I finished my website!

[Need2read]

So....I finished my website and I am not sure how I could improve it so I am curious to hear what all of you think about it.

GOGOGO!!!

[Tiffany]

Very good Cortney! All of your information is good and informative. It is nice and bright. I think it does what you want it to do. Good job! I know website design is no small task.

[Need2read]

Thank you soo much! It means a lot to me coming from someone in the biz. Although it wasn't done using HTML I did what I could with what I had. I am proud of it and hopefully I will have some pictures to put on that page and fill it up with lovely families and lotsa cute babes!

[DL]

Nice job, Cortney!!!!

I like the bright colors, it is easy to read, and it's informative. I LOVED being able to see your photo!!! You're very pretty! It's a great start! It's exciting to be 'out there', isn't it?

[Need2read]

haha, thanks Lori! I actually just changed the photo of myself to that one. This is the one I had originally but I didn't know it would be unprofessional of me... But if that isn't how it came across to you then it will stay up!

[DL]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Need2read haha, thanks Lori! I actually just changed the photo of myself to that one. This is the one I had originally but I didn't know it would be unprofessional of me... But if that isn't how it came across to you then it will stay up!

It really depends on how you want to be seen and the type of clientel you are hoping to attract. Some like to look purely business-like, and others want people to feel like folks "know" them when they visit the site (although it's very possible to do both), and so let some of their personality show through. It IS a "silly" photo....but if you'd like to convey that you are joyful and fun-loving and sometimes silly, then that's what I got from it. It let me see a little tidbit of your personality, so that's why I liked to see it for myself. If you are going to continue to use it, however, I would try to also include some pics of you in more serious ways that relate to your childbirth field of work (i.e. working with clients--with their permission of course, holding a baby, etc.). That would help to convey experience and maturity to potential clients. IMO, Since you're concerned about how some potential clients may think of your present age, then some more serious photos could possibly help some of those folks to get passed that concern. I know that you have probably already thought of these things. I understand that you're getting ready to attend to your first client and haven't had other photos to add yet, so maybe she'll allow someone to snap some pics of you then to include on your website! (??)

Again...to sum it up....I like your photo and personally think it's ok to be on there, but it probably shouldn't be the ONLY photo of you to be seen by potential clients (again, just my opinion here). If you're going to convey fun-loving and silly moments, then you'll need to balance that out by some representations of your seriousness about what you do. KWIM? Just try to look at your website and photo in the eyes of a potential client to get a feel for how it may come across and to whom it will appeal to most....then decide if you're on-target or not (only you will know the answer to that). I'm having a difficult time wording this just the way I'd like, plus I'm rambling a GREAT DEAL!! Hope this makes sense!

[Tiffany]

I think Lori makes some very good points!

[Need2read]

I know exactly what you mean! Most of the photo's I have seen of women on their Doula websites are with their children, or just a nice headshot. Then there are many photo's with clients. I am hoping to put a picture of myself with the family, and I was actually planning to ask them if I could have a photo of all of us together...which I think they will be fine with. Then if the moment seems right during and/or afterthe birth, or even at a postpartum visit then I would definitly see if the family would be okay with that.

* And even if they are not okay with my putting the picture on my website I know I will treasure the photo's later on down the road. *

I was actually thinking of asking them if they would be okay with my bringing just a disposable and if I happen to remember then I could take pictures of her birth. I hadn't discussed that with her yet, but we have a prenatal on Monday.

[DL]

I think you're on the right track on your thoughts about photos. So far, I've found that most of my clients like their photos taken and give me permission to use ones that they select for marketing purposes, including my website. Chances are, your present clients will consent to some pics on some level, too. I'm so glad that you understand what I was trying to say (and rambled so to say it! ).

I don't have any pics of me actually working yet (but would LOVE some) because I'm always so busy and haven't found an appropriate time to ask someone else to take pics. Most of my clients have been all for taken before-after shots, but not anything during labor! Hopefully....I'll get a willing client for that in the not-too-distant future. I'm sure it will work out sooner or later.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Need2read * And even if they are not okay with my putting the picture on my website I know I will treasure the photo's later on down the road. *

Yep...You sure will!!! They are very special and will probably mean the world to you!!!

[DL]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Need2read I was actually thinking of asking them if they would be okay with my bringing just a disposable and if I happen to remember then I could take pictures of her birth. I hadn't discussed that with her yet, but we have a prenatal on Monday.

That's what I do, take a disposable, that is. My digital is broken, and if it wasn't, I'd probably just drop it at the birth, anyway! At the prenatal, you could clarify what stages of her labor/birth would be ok to photogragh if she consents. Keep in mind that (unlike with one's own digital camera), it probably would be best to not take graphic photos with a disposable. I just have a mental picture of a 16 yr. old boy developing photos at the local Wal-Mart and running across them!!

[Need2read]

yes I definitely agree about the whole film development factor. I must say that although a baby crowning could make for a beautiful picture...I will opt for shots (if I end up taking pictures) of the family possibly inbetween a contraction. Or maybe at a moment when mom & dad are really in sync with each other. I don't know...something more "reading between the lines stuff" in which the picture isn't of obvious birth but of the specific special moments that can be overlooked at the time.

This has given me lots of ideas and also given me more topics to talk about at my prenatal on monday. All of our meetings have been somewhat casual and I haven't gotten a great chance to really talk about this baby's birth in depth.

[Tashina Marker]

Hello Cortney,
I loved your site! Thanks for sharing.I also agree with Lori about the picture.I think it shows your personality & I like that,but maybe adding some sreious pictures may give your clients an over all view of you.If you know what I mean?????PLEASE don't think I am critizing you I am just giving you my opinion. I wish you the best!

[Luv2bemommy]

It looks great!