Just as people still believe in Big Foot and the Loch Ness Monster, there are plenty of website myths that small businesses and entrepreneurs believe. It’s amazing how often I find myself having to clarify several misconceptions about websites and how they actually work. Here are some common myths about websites:

“If you build it, they will come”

Truth: The world wide web allows your business to extend its reach to opposite ends of the globe, but that doesn’t mean you’ll automatically gain new customers. Once published, search engines will eventually find your new site. It may even work faster if you have the latest breaking news on the Jersey Shore crew.

However, even after search engine optimization, several directory submissions, and/or pay-per-click advertising, you’re still competing with similar sites for search engine rankings. Chances are, these sites have been around longer, have built a substantial presence, and already gain a ton of traffic. By default, they’re going to rank higher than you. It takes effort, analysis, and time to achieve a top spot in results.

“All businesses SHOULD have a website”

Truth: I agree that businesses should have some sort of online presence, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they NEED a website. Having an online presence includes things like a social network (i.e. Facebook or MySpace page), email addresses, online business directories (i.e. Yelp), a google map listing, a forum, etc…

Having a website just for the sake of having one could have negative effects. For example, I know of a few businesses who purchased a web design over 2 years ago, but have not updated it with relevant content. Their site now currently displays services that are no longer available.

“Building a website is EASY, it just takes too much time”

Truth: With the advancements in web and design technologies, I agree that anyone can create a website. There are a ton of Do-It-Yourself solutions that may fit the needs of some start-ups. However, while these are seemingly ‘easy’ solutions, building a site from scratch is a completely different animal. What often goes overlooked are the items “under the hood”.

There are several other components that go into web design:

• a communication strategy
• structure/architecture
• coding/development/programming
• search engine optimization
• image optimization

“Websites should look the same in ALL browsers”

Truth: Yes, your site should be viewable in all browsers, but it does not have to look the same in all of them. Each browser renders the markup/coding a little differently depending on various elements. With the advancements made in the internet and the constant release of newer technologies, one cannot expect that older browsers (ahem… like Internet Explorer 6) will be supported. Do you know what browser you are using?

Any other things you may have heard? Post it here and I’ll see if I can clear up any questions you may have.