“Software error:

Can't call method "prepare" on an undefined value at arp3-data.pl line 40.

For help, please send mail to the webmaster (webmaster@steverenner.com), giving this error message and the time and date of the error.”

So I Googled the gentleman offering the info and found his website. I clicked on “CONTACT” hoping to let him know about the problem.

However, on his Contact page is the following:

“Contact Steve Renner

Fill in the form below and hit the Submit Button
Someone will get back to you within 24/48 hours.

%%wpcontactform%%”

NO CONTACT FORM! Just the naked code! Not even an email address to get in touch with him.

Every business with a website MUST make sure that your target market can get in touch with you.  Make sure that your contact form is working, especially after upgrading or editing your website.  Without a contact form, your prospects are going to high-tail it off your site and run to your competitors!

So Steve Renner, if you are reading this, please get your webmaster to fix your optin and your contact form!

First, there was no thank you for contacting us page.  One missed opportunity.

Second, there was no thank you for your submission autoresponder.   Second missed opportunity.

Third, they didn’t answer my email or call me back.  HUGE missed opportunity.

Having an effective website for your bricks-and-mortar business is essential in our increasingly digital world.  Not capitalizing on it, though, makes your website nothing more than pretty pictures.

At the very least, you should have a thank you page where potential clients are sent once they fill out your contact form.  On that page, you should let people know your turnaround time for a response, how to get in touch if they need you faster than that, and perhaps a special offer or handy tips.

Don’t let your website be just pretty pictures.  And yes, I got in touch with another company who did answer my email, and now THEY will be getting my business