Technology can be a bittersweet innovation. It allows us all to stay connected with our social networks, and creates a platform for you to become your own PR agent. Let's face it, even if you have an agent, or multiple agents, its no excuse why you shouldn't take every opportunity you can to toot your own horn. If your ultimate goal is to be a household name and a major success, then you need a website. Actually, you MUST have a website. In fact, many agents are now requiring their talent to have their own personal website or at least a homepage with current pictures, and resume's (if you are an actor). And I'm not talking about a myspace, facebook, or model network profile. You need a legitimate .com website.
Question: What happens when you type your name into google?
If your name isn't coming up on the first page, then you have a problem.
Question: What happens when you type in "Your City" Model, or "Your City" Actor into google?
If your name isn't coming up on the first page, you are loosing business. I just got on this band wagon this year, check out www.theamywest.com, but its already done a world of good in establishing my reputation in my community and state. People have access to an interactive medium where they can see my resume, click on links that go straight to the work referred to in my resume, and see my newest pictures. I also have a blog where I talk about all my recent work. This shows I'm working the business and staying busy. Creating more demand for my product, "Me"!
How does the Tech-challenged individual start their own website? Its easier than you'd think! There are many options out there for free website templates. My favorite right now is Yola.com .
1. Your first step is to buy your domain name. There are many hosting companies, but generally my search ends at
GoDaddy.com . Its pretty simple, go to their website and search the name you want. If they have it, you create a profile and purchase it. You can buy a domain name for as little as $10 a year. That's not so bad!
2. Go to Yola.com and create a log in. From there you can choose from several different templates to create a custom look just for you. Customizing your look is all a part of creating your brand.
3. Yola is an incredibly user friendly website. If you need help they have all sorts of material to help you along. And don't worry, if you get stuck on anything, just Google it! After you design your site you will need to publish your site. In order to do that you will will need to make sure your domain points to the yola web template. There are instructions on how to do that, or like I said before, just Google it!
And that is it! You have a website! Take baby steps and remember you have to work on it daily to make it a site worth interacting with.
Later we'll touch on the importance of linking up your blog and keywording your pages. But lets not get ahead of ourselves. Start with the basics and we'll work from there. You could have a website in less than 30 minutes! Get to it!
In the meantime, here are more websites you can check out!
Miss T's site!
www.thetarathomas.com
Enjoy the feeling of sweet victory as you start marketing yourself and booking more jobs! You work for yourself, remember that. This is your chance to shine, and who knows you better than you! Don't get left behind! Get a website now!
xoxox
Lady West
