1. Your website must be Search Engine Optimized.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is an essential factor for the success of your website. The goal is to have your website come up on the first page of a Google, Yahoo and MSN search – this will maximize your exposure to your target audience searching for products and services online.

In order for the website to be ranked on the first page of major search engines, several features are needed:

• Overall Search Engine Friendliness – your website has to be properly developed so that search engine crawlers can index every page of your website.  The URL’s of every page must be in a specific format. For effective indexing, every page has to have a custom prepared title, description and keyword meta-tags, based on the keywords appearing on that page.
• Your website must be submitted to a number of website directories and online catalogues.
• Your website should contain links referring to other dance-sport related online resources.
• Your website should have links from other dance-related resources in your local area, and other dance-related national directories. However, this process should be performed by a SEO professional, because incoming links that actually affect your ranking should come in a specific format, from specific pages of other websites. Simply bringing links to your website may not affect the ranking of your website at all.

2. Your website must be visually appealing.

Simply having a basic website will not generate as much business as having a full, visually appealing and informative website. When customers search on the web for services, they have at least 10 other websites in their search results to choose from besides yours, so if your website didn’t catch the customer’s attention in the first 2-3 seconds, that customer usually moves on to the next website on the list.

3. Your website must have pricing information and detailed descriptions of your dance packages.

Many people surf the web from work during their lunch hour or break, and it may not be convenient for them to telephone your studio to inquire about details of your services. However, if they can access this information on your website, they will be satisfied with their search, and are more likely to follow-up later with a sale.

4. Your website must have a quick contact form.

Often, a telephone inquiry is not an option, so your potential customer needs a way to send you their questions immediately through your website online form.  They can read your reply at their convenience, without the pressure of a direct conversation.

5. Your website must have a great photo gallery of your studio, lessons, parties, and competitions.

Use the power of the internet to bring people inside your shop, where they can savor the atmosphere and share the excitement!  People remember images much better than any text information, and having a memorable and fun picture gallery in a visually appealing presentation will ensure that your potential customers remember your site over your competitors. If you need better photos, schedule a session with a professional photographer in your area – this one-time investment will surely serve your website for years to come.

Stay ahead of the game: your competitors are online, so you should be too!