My new website

Welcome to Week 32 of my adventure of following the Start Up Version of the Grow Your Business Marketing Plan + Calendar.  In my posts, I talk about my voyage down the road of self-employment as a virtual marketing assistant, my achievements and roadblocks along the way, and I include a weekly recap at the end.

Finally, my new copy writing website is ready to be unveiled!

As you know, I’ve been working on this for weeks, and I’ve struggled through this process for a few reasons:

1. I’m not a website designer, so I spent a lot of time (and aggravation) creating this site. Yes, I saved money by doing it myself, but was the aggravation factor worth it? Probably not. I’ve learned that outsourcing your non-strengths is really a good idea.
   

2. It was much harder to write website content for myself than it is for my clients. The closer you are, the less objective you are, and the harder it can be.

3. As usual, I battled with the unattainable idea of perfection. Fortunately (for my mental health) I’ve decided on a new outlook on the issue: I’m never going be perfect. There’s no such thing as perfect. Some people will like the way I write and others won’t. The best thing I can do is be true to “my style” so my prospects will get a clear idea of it. Then at least they can base their judgment off of an accurate sample. What I'm saying is -- I toyed with the idea of making the site more this or more that, but I realized that more anything wouldn't be me. And what would be the point of trying to sell something that wasn't my style? The best I can do is follow my instincts and represent the kind of writer I am. I guess I got caught up in trying to be perfect. But I've realized it's much easier to just be myself.

So, voila! Here is my new website. It’s still a work in progress, but I’d love your input.

http://www.virtual-marketing-assistant.com/newsite/home.html

Any ideas for names? I called it “Copy that Connects” for now, which I like, but unfortunately that domain name is unavailable. Maybe something along those lines?

What works? What doesn't? What's confusing?

All thoughts and suggestions are very welcome and much appreciated.

Week 32 Recap: I've been glued to the computer this week working on this new website. I still made some time for Biznik, to follow up with past prospects, and for the two new prospects who found me online. I'm looking forward to getting this site officially up and running and getting back to my cold calling!

Comments

[Richard Salit]

I looked at your new site and it looks like a great start. However, I noticed you don't have titles on your pages. This can be added in the tag.

[deanna]

Considering this is the first site you've built, nicely done.

Two things: First, I think the "Why Choose Me" on your home page is at risk of getting lost. Second, the art in your header and navigation is low quality. Low quality files can appear second-rate and I'd hate for someone to translate that to you as a professional.

If you have a friend or colleague who can help, enlist them. Or, feel free to contact me. I'll be happy to help!

[Tara]

Love it! Nice job. You can always revise as you go -- looks good, easy to read, so it mimics your message!

[the communicatrix]

Congrats, Deidre! It's a great start and a huge accomplishment.

And I hear you on hiring out. Can't WAIT to turn over some of my stuff to developers!

[Lisa]

First, congratulations on building your own web site! Creating a web site
from the ground up can be very frustrating and confusing, but for someone
working on the SEO end, I believe it's essential from a standpoint of
understanding how this process works. From a marketing standpoint, personal
experience such as this also helps you to consult your client on the
benefits of outsourcing.

Your new site has good use of color and organization. Your pages are short
and simple, which unconsciously lets potential clients know you are aware
they don't have a lot of time to browse for the answers they're looking for
about your services.

From a marketing and design standpoint (and if I'm wrong, Ilise and Peleg
please correct me), I would not have put up a web site without securing the
domain name. Both the name and the logo are very critical for the identity
of any package - especially your business identity. Ideally, the web site
should be designed around the logo. The logo you design or have designed is
the receptionist for your business, and therefore should enhance the vision
people see while making it clear what it is you do.

I would utilize the strengths of your business mission statement to help
you come up with your business name, which may help lead you to your logo.
You then could utilize the "copy that connects" as a perfect tagline!

I would not hide your e-mail address. It comes across to me as
unprofessional, and it may cause negative assumptions to form.

I would reword #5 on your "How" page. It comes across (to me) as a type of
disclaimer, like the client has an "out" for not paying for your services. I
think most clients are aware that, as they contract services, if they are
not satisfied the provider will make it right to heir 100% satisfaction, so
I don't think it's necessary to state that at this point (maybe in a
contract?).

Try using a photo or image pertinent to the page or your industry on each
page. This will help break up the "gray space" of text and give more visual
for potential clients to enjoy. Also, listing any certifications you have
for doing SEO will help lend credibility to your knowledge in that area.

Overall, great job! My first site didn't look this good, but I'm learning
more each day and getting better - and that's the point. :)