Since joining Digital Firefly Marketing in March, I have learned a lot. I now actually know what SEO means and can conduct keyword research, fully optimize a site, track how those keywords are doing and fix broken links. While I don’t consider myself an expert by any means and I know I still have a lot to learn, I feel like I have a pretty good idea of what a good website looks like versus a not so great website.

As an athlete, I meet with a lot of specialists, ranging from physical therapists to movement coaches to acupuncturists all the time. And while these people are the best in their fields, their online marketing presence isn’t great to say the least. So, last week, I broached the subject. I told them the truth… their websites, suck. Like, really suck! How can they expect to be found on the Internet if Google hardly notices them? While they appreciated my candor, I don’t think everyone would, especially prospective clients.

So, here are a few ways to diligently tell people that their websites suck:

• Use layman’s terms. Instead of saying your site needs to be optimized, express the fact that they have a great service to offer and it is currently not being picked up by search engines the way that it could be via their website.

• Blame the viewers. Express that their website may look great, but it is important to have concise, interesting information that is easy to read. Most people scanning a website can’t be bothered to read paragraphs of information and instead look for easily accessible information.

• Know thy enemy. It’s always a good idea for someone running business to know their competition. By viewing other similar websites, they might be able to get some good ideas on how to better promote their product.

• Welcome them to the world of social media. Most people who have a website will also have at least a Facebook or Twitter account for their business, but not have many followers. Without overwhelming them, express how great social media is and how having LinkedIn, YouTube, Google + and Pinterest accounts lead to a wider audience. You can also mention that there are ways to manage most of them in one place: Hootsuite

• Shatter their world with possibility! The sheer amount of things you can do to improve a website is astounding and can directly lead to sales. There are now countless great (and sometimes free) online tools to assess a website. Excite your potential client with the possibility of greater conversions and more awareness of their business.

Basically, by being positive and exciting your client, you can gently tell them how great their site could be. Of course, there are those people who just want to hear it like it is too. If I’m not trying to onboard a new client and maybe want to get back at someone for an especially intense workout, I prefer to just tell them the honest truth, their site sucks!