Today, more than ever, your website is one of the most important tools you have as a speaker to get known and allow people to find you online.
Maybe you already have a good website, with all your basic information, but technology changes and so do you and your business. Knowing when and how to update your speaker website can make a huge difference in your online marketing strategy. So don’t leave it at the bottom of your list this year!
All websites have a shelf life. But the fact that a website is close to expiring does not mean it’s a bad thing. It just means it is time to update your speaker website.
However, it’s not cost-effective or realistic to change your website too often. So, when you start thinking about updating, plan your website to last as long as possible.
One key element in planning your speaker website is to think about the future of your business. When you look at your website plans, also look at your business plan. Try to answer some of these questions:
- What are your goals for 4-5 years ahead?
- What do you see yourself doing?
- Are there any long-term projects cooking on the backburner that you’ll like to include in due time to the website?
Having clarity in this matter will allow you to strategically plan and it makes it easier to change or add items when you need to update your speaker website.
How long does a website last on average?
With a proper build-up, your website should last you about 3-5 years, without major renovations, depending of course, on the growth of your business.
That, of course, depend also on your own business plans for the future! Well, and on the future of the speaking business in general. Hybrid is going to be ‘a thing’. Online presentations are not going away.
When would your website require major changes then?
You should update your speaker website whenever you face any of these situations:
- You have a new product or project coming up.
Maybe you are starting a podcast, or you are releasing a book. All major projects should be showcased on your website as part of your launch plan.
- You changed your brand.
“New year, new me!” is quite a popular saying in the first months of the year, and some brands take it literally. If you are going for a rebranding strategy, update your speaker website to support your new topics or your new photography.
- You are creating more passive income opportunities.
Online courses, membership sites, academies. All of these kinds of products require you to promote and sell on your site. If this is part of your plan, then think of how would you update your speaker website to achieve these objectives.
What should you focus on when you update your speaker website?
Functionality
We often get captivated by beautiful designs — and yes, I too love those Pinterest-perfect websites! But you can’t overlook functionality and user experience.
Before design, think about what features would your users appreciate having and how can you show them your products in a way that is comfortable, convenient, and easy to reach out to. At this point in the planning process, it’s useful to think about your customer’s journey and how you can improve on it from a user experience standpoint.
Target audience
Just like any other strategy in your business, thinking about your target audience and what they would like to see on your website will help you improve it.
What would speaking decision-makers like to know and see from you in order to hire you?
The answer to that questions can save you a lot of time and money when updating your speaking website.
Branding and messaging
If you’ve recently done a brand refreshment, make sure the content on your website stays consistent with your current brand. And I’m not talking just in terms of colors and images. The overall feeling and your copy must be spot on to convey the meaning of your brand.
Content Optimization
Finally, don’t forget to optimize your old content. Especially if you have a blog, take some time to improve your SEO and landing pages. You’d be surprised how much of your content can be useful to others and making it more visible will help you get more visits.
Updating your speaking website shouldn’t be a nerve-wracking situation. Focus on the features your users would need and use the most when going into your website and make it easier for them to understand three basic things:
- Who are you?
- What do you offer?
- Who is your target audience?
If your future speaking business is not “Crystal Clear” to you now, jot down some goals and make a plan. And as always, if you need help – click on the red box on the right-hand side of your screen and book a consult. I am right here to help you update your speaker website.
