Freelancefolder

Is Your Website Helping Or Hurting Your Business?

Posted August 11, 2007 in Business, Marketing 5 Comments »

Every freelancer should have a website. Period.

Whether you’re a journalist, writer, designer or musician doesn’t matter, I strongly believe you should have your own place on the web. That is a no-brainer. Of course people will see your website, since you will put the address on your business cards, and you will tell them about it.

In fact you really want them to check it out, so they can have a look at your work before they hire you. But once they get to your website, what’s their reaction?

“omg, that is fantastic, let’s give him a call, we need him for this project”

“humm… not exactly what we expected, huh?”

What Should You Put On There?

Since you probably want people to look at your site and go “wow”, then contact you, and eventually hire you, let’s see what should be on there and what you should avoid.

Needed:

• Portfolio – Resume
• Services offered
• Contact page
• Testimonials
• Call to action
• A blog is optional, but highly recommended.

To Avoid:

• Overwhelming flashy graphics
• Poor quality images/content
• Cry for attention (HIRE ME!)
• Error messages
• Broken Links

The goal with your website, especially if it’s some sort of portfolio, is to make people trust you, trust your skills. You want people to call you after visiting your site to offer you a job/contract. You have to make them feel as they need you on their project.

It’s all about being trustworthy and making your “potential” clients feel like you’re the one for the job. Does your website make your look like an expert, like someone who has experience?

When someone calls you up and offers you work, it is really ok to ask that person where he/she found you. If you never ever hear “I saw your website“, maybe something is wrong there.

Branding Is Not Just A Logo

Here is an excellent presentation on branding by Marty Neumeier of Neutron LLC. Everything you can learn from this presentation, you can put into practice and apply on your website. A brand is not just a logo, it’s not just about colors, it’s about the way others see you.

Enjoy! ;)

About the author: Jon Phillips is a full-time freelancer, designer and blogger, he loves WordPress and plays guitar in a heavy act. He's also the founder of Freelance Folder. Oh and he'd be pleased if you would follow him on Twitter. :)