1851

After evaluating 200 franchisor development Websites, there was one certainty from the 12 experts in technology and franchise consulting: There is no certainty. Whatever was considered a franchise development best practice yesterday is no longer a successful tool today. Sure, some things have remained consistent -- driving ghost traffic to fill out the inquiry form, providing basic information on cost of build out and ROI, giving a glimpse of great press -- but many have changed.

While predicting the future of franchise development website is nearly impossible, the team of judges took their turns predicting what most logical practice could be next:

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellemonroerowan/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michelle Rowan</a>, <a href="https://franchisebusinessreview.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">President and COO</a> of <a href="https://franchisebusinessreview.1851franchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Franchise Business Review</a>: Visitors will expect easy access to financial information (investment, average franchisee revenue, etc.) about the brand without having to provide their email address first.

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-beagelman-58535210/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Steve Beagelman</a>, <a href="http://www.smbfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CEO</a> of <a href="https://smbfranchising.1851franchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SMB Franchise Advisors</a>: Websites will continue to be cutting edge, utilizing the latest in technology to intrigue, educate and engage viewers in the culture of the brand.

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddbingham/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Todd Bingham</a>, <a href="https://frannetcanada.1851franchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">President</a> of <a href="http://pinnaclefd.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinnacle Franchise Development</a>: I believe that in the very near future candidates will be able to research and buy a franchise right from the site without ever speaking to someone. I really believe that is coming and I don&rsquo;t think it is too far off.

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/4stanfriedman?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stan Friedman</a>, President of <a href="http://www.frmsolutions.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FRM Solutions</a>: My prediction is that as important as websites are to franchise development today, they will one day soon be replaced with mobile apps. Brands that get in front of this will have a significant leg up on those who don&rsquo;t. The impact of mobile to small to mid-sized businesses is already astonishing, even in these early stages.

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigslavin/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Craig Slavin</a>, President of <a href="https://franchisecentral.1851franchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Franchise Central</a>: The use of behavioral sciences. Ogilvy just opened the Ogilvy Center for Behavioral Sciences because it impacts everything that is done in marketing. The problem is most franchise companies are &quot;entrepreneurial - Stage 1 companies&quot; and they know everything!

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackmonson/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jack Monson</a>,&nbsp;Director of Digital Strategy at <a href="https://qiigo.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Qiigo</a>: Websites will have to use communication means that the next generation of franchisees want to use such as text or messenger. Don&rsquo;t rely only on emails or form fills.

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamshaidhashmi/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jamshaid Hashmi</a>,&nbsp;CEO &amp; President of <a href="https://clicktecs.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ClickTecs</a>: We will see more utilization of videos on franchise development sites as users will gravitate to better user experience. There are only a thousand words in a picture, but you can convey more with a well-done video.

Kay Ainsley, Managing Director of <a href="http://www.msaworldwide.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MSA Worldwide</a>: Websites will continue to be important in generating leads but it will still require a personal relationship to determine if the prospect is someone the franchisor wants in their network and to close the sale.

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-gerson-5159aa5/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Keith Gerson</a>, <a href="http://franconnect.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">President </a>of <a href="https://franconnect.1851franchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FranConnect</a>: Given that it&#39;s all about the content, devices such as Amazon Echo, Google Home, Siri, etc. will be voice-searched by individuals who will receive &quot;Wiki&quot; like details and detailed answers including information from disclosure documents. Also, the majority of franchisors will introduce a live chat feature. Due to its ease and efficiency, 43 percent of consumers prefer live chat to other communication channels. This critical tool allows brands to engage, connect and guide prospects throughout every stage of their online search for a franchise across desktop and mobile.

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/seancfitzgerald/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sean Fitzgerald</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nolimitagency.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chief Development Strategist</a> 1851: Less is more. With mobile traffic reaching 60 percent or higher, you will see websites that are designed for mobile, not just mobile-friendly like responsive sites. Sites will be designed for the mobile user providing information at your fingertips. Mobile users do not like clicking around for information; they want to scroll, plus they don&rsquo;t want to have to click through several pages since it is more difficult to navigate on a device and may take longer to load. Also, we&rsquo;ll see continued use of video since that is also a better way to communicate with mobile users.

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbatchelor/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rick Batchelor</a>, CEO of <a href="https://qiigo.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-websites-predictions-2703196" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Qiigo</a>: The consumer side is now playing a much bigger role in franchise development. Brand perception is crucial. The industry is experiencing a massive shift in consumer buying behavior. If you don&#39;t have a great reputation with both your franchisees and your customers, this is going to hurt your lead flow. The days of franchise development working alone are over. Smart brands combine efforts because that is what consumers are requiring. Brands are finding that the volume and quality of their consumer business has a direct effect on the volume of their lead flow.

Additionally many sites lack social validation. While testimonials of current franchisees is necessary, as a buyer I wonder if they got compensated somehow. Give me some other form of social validation: Social media (not a separate franchise development social media account) where I can read what other people think about your brand. Reviews/testimonials of customers (not franchisees) are a great tool to use for this.

Franchise Development Websites Predictions

1851 Franchise

Panel of Franchise Experts Discuss How the Franchise Development Website Will Evolve Over the Next Few Years


This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

franchise-development-websites-predictions

Children's Lighthouse

How Children’s Lighthouse Stands Out Among Other Children’s Education, Childcare, and Daycare Franchises

how-childrens-lighthouse-stands-out-among-other-childrens-education-childcare-and-daycare-franchises

The Growth Coach

The Growth Coach Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

the-growth-coach-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning

Why One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning Sees People as the Power Behind Franchise Growth

one-hour-heating-air-conditioning-franchise-growth

Lawn Doctor

Design with photo of John Perry and Lawn Doctor logo

How a 20-Year Industry Veteran Tripled His Sales With a Lawn Doctor Franchise

lawn-doctor-franchise-success-story-john-perry

Fitness Premier

The Secret to Fitness Franchise Success? It's Not Just the Workouts

fitness-premier-franchise-marketing-support

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Design with American and Federal Reserve flags against light blue background

Federal Reserve Expected To Cut Rates by Quarter Point, a Move That Could Boost Franchise Growth

fed-rate-cut-boosts-franchise-growth

Potbelly to be Acquired by RaceTrac in $566 Million Deal 

racetrac-acquires-potbelly-in-566-million-deal

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

health-care-hiring-slowdown-in-home-care-franchise-opportunities

Caribou Coffee Names Scott Kennedy CEO, Eyes Continued Growth

caribou-coffee-names-scott-kennedy-ceo-eyes-continued-growth

McDonald’s Launches New Extra Value Meals as Consumer Demand for Value Continues to Climb

mcdonalds-launches-extra-value-meals

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Power Eats: Smoothie King Rolls Out Food Nationwide To Fuel Franchise Growth

smoothie-king-food-menu-power-eats

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Franchise Development Websites Predictions

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS