Article Describing How The Internet Works

1. Try to avoid putting lots of text on one page – not only does this take the focus away from what you are trying to sell, but potential clients will become bored of repeatedly scrolling down and move away. Instead, put a simple heading in bold that is only a few words long, but catches the eye – For example, if you are talking about your therapy and how it can help benefit someone, try putting – Reiki – What can it do for you?

This heading catches the eye and draws people into the text below which is where you can go on to explain about it further.

2. Ensure that any information or logo you do use on your site is not copyright protected, or if it is that you have permission from the owner to use it. If you use a web designer, ask them to confirm that this is the case.
There is lots of software on the market that enables people to put their own information in, and then the software scans the internet for similar information. If you have copied someone’s words or images the software can find it!

3. Try to avoid overpowering colours – This can often make your text difficult to read, or take the focus away from the actual information.
Flashing graphics can look great, but make sure they are relevant to what you are trying to promote, and they are not there just because you think they look nice as again, this will detract from what you are trying to sell.

4. Look at other therapists’ websites, write down web addresses of ones that have elements you like, as well as those that you do not like – This way you can go back to them to remind yourself what you want to do/not do with your own site.

5. ALWAYS check and re-check your spelling and grammar. Nothing looks more unprofessional than misspelt words and poor grammar. You would be surprised how many therapists spell ‘Complementary’ as ‘Complimentary’ (free) – It will not look good to a client if you cannot even spell your own title properly!

6. Ensure every page on your website can be accessed from any other page easily – This means putting a list of your page links in the same place on every page so that people can move around your site easily. There is a ‘three click’ rule that states any visitor should be able to get from any page to any other page on a website within three clicks – If this is not the case then the website may be too confusing for someone to stay on it.

7. Try to include as much information on your site as possible – Have plenty of different pages with each one just being used for a specific reason E.g. If you have a page titled ‘Reiki explained’ then only have information explaining Reiki on this page. This makes it easy for someone to navigate around your site – A site that is confusing will encourage people to leave.

8. Think to yourself, “if I were a potential client, what would I want to know?” and make sure this important information is prominent – This should include the treatments you offer, prices, location, duration and most importantly your contact details! Also, try to ensure you list the benefits of your treatment(s) instead of features. For example “fully qualified reiki practitioner with many years; experience” is a feature. Look at things from your customer’s perspective to come up with benefits, such as “you will have the peace of mind of knowing that you are dealing with a professional, as I am fully qualified and have many years’ experience”. Always lead with the benefits, then use the features to clarify, as it’s the benefits that draw people in and get their interest.

9. Include links to other websites – You might want to speak to people in your network to agree to point visitors to each other’s sites to increase business opportunities.

10. If you are buying a domain name (such as www.towergatetreatments.co.uk) ask about using that domain name for an email address as well e.g. info@towergatetreatments.co.uk - This looks far more professional than using a hotmail or other free e- mail address for business.

Darren Jarmin Cert CII
Business Development Executive
Towergate Professional Risks
Five Airport West
Lancaster Way
Yeadon
Leeds
LS19 7ZA

Tags: alternative, complementary, holistic, practitioner, therapist, therapy, website

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