Who should I hire to build my agency's website?

Private investigator agencies are a special kind of business. They help both people and businesses with very complex and important matters. However, they are still businesses which means that marketing is extremely important. These days, having a web presence is a critical part of that marketing plan. Although it is indeed not the only thing needed, it is your representation to the world. When someone looks at a private investigator's website, it helps them learn about the company. Are you experienced? Are you professional? What is the face of your business?

In the past, a sharp business card and a Yellow Pages ad would do the job. But not anymore. Investigator websites should detail services and offer convenient ways for clients to reach out. It should express how your business works. Do you charge for consultation? What are your hours? Those are common questions that clients need answered.

A common misconception is that a Facebook page can be a website. Although Facebook is a popular website, there are 3 important things to understand about having a "Like" page on it.

1. Facebook is popular now, but it will not always be. Social networking sites come and go. (ie MySpace)
2. Facebook only shows your posts to about 15 percent of the people who like your page. So that means if you have about 100 likes on your page (which will take you a long time to gain), only 15 people will see it. Maybe. 
3. Facebook is a site where people connect with people they know or go to waste time. Should your business only be represented on a site where people talk to grandma and share pictures of cute puppies?

For most businesses, we recommend hiring a professional. For private investigators, potential clients must have confidence in you, before they even talk to you. Therefor, a professional website is imperative.

Looking for a recommended web designer? Check out Mercurius Creative, LLC. They work with customers abroad and have over 15 years of experience in graphics and web design.
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Private Investigator Licensing in California

Every year, many people are attracted to the interesting career of private investigators. However, if you are in the state of California, you will need a license to work in this field legally. In California, the organization that handles private investigator licensing is called the Bureau of Security and Investigative Service (B.S.I.S.).

The requirements are:
-Be at least 18 years old.
-Three years of compensated experience totaling not less than 6,000 hours in investigative work, while employed by law enforcement agencies, collection agencies, insurance agencies, banks, courts, and other private investigation agencies, etc.
-A college degree in criminal law, criminal justice or police science can be substituted for part of the experience.
-Pass a written exam.
-Undergo a criminal history review.

Additionally, if you will be carrying a firearm while on duty, you will also need to carry insurance with a minimum policy of $500,000 for loss due to bodily injury or death and loss due to injury or destruction of property.

If you are interested in becoming a private investigator in California, visit the BSIS Website.