Ask the pros

Like many business owners who have a friend who does web design, Mike Corsie enlisted a buddy to help him out with his first website. The simple design fit the bill for more than a decade, and he was grateful for the work. But the president of Terrapin Landscaping in Kennebunkport, Ma., had a tough time updating material. He always had to go back to his friend.

Eventually, Terrapin Landscaping grew out of the site as it rebranded to shift from a primarily maintenance company to mostly design-build firm. So, Corsie called in a web marketing agency to help with some marketing materials, including a new web site.

Delegating this work to a professional has been critical for executing the rebranding. “The problem for me is, the type of work that I want to do has been keeping me out of the office more, so I don’t have time,” he says, adding that his wife and mother-in-law assist administrative duties.

By moving web and marketing activities to this outside firm, Corsie kept the business plan on track.

The toughest part about the rebranding was making decisions, Corsie says, and he knew he was out of his comfort zone with web. But getting an outside perspective on what his potential clients are seeking was helpful. It ultimately resulted in a new logo that Corsie is proud of and a sophisticated website that showcases more design/build work.

Terrapin Landscaping has a reputation for being a professional company. Now its online presence matches that.