SummitWeb

SummitWeb While we design websites for all types of clients, Summit Web Design specializes in building custom

⚠️ DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME!Building your own website is easier than ever. But troubleshooting it isn’t.This week I ran in...
10/08/2026

⚠️ DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME!

Building your own website is easier than ever. But troubleshooting it isn’t.

This week I ran into a website problem I had never encountered before — and I’ve been building websites since 1996.

One page on a client’s website was suddenly returning a 403 Forbidden error. The page looked fine. The coding looked fine. Other pages worked normally.

So I made an exact copy and uploaded it under a different filename.

Same website. Same server. Same code.
The copy worked. The original didn’t.

It took about an hour just to isolate the problem with one web page. Now the hosting company gets to figure out why that particular filename is being blocked.

Building your own website may save you the cost of having a web designer build it. But when something goes wrong, where do you even start?

Experience doesn’t mean you’ve seen every problem before. Sometimes it simply means knowing how to approach a problem you’ve never seen before.

If your website has you wondering “Where do I even start?”, I’m always happy to offer an experienced second opinion.

🌐 Have you ever visited a professional’s website and learned almost nothing about them?Their name is there. Their photo ...
10/02/2026

🌐 Have you ever visited a professional’s website and learned almost nothing about them?

Their name is there. Their photo is there. You can find their phone number and email address.

But you’re still left wondering: Why would I choose this person?

A website should help answer that question.

It can give you a sense of how someone works, what they know, how they help their clients and what you can expect if you decide to contact them.

That’s especially important when several professionals from the same company have websites that look very much alike.

Here’s an interesting test:

Take away the name, photo and contact information. Would there be anything left that tells you why this is the person you should consider working with?

A website shouldn’t just tell people who you are. It should help them understand why they might choose you.

🚪 Does your website make the first step feel easy?Someone may visit your website, like what they see and still hesitate ...
09/24/2026

🚪 Does your website make the first step feel easy?

Someone may visit your website, like what they see and still hesitate to call or fill out a form.

They might be wondering: Will I get a sales pitch? Do I need to be ready to buy or sell right now?

A few welcoming words can help. Tell visitors what happens when they reach out. Maybe the first step is simply a conversation about their plans and questions—even if those plans are months away.

Take a look at your website. Does it explain what that first conversation is like, or does it just say “Contact Me”?

If you’d like a fresh set of eyes on how your website welcomes prospective clients, send me a message. I’m happy to offer an honest second opinion over a cup of coffee.

🏘️ Does your website set you apart?Think about a new-home subdivision. A builder may offer three or four models with sev...
09/17/2026

🏘️ Does your website set you apart?

Think about a new-home subdivision. A builder may offer three or four models with several façade choices. The homes are similar in quality and price, but buyers are still given some variety.

Many website templates work much the same way.

Choose from a few professional layouts, select the colors, add your photograph, contact information and services—and voilà: a personalized website.

But other people are choosing from those same layouts.

A website may look professional and tell visitors who you are. But does it explain how you work, what experience you bring and why someone should choose you instead of a competitor?

Your website should not merely identify you. It should differentiate you.

Take a fresh look at your website. If your name and photograph were removed, would someone still recognize what makes the business uniquely yours?

If you are not sure, I am always happy to offer an honest second opinion. Sometimes a cup of coffee and a fresh set of eyes can reveal what a familiar website no longer shows you.

Building a website is easier than ever. Building the right website isn’t.Templates, website builders and AI tools can no...
09/10/2026

Building a website is easier than ever. Building the right website isn’t.

Templates, website builders and AI tools can now produce an attractive website remarkably quickly.

But before anything is built, someone still needs to understand the business, the people it wants to reach, what visitors need to find and what the website should help them do.

A website can look polished, work on a phone and contain all the expected pages—and still not support the business behind it.

Technology can help build the website. Thought, experience and judgment help make it the right website.

That is why I begin by saying:

“Before we talk about websites, I’d like to understand your business.”

Considering a new real estate website? Contact me at Summit Web Design. I’ll help you understand what questions to ask before you buy.

