Even if they typically don’t make sales online, it is difficult for an author or a speaker to effectively market their book or speaking services without an effective website.   However, there is still the misconception that having a website is just a matter or purchasing a template or finding someone on Craig’s List. 

There are a number of tests you should put your website through to make sure it is doing what it should, even if you don’t have a complicated or flashy website.  With the Internet making the world our marketplace, and more and more people using websites as part of their marketing, competition can get rough. 

First impressions are key on the Internet.  And that impression can last less than a minute as click happy page viewers come and go.  What would you say in answer to these questions about your website?

1.    Do People Know Where They Are Right Away? 

Does your logo have a visual meaning and describe your business?  People will see before they read, so you need to grab their attention right away.  Make sure you use a wide variety of pictures and images to convey the result people will get from using your services. 

Words are important as well, though, so make sure your company name is clearly visible immediately and that you have a tagline that tells people what you do.  It is also important for every page to have a powerful title that communicates to your viewer immediately where they are and what they can expect from the page. 

While it’s okay to be creative, your website is not the place to be coy.  Make sure your site communicates boldly what you can offer your future customers. 

2.    Have you checked out your computer on various viewing platforms and browsers?

In the world of computers, nothing is created equal.  What looks great on Firefox might be a mess on Windows Explorer, and even on different versions of each.  Don’t take anything for granted.  Ask people you know and trust to view your website on at least 5 different monitor sizes, Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 operating systems, and on PC as well as MAC computers.

Check a blackberry and iPhone as well if your customers may be using a cell phone to view your site.  The differences in the way your site looks between different platforms might surprise you.  

3.    How functional is your website?

Slow loading pages are the most annoying thing a potential visitor can experience. In most cases, that potential customer clicks away before even seeing what you have to offer and becomes a former potential customer before you know it. 

Make the effort to walk through your who site, page by page, as though you are your perfect customer.  How quickly do your pages load?  Are your links all working and pointing where they should?  Do you see spelling errors or other grammatical problems?  Is the contact information readily found on your website? 

The reason to go through the Website Reality Test is to ensure that your potential customers are not driven away but instead are welcomed into your website.  Make it easy for them to get around your site, find what they want (and what you’re selling) and become your customer. 

Make sure to stop by ProfessionalSpeakerPromotionOnline.com to find many other resources for successfully promoting your professional speaker career online.

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