Comments on: Wake-up call for websites

By: rubyvino

rubyvino — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:19:50 +0000

Thanks, Hana. Yes, websites (especially on WordPress) can be developed at no or very, very low cost (as I mentioned in the post). Often, however, a winery also needs branding or re-branding for its site, and that will involve bringing in a graphic designer. When that’s the case, a free template simply isn’t enough.

By: Hana Deavoll

Hana Deavoll — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:44:13 +0000

Hi Ruby,
I agree that many sites are outdated, but not about the $10 000 price tag needed for upgrading. WordPress sites are a cheaper alternative for any wineries (or businesses in general) wanting to swap their website over to a Web 2.0 platform. Some very professional themes out there and wineries could do the updating themselves.
Also, when evaluating your website, a growing amount of people access the web from smartphones, so your site needs to be compatible for them (no Flash!).

By: Vaughn Bell

Vaughn Bell — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 01:59:50 +0000

Well done Ruby. Although much of my blog reading is currently limited to those of a political flavour, I’ll be sure to add your site to my list of favourites. Best wishes for the future.

By: jane skilton

jane skilton — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:59:10 +0000

Great Post!
Personally, winery websites that play music (most French ones) drive me nuts as do one with hugely complex graphics or Flash. But the one that takes the biscuit is a nz winery site – the side bar continually scrolls upwards as you scroll down. I felt seasick trying to read it.
Wise words for us all – off to update my site!
Jane

By: Phil Reedman

Phil Reedman — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:19:41 +0000

Great work Ruby, timely advice for us all…….must have a look at my website…yikes…now you’ve put the cat among the pigeons. Keep up the good work.

By: John

John — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:41:08 +0000

Not just wine sites Ruby . . .goes for all websites eh. (cringeing a little as I look at ours)