Your website creates the first impression they get of your company, and first impressions are powerful and lasting. It must be relevant, easy to navigate, convey quality, instill trust and show what makes you different from others who provide similar products or services. If it doesn't it's as easy as a mouse click for them to go elsewhere.
So what does your website say about your business? Does it make you look like an industry leader or like everyone else in your industry? Does it clearly and concisely explain the benefits you offer over your competitors? Does it show your staff, your facilities and your products in their best possible light? Do you come off as first class or third rate? Do you provide social proof - testimonials of how others have benefited by doing business with you?
Using a template makes you look like everybody else and makes you look second class. Stock photos also make you look second class and erode trust - people will wonder what you're hiding. Everybody knows they're stock photos. Who do you think you're kidding? Using photos that aren't professionally done makes you look cheap and doesn't make a good first impression.
