Web sites are such a common part of doing business these days that you probably don't question the need for one. Most service professionals have a brochure type web site. This type of site is usually 3-7 pages and its objective is to provide information for prospects who are interested in the particular service.
In addition to the Home page, this type of site includes categories such as "About", "Services" and/or "Products", "Resources" and sometimes a "FAQ "category.
My primary site is a brochure type web site. I want visitors to understand what I offer and learn enough about me to want more information.
Unfortunately, updating this type of site usually requires an experienced web person. Most of us are busy running our businesses and don't have the time to think about updating our sites unless something is drastically wrong with it.
The site is created and that's the end of that. But as your business changes, your web site should reflect those changes. That doesn't necessarily mean that you need a total makeover. It does mean your need to take a fresh look at your site at least once a year.
This review should not take long. Delegate it to your assistant or another team member so you get a fresh perspective. I've listed 9 questions to ask as you review your site. This list is not all-inclusive but it does touch on some of the key information that I frequently see outdated on web sites.
1. Do the colors and feel of your site still match the feel of your business as it is today? Does the site design look current or does it look like it's from the early days of the web? Tastes and expectations of a site have changed as the web has matured.
2.Does your home page text reflect the benefits of your services as they exist today? Your core business may not have changed much, but you and your clients may have identified additional benefits of your services or you may have added services that provide additional benefits that your visitor should know.
3.Do your page categories still make sense or do you need to add or change them? For example, if Resources is one of the categories on your navigation bar but you don't have time to keep the page current, maybe you should consider using a different category.
4.Does your web site text talk to readers about their concerns and minimize "we/us/our"? In the early days of the web, companies focused on telling readers about themselves. Readers first want to know what you can do for them and then they will be interested in finding out more about you.
5.Have you read your privacy policy recently to make sure it reflects any changes made to your site? For example, if you created your privacy policy prior to selling products, you want to make sure that your policy addresses the security and privacy of payment information.
6.If you have testimonials on your site, is the web site information for them still accurate? Make sure the people who provided testimonials still have active sites. If they don't, consider removing the testimonial or updating the information.
7.Is the contact information on your site accurate? Check phone numbers and addresses and confirm nothing has changed
8.Is your "About" page still accurate? Can you add additional credentials that reflect your increasing expertise? Add any new organizations you've joined or recognition you've received.
9.Are all of the links and forms on your site still working? Click on each link to make sure it still works. Complete each form to make sure that it still serves its purpose.
Checking your site annually will help maintain your professional reputation.
Before you even consider hiring a personal trainer consider these 7 criteria to find a solid and proven fitness professional that will guarantee results.
1) What is their education and certification? A national accredited certification through a reputable agency such as the National Strength & Conditioning Association or the American Council on Exercise not some weekend crash course where you pay for a certificate. Even with a certification a trainer is only as good as the results they get with their clients.
A solid academic background with a minimum of a bachelor's in Exercise Science or related field will ensure a personal trainer has the proper knowledge and background to produce a results driven program that will deliver exactly what you need to get results fast.
2) Are you paying for sessions or results? The standard view of a personal training is you pay for sessions and you workout. Are you paying for sessions or the results from an effective and fat burning fitness program? Any number of people can lead you through a workout session. They need to be more than a rep counter at your sessions, they need to be a coach that will show you all the critical elements to achieve your health and fitness goals.
You should receive nutritional strategies, motivational strategies and continuous accountability through email and phone. You should receive continuous guidance and support through every step of your quest for fitness. Look for a personal trainer that will not just give you sessions, but provide a detailed plan of action week by week to guarantee your results and fitness success.
3) Do they have a proven system for results? A highly successful personal trainer should do more than just take your money - they should have a proven system for delivering results with every single client. A system that addresses each component of the fitness puzzle. A method for coaching you through and ensuring you actually stick with the program, checking up on you each week to make sure you stick with the program for your own success.
4) What is their guarantee? (or do they even have a guarantee) What? A personal trainer guarantee? Yes! You invest into your body with a trainer you better make sure you will actually get something in return. A highly driven and successful fitness professional will not blink an eye at offering a guarantee. After all if they deliver results there should be no worry about a guarantee.
Having a written and marketed guarantee proves you won't be throwing away your hard earned $$ or your precious time. Never work with a personal trainer unless they offer a 100% Money-Back Guarantee.
5) Will they help you to make fitness a way of life for your future? What you need is really a Fitness Coach not a Personal Trainer. Personal training is the service of guiding you through a workout, fitness coaching is the service of guiding you through getting you a fit body (more than just a workout). Having a fitness coach with you every step of the way will help you to avoid the confusion and misleading info out there and find out how to maintain fitness as a way of life not a temporary condition.
6) What experience to they have in the fitness industry? A highly dedicated and motivated personal trainer will be dedicated to fitness as a career. You don't want someone who has fitness as just a hobby, who thinks hanging out at the gym is a social event. Look for a personal trainer who dedicates them self to continuous learning and continuous improvement. Who has proven credibility through writing, speaking and credentials.
Do they have published articles? Are they relied upon by the media? Do they give presentations to public groups? Have they been interviewed as a credible source for fitness information? These are things to consider to help determine if they are actually serious about fitness, which means results for you.
7) Do they address every area needed to get you results? (not just training sessions) Look for someone that addresses more than just working out. Look for someone that shows you how to include proper eating habits, motivational strategies to keep you going with your fitness program, and gives you a detailed plan of action to get you to that body you desire in the shortest amount of time possible. If you don't address each area you going to end up sunk with wasted time and $$.
Both Nancy D Waring & Zach Hunt are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Nancy D Waring has sinced written about articles on various topics from Writing, Internet Marketing and Fitness. Nancy D. Waring is an Internet Communication Strategist and owns OnPoint Communication Solutions. She specializes in assisting service professionals plan their internet marketing strategy. Pick up her special report at. Nancy D Waring's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.
Zach Hunt has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Gym and Personal Trainer. Zach Hunt is the head fitness coach of Physzique. A high-end personal fitness coaching service in Spokane, WA. Visit