As a writer locally and nationally on the subject of belly dance for the web magazine www.Examiner.com , I use links to web sites on a regular basis. With the advent of technology, links are a given. However, I have noticed that many dancers and dance troupes do not have a web site. Even some famous names use only Facebook for promotion. In this competitive world, a web site is very important. A web site is important because it is a one-stop shop for your clients to be sold on you and your talent.
A web site is a major promotional tool. You can only put so much information on a business card (I hope that you have a business card!). A business card is an introduction. A website is your sales tool. If you already have a web site, you should have a QR code on your card that links directly to your site.
Web sites do not have to be expensive. Actually, they can be free by using simple site builders like Weebly (how I created this one) or Wix. You can use GoDaddy and there are even more sources. If you don’t have the time or inclination, hire someone. Some college students in the visual arts perform work on the side or pay a professional. I designed this one myself.
Okay, no web site is better than a crummy web site. Like your costume and business card, your web site is a reflection on you and the image that you wish to project. You want it done well with a polished and professional look.
Have a catchy HOME page, the first page a client lands on. Treat it like your 30-second elevator speech. Explain who you are and what you do with a lovely, realistic photograph. You may even embed a video for a quick peek at your dance ability.
Subsequent pages should go more in depth of your credentials and abilities: performance information, instructing venues, your biography and photographs. As for photographs, differentiate between real life and performance shots versus Photoshopped studio shots. Clients are hiring the real you, not a fantasy version. When your photographs show you looking twenty and you are actually forty with eye wrinkles, it’s false advertising. These pages should be in good taste. Live performance shots and videos really sell you. Show yourself in different styles of costuming. I have had clients select from my site. Interact with your clients and fans by having an up-to-date blog.
Provide a contact page. Do not list your home address. Have clients use a contact form or telephone number to contact you for booking information and fees. Don’t list your fees on your website. You don’t want people to price shop you out of a job. I have been hired for jobs when talking to a client because they liked my telephone manner. I’ve had clients tell me that they had called other dancers who were rude with a “take it or leave it” attitude. You want the prospective client to talk to you and like you. People hire the person they are comfortable with.
Now, do your homework and look up the web sites of local, national and even famous dancers. Take note on what you like and dislike about their sites. Use these as the basis for your site. Visit web site building sites and tools and see which ones suit you. Get busy!
Okay, this is just a brief post on the importance of web sites. Just know that you need one!!!
A web site is a major promotional tool. You can only put so much information on a business card (I hope that you have a business card!). A business card is an introduction. A website is your sales tool. If you already have a web site, you should have a QR code on your card that links directly to your site.
Web sites do not have to be expensive. Actually, they can be free by using simple site builders like Weebly (how I created this one) or Wix. You can use GoDaddy and there are even more sources. If you don’t have the time or inclination, hire someone. Some college students in the visual arts perform work on the side or pay a professional. I designed this one myself.
Okay, no web site is better than a crummy web site. Like your costume and business card, your web site is a reflection on you and the image that you wish to project. You want it done well with a polished and professional look.
Have a catchy HOME page, the first page a client lands on. Treat it like your 30-second elevator speech. Explain who you are and what you do with a lovely, realistic photograph. You may even embed a video for a quick peek at your dance ability.
Subsequent pages should go more in depth of your credentials and abilities: performance information, instructing venues, your biography and photographs. As for photographs, differentiate between real life and performance shots versus Photoshopped studio shots. Clients are hiring the real you, not a fantasy version. When your photographs show you looking twenty and you are actually forty with eye wrinkles, it’s false advertising. These pages should be in good taste. Live performance shots and videos really sell you. Show yourself in different styles of costuming. I have had clients select from my site. Interact with your clients and fans by having an up-to-date blog.
Provide a contact page. Do not list your home address. Have clients use a contact form or telephone number to contact you for booking information and fees. Don’t list your fees on your website. You don’t want people to price shop you out of a job. I have been hired for jobs when talking to a client because they liked my telephone manner. I’ve had clients tell me that they had called other dancers who were rude with a “take it or leave it” attitude. You want the prospective client to talk to you and like you. People hire the person they are comfortable with.
Now, do your homework and look up the web sites of local, national and even famous dancers. Take note on what you like and dislike about their sites. Use these as the basis for your site. Visit web site building sites and tools and see which ones suit you. Get busy!
Okay, this is just a brief post on the importance of web sites. Just know that you need one!!!
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