Websites - Do Creatives Really Need One?
With the proliferation of the web, many creative types are jumping on the technology bandwagon and developing their own web sites. But trying to decide whether or not to develop your own web site can open up a veritable can of worms. There are some nice perks to having your own web site and just as many reasons not to. Here are a few things to consider when trying to make up your mind.
Web sites can be a valuable addition to your work as a writer, graphic designer or consultant for several reasons. For writers who specialize in corporate copywriting, a web site adds instant visibility to your business and gives the appearance that you are more than just a freelancer in pink fuzzy slippers with a laptop and a pad of paper. It is a great place to showcase your best work and can be persuasive during presentations or when trying to win clients. In fact, a web site can be used to showcase your portfolio at online job sites such as Media Bistro (www.mediabistro.com), Guru.com (www.guru.com) and Freelancers.com (www.freelancers.com).
Web sites are especially important if you work in the technology industry or as a technical writer or designer. Since the Internet is such a vital part of the technical culture, your clients may look at you strangely if you don't have an address on the web. Even a simple web site with a one-page listing of your credits or clients increases your online credibility.
Another area where a web site can improve your exposure is if you regularly receive assignments from e-zines or dot-com's. A web site to reference in your byline or under your design may lead to other assignments or lucrative corporate contacts. For those whose work focuses on graphic design, a web site featuring your work can save you time and money instead of sending samples via snail mail. You may even attract assignments from editors or art directors if you participate on a listserve and reference your web site at the end of your comments. And, in terms of the prestige factor, a web address is always handy to add to the signature line of your emails and looks quite impressive on your business cards and letterhead.
The bottom line is that web sites are a terrific way to continually promote your work for very little money once your site is designed. Having a web site is a worthwhile activity for creative types who specialize in corporate or technically oriented work.
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