for everyone with our low cost policy. We custom build a website based on the customer's needs.

Q: Describe your office environment.
A: Our office environment is well equipped with all necessary software to meet the various needs of our customers.

Q: What makes you different from other web design companies?
A: Our low price policy makes us stand out among all of the web design companies. Our price includes not only the design and hosting, but promoting these sites in our 19 online Directory websites, as well as promotion to the various search engines and other directories.

Q: How do you get the majority of your business?
A: I have received a number of referrals from current customers. I also received customers desiring a site similar to one they saw online.

Q: Describe how you manage projects from the initial client contact to completion and handover.
A: Because the internet is global, a one-on-one meeting is not required, although I do try to meet with a prospective customer if possible. I stress that the design is a work in progress where the customer is prompted to give feedback until they are happy with the look and content of the site.

Q: What do you think is the most crucial element of creating a good client relationship?
A: Most site changes are done via email message to me. I find that doing the update in a timely manner goes a long way towards developing a good client relationship, and generally leads to the customer referring others to me.

Q: How do you manage demanding clients?
A: I accept any challenge that a client may bring up.

Q: If a client was trying to decide between a shortlist of web design companies, how would you recommend they go about selecting the right one for them?
A: I believe that 2 things help a customer make up their minds: the page rank of the site tells them how well the site was designed and promoted; the look and navigation of the site lets them know about the skill of the designer.

Q: Where do you see your company in 10 years time?
A: I don't expect the company to grow all that much. I like to keep the amount of customers to a manageable size so I can provide the necessary services in a timely manner.

Q: Where do you see the web design industry in the future?
A: Technology will certainly make the site of the future include more features, but I still would ensure that the site doesn't include too much unnecessary features.

Q: What computers do you have use in your offices, PCs or Macs?
A: PC

Q: How was your company name chosen?
A: In 1986, I ran a local bulletin board system in Miramar, Florida with message forums dealing in hobby-related topics. The Hobby Line! BBS soon became The Hobby Line Internet once I began to host and design web sites.

Q: If you were to give your clients one tip on how to get the most from their website what would it be?
A: I try to limit images and include as much searchable text as possible. Basically, it is the customer that designs their own website by providing all of the content. Know your competition, and use what works for them when designing your own site.