FALSE: There are businesses fighting every day to get to the top page of Google and other search engines with a daily focus. A website will rarely stumble to the top of Google by itself.

FALSE: The quality of hosting not only helps website performance but also a proper hosting environment can be foundational to a marketing effort. Did you know that most hosting companies have been acquired by a company called EIG? There is a strong argument that this consolidation has hurt once-solid hosting companies. Check out this article to learn more.

False: For some business models, we've been able to create a strong, one-page website (typically called a squeeze page). We combine this highly optimized page with a marketing strategy to create a powerful conversion machine.

False: The big website builder companies have aggressive marketing strategies to present their programs as modern, effective, and easy-to-use. Although these programs are cost-effective, they lack the tools needed for an effective solution for numerous reasons. Plus if you decide to leave their system, it's often difficult and costly to have your content moved.

FALSE: Most designers build websites, logos, and brochures to meet the personal taste of business owners. This is typically a mistake. Websites should ALWAYS be designed with your target customers in mind.

False: Career freelancers haven't been exposed to different environments and are limited while agencies typically hire less experienced designers to keep their costs down. Consider designers that have taken the effort to trademark their businesses, attain relevant certifications, and are partners with industry-leading web solutions.

False: A common tactic used by some agencies is to create team pages that comprise of part-time contractors. These contractors may be used but are not typically used on a regular basis. This is used in an attempt to make a company appear larger.

We have found that most agencies used shared hosting at GoDaddy or hosting with EIG-based companies. Look out for agencies or designers that say they use "proprietary hosting", "internal hosting" or "top-tier hosting" without telling you exactly where they are hosting.

SEO is used in the marketing industry as a blanket statement for a whole range of services. Be careful what you buy and make sure you have a clear understanding of what the service includes... and never buy a guaranteed SEO service.

FALSE: A website should start with understanding your business and its goals. If your developer starts with picking templates or a design phase, it's a bad sign.

True and False: While we have created marketing plans that have generated instant revenue streams, it is not typical. In most cases, a plan is implemented and adjusted over time to become successful. We don't recommend buying a marketing program or hiring a professional with the expectation of instant success.

False: Many businesses purchase a website service or start a Facebook page with the misunderstanding that customers will "find them." This is not true. The web is extremely competitive and requires a very specific effort to succeed. This effort comprises of marketing, a deep understanding of your demographic, a marketing budget and a lot of learning.