| IN SUMMARY You can have your own personal web page set up and linked to the HKI site for £35 in the first year and £25 a year for later years, inclusive. The brief details are:
1. an easy-to-use single page format containing
2. your own wording (250 to 350 words suggested, more if necessary). No need to worry about the layout - I'll do that.
3. a colour photograph
4. contact details = your name, address (full or partial), qualification (if you want), phone and Email, as you want the details to appear on your web page. |
Testimonial: Date: Fri, 25 Nov 2005 08:14:12 +0000 (GMT)
From: WILLIAM STENLAKE <will.sten@btopenworld.com>
"hi Roger, Wonderful isn't. I am a great believer in the internet, google and now my web page. Got an appointment from it too!
Less than 2 weeks after Roger set up my WEB PAGE LINK on HK4HEALTH website a client found MY WEB PAGE through GOOGLE.COM search.They obviously liked what they saw as 1 appointment made that will now mean MY WEB PAGE IS IN PROFIT FOR THE THE YEAR ALREADY ( still 50 weeks to go ). ' Bill Stenlake, Exmouth. November 2005 |
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
I don't use the Internet much, so what's the point?
You don't need to use the Internet yourself. The web site attracts over 2500 visitors each month - obviously, many visitors are looking for a local therapist. Just think of it as an inexpensive form of advertising. Remember that more than half of all the households in Britain do use the Internet and the number is growing steadily. Most local libraries also encourge older residents to use their internet facilities.
It's all extra cost. Will it be worth it?
It costs roughly the same as a postcard-sized advert in your local newsagent's window. If you gain just one client in a whole year, then it pays for itself, more or less.
How will people contact me?
Most will phone you, but you can include your email address on you web page if you want to (but only do this if you check your email daily).
Any suggestions on what I should write?
Take a look at what others have written and then look at the guidelines below. Many people find it hard to write about themselves --that's quite normal. Just have a go at it!
I'm already listed on other web sites.
Most directories of therapists simply show brief details --rather like a Yellow Pages listing. Here you get your own, online brochure, in effect. What's the difference? Just imagine some shops on the High Street- some of them with no windows, so you can only really see the sign above the door. Imagine others with bright windows, where you can see what's on offer. Which looks more interesting and inviting? The principle here is the same. A full page is much more likely to persuade a visitor to make contact wth you. It's the same reason why many companies pay £00s for a larger advertisement in Yellow Pages, rather than just settle for the basic line listing.
GUIDELINES FOR YOUR WORDING
Objective: Imagine a potential new client who has looked at the HK web site, understands a bit about HK and has now found you on the list of practitioners. They are typically reserved and indecisive. Your key objective is simply to persuade them to pick up the phone and contact you.
Tone: Several practitioners have written about how they personally discovered HK and this makes them very approachable, normal people.
Remember that you are painting a picture with words to someone who is hesitating before picking up the phone. So include all those things about your experience, personality, treatment area and general approach to HK that will encourage potential clients to make up their mind to contact you.
Close with an invitation to make contact, because you want to help them overcome their problem (rephrase in your own words). This final sentance is important!
Experience: If you have any specialist areas (ie treating children, pets, stress etc) then you could mention them, but include the comment that you see clients with a wide range of problems.
Testimonials: These are always reassuring and everyone loves to read them. Keep them fairly brief and do get permission from your clients.
Other therapies: Many practitioners use other therapies in addition to HK. It may be helpful to mention them, but please remember that this is a web site about HK so please focus on HK as the main therapy.
Word Count: Aim for around 250 to 350 words in total. If you end up with lots more, then the page will probably appear too long, so I suggest you précis it – although if you want to include more words, there is no arbitrary limit.
|
|
SOME EXAMPLES
Click on the names below to see some of the current practitioner web pages linked to the HK UK web site. Over 70 therapists now have their own, individual web pages.
Helen Short; Pat Ward ; Julie Parkinson; Laureen Levy; Hattie Warner; Sara Stewart;
Rob Adams; Janice Hocking; Sandie Lowell; John Payne; Ann Parker; Christine Fowler
 MAP LINK NOW ADDED TO EACH PAGE
A map link, showing clients where you work. It will save hours of explanation over the next year! Click the map to see the typical result.
COST
The price is just £35 inclusive which covers:
building the initial page and making any corrections or adjustments.
scanning and inserting your photo
adding a map link, so they can find you with one click
linking the page to your entry on the HK register pages of the HK web site
hosting costs (publishing to the Internet) throughout the year
making any changes to the wording including change of address, new phone or new Email account anytime throughout the year. |
In subsequent years, the renewal cost will be just £25 a year. This cost covers any changes you want to make to your page at any time, including any changes of address, phone number, email number and a complete rewrite and replacement photograph, if you want.
If you have ever had a commercial quote for a web site, you will know that web developers can typically charge £250 upwards (+VAT) for a simple site.
Their biggest problem is then attracting visitors to your web site - a particularly difficult task.
So it is very good value particularly since the HK web site does most of the background explaining for you and already attracts over 30,000 visitors a year.
IF YOU DECIDE TO GO AHEAD
CHECKLIST: I will need the following from you:
1. your text (250 to 400 words) sent as a Word doc. (Email attachment is the easiest way to do this.) Include your address and qualifications a (see the examples on the web site). I'll sort out the layout.
2. a cheque for £35 payable to Roger Hocking
3. a colour photograph sent as an email atachment (.JPG preferred) or posted with your cheque. Please include an SAE if you would like your photo returned. |
My address details are:
Roger Hocking
Green Drift, Clifford Road,
Boston Spa
WETHERBY
West Yorkshire LS23 6BZ Once all the above are received, your web page will be published within a few days. Once published, I will email a confirmation (or phone if you prefer).
Don’t worry about being word perfect because the initial page can be easily amended. It will look different on the screen and many therapists have made some adjustments.
Need help with the words?
If you need help writing your page, two of our practitoners have copywriting skills and can give you professional help:
Jo Dall and Helen Mawson.
Just click their names above to see their own web pages and contact details. |
