It took me a while to actually understand the power of a good website (and also how incredibly expensive it is to have one). Being a visual person, I love looking at sites with great eye candy, so strong visuals are a must.
I strongly recommend that you keep high quality photos and records of any jobs you do. This might mean adding the cost of a great photographer or videographer to all of your jobs. (If you cannot afford your own, make sure you befriend the job’s photographer, though at times they might not be good enough for your purposes.)
Of course, most of the time photographs do not do your job justice, however they are a very strong selling tool. My first book Design for Entertaining was just that, a compilation of all the jobs I did at that time. Don’t forget that a picture tells a thousand words.
I am a firm believer of that so these are my suggestions for creating a good website (focusing mostly on the visual aspect):
- Tell a story. Your website and its images will be, for many, the first impression they get of you. Make sure you have a consistent message and tell your story throughout your entire website. Is your message, “I’m the best wedding planner out there”? Make sure your images and content support that claim.
- Have a strong portfolio section. Show a diversity in what you can do. This will help potential clients get a sense of who you are and what you can accomplish.
- Establish a “look” for your images. Some folks may just use any pictures they have. This is a sure way to make your website look like its having an identity crisis–the photography style will be all over the place. As always, focus on quality over quantity. It’s better to have 5 really amazing pictures than 50 poor representations of what you can do.
- Add some sizzle. Choose images that excite you. Throw in something that may be surprising or unexpected. Don’t be afraid to go behind the scenes. Pictures of the process are sexy and interesting.
- Update on a regular basis. The Internet is constantly changing. A good benchmark is to update your site’s images and text at least once a month. If you have more time, aim for once a week, and if you have even more time (or a dedicated resource) try to update your site daily.
- Make sure your contact information is accessible. I can’t tell you how many vendor websites I’ve looked at where I can’t find the phone number, address or even email of someone to reach. If your main goal is to bring in clients, make sure all your contact information is prominent and easy to find.
Do you think having a good website is necessary for your business? Let me know in the comments.
(Photo via)
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Nicki
May 13, 2010
This is so true! My friend and I just started our planning business, and while we have a website out there…I’m not happy with it. I keep saying that we need to take it down until it’s “just right”, but my partner doesn’t want to. The other problem is…my partner’s husband is the one doing the website, and he doesn’t really want to take the time to mess with it. So, it’s really just half-done anyway. I don’t know what to do. We can’t afford to pay someone else at the moment.
Heidi @ Zenadia
May 13, 2010
Great post! Having a good website is absolutely necessary. Especially in this digital age, like you said, your website usually makes the first impression so it’s critical to have an eye pleasing site that’s easy to navigate and also correctly represents who you are. I recently re-did mine and I’m so glad I did!
Rosalba Fasan-Buffat
May 13, 2010
I totally agree!! My website was created about 2 years ago and even though it is good I am currently saving to make it GREAT! I have wonderful web guys that do it for me-I’m a floral designer not a web designer-and can’t wait to get going on my new site.
Bisi Bordley
May 13, 2010
My website definitely is my online portfolio, it is organic and hopefully grow through my work strength in the coming years. I also support the website with a weekly blog. Which is a good way of updating potential clients.
Would you say the days of a static website is numbered due to the BLOGS???
Suzanne
May 13, 2010
Great tips for any online company or blog!
Josh
May 13, 2010
I couldn’t agree more. I was surprised at the amount of traffic increase I got with a simple (but much needed) refresh of my website. It’s almost impossible nowadays to connect with a broader audience without one. It is a lot of time, effort and money, but its well worth it, especially when its for the face of your business.
Barbara Ramoutar
May 13, 2010
Yes but have to get mine up soon ..lost all my photos and the last stuff,when last comp crashed , not so comp.savvy.
Tanya Malott
May 13, 2010
I have a great suggestion to offer all you designers out there on getting better portfolio images. As a wedding photographer for 20 years, I think it took me at least ten years to finally ASK THE EVENT DESIGNER how they saw their room/tent/space. They spent days/weeks and months planning for something that I had about 15 minutes to shoot. If I am lucky, this is the typical amount of time between the candles ALL being lit, and guests walking in…..tip #2: get it all lit earlier if you want great photos. Without the candles, the magic is not there.
My point is that the designer often has the right viewpoint, but the wrong equipment to do the job right. I would welcome their input and requests. One designer gave me a great tip at the Metropolitan Club in NY. He thought the room would look great from on top of the piano (don’t worry, I didn’t climb up). I grabbed a ladder fast and shot it the way he liked it. 15 minutes is a real bare minimum for shooting a room. It really takes longer, particularly once I am slowed down by a tripod, and waiters milling (or walking through and bouncing a floor). Do your work a favor, and work WITH the photographer to get the best shots. Light the room early, and point out your favorite angle and arrangements and details. It will make all the difference to your portfolio as a designer.
Myriam Alexis
May 15, 2010
I completely agree. Is it okay to use a blog as a temporary website to save money if you’re a start-up? Thanks for the tips Tanya.
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May 20, 2010
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Romina
May 28, 2010
Actually a successful website means lots of different things. One of them is being original, providing useful information to the site’s visitors, giving them also enough reasons to return. Of course the appearance has a great impact, but more important, I think, is the content. Thanks for the great tips you provided and keep up the good work!
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