There are two questions that I encounter regularly when it
comes to the topic of using images on coaching websites.
The first is: do I need to use pictures at all? And the
second is: I don't really have to post a picture of myself
up there, do I? So I'm going to give you my thoughts on
both...
*** Why use pictures at all? ***
In the early incarnations of my life coaching website, I
had no idea where to look for or how to buy image files on
the internet. I assumed that it would cost a fortune to
purchase website-ready photographs, so I gave up almost
immediately and opted for a text-based website. As it
turned out, I was wrong, rather lazy and denying myself a
huge opportunity to create a favourable impression with
potential future clients.
When I finally discovered that image files are easy and
very cheap to buy online, it was a bit of an awakening for
me. The most surprising aspect of all was the impact that
it had on my website copy. While my website was a text-only
affair, I'd really struggled to write the copy. But as soon
as I added pictures, everything began to flow. Somehow the
presence of pictures takes the pressure off writing the
words.
Okay, so that's my story. But what about your website?
Well why not take a look at other websites out there?
Notice the difference between the ones with images and the
ones without. Notice your reaction to them. Notice the
extent to which they hold your attention and draw you in.
You'll probably find, as a general rule, that the websites
with pictures enable you to get a much quicker first
impression.
First impressions are vital on the internet. You only have
a matter of seconds to grab your visitors' attention. If
their eye isn't caught by something that interests them in
the first couple of seconds, they WILL surf away.
A combination of pictures, clear headlines and bullet point
lists is the best way to offer attention-grabbing
information on your website. You really don't have to write
reams of copy. In fact a well-chosen image will do the job
far more effectively for you.
Your images need to be relevant and professional-looking,
of course. By relevant, I mean that they must convey the
image of your coaching niche in some way. My coaching
practice is called Create a Space and these days I have a
large stock of images with blue sky and open spaces on
them. What is your equivalent?
*** Presenting yourself ***
The question of whether to show a picture of yourself on
your website has the same answer, (yes, you really
should!), but it comes with an additional, and important,
reason.
The aim of your life coaching website is to get clients for
your business, right? And your potential future clients
come to your website to see if you offer what they are
looking for. Since life coaching is a relationship based
process, one of the most important things they are looking
for is some information about you. And, like it or not, a
picture of you. So don't hide youself away!
It's really important to invest in a professional picture
of yourself, though. Don't just pick your favourite holiday
snapshot and persuade yourself that it will do. After all,
you can always tell when someone else has done that, can't
you? Ask around and you might be surprised at how
inexpensively you can get professional pictures done.
And my final tip... know what style of image you want of
yourself and print off examples. Then find a photographer
who will show you the pictures they are taking as you go
along. That way, if you're not getting what you want,
you'll know straight away and you can make adjustments
during the shoot. And you won't end up paying for pictures
that aren't quite right or that you can't use. Not all
photographers will offer this, so check in advance.
----------------------------------------------------
It's Mary McNeil's mission to de-mystify the website world
for Life Coaches. She wants to help as many coaches as she
can to get a website that actually does the business for
them. Claim your copy of the FREE bulletin 'How to Set Up
Your First Life Coaching Website AND Get Clients From It'
at http://www.WebsitesThatGetClients.com
No comments:
Post a Comment