Your website is “custom.” But how custom is it?Think about buying a new home.You can have a home designed and built spec...
09/03/2026

Your website is “custom.” But how custom is it?

Think about buying a new home.

You can have a home designed and built specifically for you — or you can choose a model in a new subdivision and select the options you want.

Both can result in a great home. But they aren’t the same thing.

Websites can work the same way.

Some are designed and built specifically around your business, brand and goals. Others start with a pre-designed template that is personalized with your colors, photos, logo and content.

Neither approach is necessarily wrong.

The important thing is knowing what you’re actually buying.

If you’re told you’re getting a “custom website,” ask:

Is it being designed specifically for me — or am I choosing a model and selecting the options?

Don’t shop for a website in the dark.

If you’re considering a new real estate website, contact Summit Web Design. I’ll help you understand what questions to ask before you buy.

It looks like your website. It feels like your website. But is it actually YOUR website?For real estate professionals, a...
08/27/2026

It looks like your website. It feels like your website. But is it actually YOUR website?

For real estate professionals, a website can be an important part of building a recognizable business and maintaining a presence online.

But not every website with an agent’s name, photo, listings and branding actually belongs to that agent.

Some websites are provided through a brokerage and may disappear if the agent changes companies.

Others are subscription-based and remain available only while the monthly service continues.

There’s nothing necessarily wrong with either arrangement — as long as you understand what you’re getting.

It’s a little like the old company towns. Workers lived in the houses and called them home, but the company actually owned the houses.

The same question is worth asking about a website:

If the relationship with the company providing it ended tomorrow, would the website still belong to the agent?

Using something and owning something are not always the same thing.

Know what you’re buying. Don’t shop for a website in the dark.

🏠 What Is One New Client Worth?Real estate agents spend money on all kinds of marketing — magazines, billboards, Zillow,...
08/20/2026

🏠 What Is One New Client Worth?

Real estate agents spend money on all kinds of marketing — magazines, billboards, Zillow, Google ads and more.

But have you ever reduced the cost of your website to what it costs per day?

Using a simple example of about $80 a month for hosting and IDX:

That's about $2.63 a day.

For about the price of a cup of coffee, your professional website can be available 24/7 to someone across town — or across the country.

Your number may be different. Do the math. You might be surprised.

And then ask yourself:

What is one new client worth?

One buyer or seller could potentially pay your website's operating expenses for years.

And if you're paying to have a professional website custom-built, there's another important question: Will you actually own it when it's paid for?

Ask to see the written agreement before you begin.

Build your web house. Own it. Keep the lights on. 🏠

How do you know your website isn’t working?Someone recommends you to a friend. That person Googles you, visits your webs...
08/13/2026

How do you know your website isn’t working?

Someone recommends you to a friend. That person Googles you, visits your website, learns more about you, and eventually calls.

“How did you hear about me?”

“Mary gave me your name.”

And Mary gets the credit.

The website may never get mentioned — even though it helped confirm the recommendation and gave that prospect the confidence to call.

That’s why website value can’t always be measured by form submissions or easily traced leads.

Sometimes your website does its most important work in the middle of the decision.

Wondering whether your website is really doing its job?

Contact me for an experienced second opinion.

🏡 Is It Time to Remodel Your Website?When was the last time you really looked at your business website?Many business own...
08/06/2026

🏡 Is It Time to Remodel Your Website?

When was the last time you really looked at your business website?

Many business owners assume that if their website feels outdated, the only solution is to build a brand-new one.

That's not always true.

Just like remodeling a home, many websites have a solid foundation. With the right updates, they can look more modern, work better on mobile devices, improve SEO, become more AI friendly, and make it easier for visitors to become customers.

A website remodel can often be a smart, cost-effective alternative to starting over.

Keep what works. Improve what doesn't.

If you're wondering whether your website needs a few strategic improvements or a complete rebuild, I'd be happy to provide an honest second opinion.

📞 703-536-7631
🌐 www.SummitWeb.com

Address

508 E Columbia Street
Falls Church, VA
22046

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17035367631

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when SummitWeb posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to SummitWeb:

Shortcuts

Share

Category