Are you happy with your website?
Does it represent who you are and what you do?
Does it convert visitors into customers?
How do you know?
My very first website was based on a rather generic template, and to tell you the truth: it was just okay, and “just okay” doesn’t cut it. That’s why I had to rebuild it from the ground up (more about that in “The New Nethervoice“).
It turns out that I’m not the only one.
Whether you’re redesigning or starting from scratch, there are some important do’s and don’ts you have to keep in mind.
Could not agree more, Paul! Especially with number 7! Clients care about three things; If you have the right voice for their project, what your rates are and when you can turn the project around. And ALWAYS put your demos on the front page! I have been to so many sites where it took me five minutes to find the damn demos! Great blog, Paul!
Thank you Terry. As we often do, we find ourselves on the very same (web)page! A web designer told me that a visitor should have to click no more than three times to get to the information he’s looking for. Less = More!
Thanks Paul for always sharing great insight to the VO world. Great tips on updating your website but also for those who are just thinking about getting theirs done. It helps avoid the mistakes in the first place instead of redoing.
I get complimented on my website on the simplicity of it so sometimes simple is good enough beaware of #6. Although, I have lots of room for improvement. I need #3, 4 and 9.
Is Blue paying you for endorsing their microphone? 🙂
The important thing is to keep up with developments in web design and SEO, and to measure results. That way, you know what needs to be adjusted.
A website is like your local Farmer’s Market: Keep it Fresh and Faithful!
I just recently redid my voiceover web site and I was much happier with the new product. A lot less clutter, a lot more valuable information. After reading this, I may go back and reassess some of it even further. Thanks for the great tips.
Great points, Paul! Always love how you make sense out of non-sense 🙂
Re #5 Here is an alternate to building a separate mobile site:
“Responsive” Websites are sites that will grow and shrink to whatever platform you are on (Desktop, pad, mobile) … also called ‘flex grid’ sites:
http://www.abookapart.com/products/responsive-web-design
Here are some examples:
http://inspirationfeed.com/inspiration/websites-inspiration/60-examples-of-responsive-website-design/
Thanks for the examples, Linda. These days, it’s no longer necessary to build a separate website for iPhone users. A new generation of studiopress themes has mobile responsiveness built in.
One more time, a lot of very useful advice !
Thanks a lot, Paul !!
My pleasure, Olivier!
Great stuff as always, Paul! Before I was even halfway finished the article, I found myself double-checking each segment of my own site every time I scrolled down to each tip. 😀
I have a different point of view regarding #7, however. Years ago I read an article about thinking like a pro and not putting a “ceiling” on oneself with listed rates; and it has undoubtedly served me well.
When listing rates up front in the past, I found it was much harder for me to make room for any flexible negotiating of fair fees based based on specific factors, like the client’s company size, market size, etc. once they had a published figure already glued in mind—even though the listed rates were supposed to serve more as “ballpark” estimates.
Most top performers and their agencies don’t even have rates in their vocabulary as far as their website is concerned, so as not to create that pre-determined sense of value, especially for the higher-end consumer. Of course as always, every formula for success works differently for every individual, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one!
Much love,
Mara
I knew I would get a comment or two on posting rates on websites, and I’m glad you brought this up.
As I started answering your question, I could clearly see it develop into another article.
That’s exactly what I will do, so look for it next week.
Meanwhile, I’d love to hear more opinions on this. Is it wise to list our rates online?
Are we shooting ourselves in the foot or are we giving clients what they’re asking for?
Looking forward to that upcoming article! I think in any realm of life and especially marketing, there’s still something to be said for mystery, anticipation and its direct effect on perceived value.
I love the analogy you reference on your rates page about “how much would you pay for a car or home?” Indeed. Even though most of our clientele may not be of Fortune 500 caliber just yet, setting quote ranges that serve the average consumer robs us of the higher potential value we must place on ourselves if we want the Fortune 500s to show up. In other words, quoting a Toyota price in advance leaves little room for selling ourselves as a luxury Lexus model later.
I think there’s an underlying perception that the more valuable something is, the more forgiving we are when that value isn’t broken down in black & white. I’m of the opinion that our value in terms of TALENT should always be showcased first. Having minimum rates is a must, but blatantly defining our worth to serve the average consumer, while making their budgeting more convenient, can inadvertently and permanently lower our perceived worth.
Do we want to BE the greatest or the average? Erik Sheppard shared a great analogy with me once about a haircut. Take two hair stylists who have the EXACT same talents. Yet one charges $15 for the haircut and the other one charges $250. It’s Oscar night and you’ve got your first red carpet appearance. Which one would you trust has the reputation & perceived value to make sure you’ll look your best when you need it most?
Just food for thought. Hungry, anyone? 🙂
Thanks for the reminder that my website shouldn’t be about me, me, me, but should be about what I can do for you! I’m also in the midst of an overhaul, and your pointers are definitely relevant (especially “too much text”).
Regarding posting prices/rates, I post only my job minimum, and I mention that advance payment may be required.
Here’s a great post on the topic from another opinionated, entertaining, and useful freelancer blog (no relation to me whatsoever):
http://thefreelancery.com/2012/03/should-you-post-your-fees-publish-your-pricing-hit-yourself-with-a-stick/
Thanks for the link to a great article on posting rates, Paula. I will definitely address the points the author makes in my next post. I’m actually following his advice and have started my own experiment.
Thanks, Paul for this great blog post! One of my biggest questions, still…..do I post my rates on my website or not?? I still don’t know the answer. I fluctuate on my rates….a little….so…I’m not sure what to do. Any more ideas in this area would be great. =)
You’ll have to wait till next week to hear my thoughts on the pros and cons. I always tell my readers that this blog reflects the opinion of one person only. Ultimately, you have to weigh he arguments and decide what’s best for you.
I am all about ease for the client.
The quicker they can find the info they need the better.
On my landing page they can
– Listen to demos
– See previous clients
– View previous work
– Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, etc
– Call me
– Email me
However, I don’t list my rates. I think for a lot of us, rates aren’t a clear cut thing because it is all based on the market size, the company size, post production costs, client budget, etc. To list a rate for every scenario would require the client to sift through a long list to find out what category they fit into.
In my experience if a client wants to work with me, they contact me.
Not listing my rates hasn’t seemed to affect that, nor has a client ever suggested they would like to see that listed.
Personally, I think whatever you feel comfortable doing is the way to go.
There really is no right or wrong way to handle the situation.
Thanks for putting your two cents in, Lauren. I’ll be discussing the pros and cons in my next article.