A couple of days ago in A Shifting Marketing Focus To Attract Local Business, I told you that we would soon be joining our local Chamber of Commerce. The process has been a little more complicated than expected because the company who build the Web site for the chamber hasn’t fixed some errors.

We can all debate whether a site looks good or not as that can be very subjective. These errors are purely about functionality. When I first visited the site, I attempted the download the membership form. If nothing else, I wanted to know the costs. According to a link on the site, a PDF version of the membership form is available. But when I click the link, it just takes me to the home page of the site.

My next step was to visit the local office to pick up a form. I told them of the error on the site and ask to get a printed form. I received that form and multiple membership levels were listed. I asked the difference and the office volunteer didn’t immediately have the answer. About an hour later, she called and said it had to do with the way the business is listed in the online directory.

While we were on the phone, I attempted to go to the directory so I could see the differences as she described them. Unfortunately it just gave me a 404 error. I explained this and the volunteer didn’t seem to understand the specific error.

A day later, the directory was working again. There were two clearly different types of listings based on the membership levels. Of course the company that created the Web site had a listing with much more than any other company. A bit of an unfair advantage since they created the Web site. I just hope they correct the errors soon.