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Trying to Update my pole studio website
When you go to a pole studio's website what do you look for? I'm trying to update the website for the pole dance studio that I teach at. It hasn't been updated since it was first done – so there isn't much to work with. I've gotten some basics on there like frequently asked questions, descriptions of the classes that I'll be offering and the class schedule. I'm going to have pictures of the studio. But I'm not sure what else (if anything) I need. So I figured I'd ask what you all would like to see on a studio's website. What would make you want to go there or turn you off from going there without even visiting the studio?
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12 Replies
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tv interviews, seeing that the instructor has won competitions or been into one, seeing that the instructor has taken advanced workshops
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I like mini instructor bios. Nothing too serious. A picture and something like "favorite stage name" favorite inverted trick, favorite floorwork, favorite music, etc. It helps to get to know who you might be having class with, even if it is just a photo and a name.
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and a video always help !
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I think videos and samples of what you learn are great. A small photo gallery with a variety of tricks – not just advanced moves.
Something easy to follow and read with out too much writing – this is my downfall always, lol!
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Maybe some testimonials of your clients. I know I like to read those.
If the studio has been out in public (trade shows, supported events etc) id add those too.
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I think an instructors aera is most important… A picture is great especially for first timers and a mini bio can also make newbies feel more comfortable…. Especially listing any qualifications… College degrees.. Certifications.. Teacher trainings.. Pros they have worked with.. And any comps or showcases
Also, if you can get links for media stories that have been done for pole….. I was just reading WH magazine and they did a section on dancing… And pole dance was listed as best dance for strength gains…. You can definately pull in new customers with legitimate articles that shows we’re not just skipping around in our undies!!!! Haha
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Thanks all!!!! I will definitely include an instructor bio. And I like the idea of making it not too serious because I'm definitely a little goofy!https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif
Since the studio is pretty new (and I just kind of fell into teaching at it – but that's a long story) we don't have much in the news about our studio specifically – but I can maybe find some more general news articles about pole to link to. And we are going to be at our area's Women's Expo this fall – I didn't even think of adding that – but now I will!
As far as the photo gallery – do you mean just a photo or two or a video of moves you'll learn in each class? Because I don't think I could begin to do anything as extensive as the awesome photo gallery that Veena has put together here. I'm really kind of struggling with what pictures to have. I have a general shot of the studio with the poles and I have pics of me on the pole – but that's about it. And I feel like that's kinda boring. I could maybe get a few students to let me put their pics up on the web but so many of them are local professionals in various fields and, because this is a fairly conservative area most of them are afraid of being super open about the fact that they take pole classes. So I'm just not sure what to do about pics.
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I would use the photos you have of the studio and also see if you can get someone to snap some pics of students during class.. Showing how much fun it is!!
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You can use instructors – that's usually the safest bet – that's why my websites for various events are covered in me – sorry, lol, but I know I won't sue myself – hahaha!
I wouldn't say you need anything as big as Veena's gallery because Veena exists as a resource site. But you should have a few pics of you or your team – maybe students if they've signed a release but it's easier to take snap shots of instructors. I would do a couple of advanced things like leg hangs or butterflies and the rest poses, spins or upright poses. I think that students want to see something aspirational but things like iron x's can be too hard looking. I think people like to see things that are achievable and pretty – because they are probably going to think a simple fireman isn't "achievable" make sense?
I love the idea of having reviews – maybe you can have a few students share their experiences in writing and use initials – no full names to keep it private.
the other thing that would be great to share is your studio's philosophy. Pole isn't just pole anymore what kind of pole dancing will new customers learn? More of the fitness side? More of the dance side? More of the tricks side? That can help people a lot 🙂
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While I cannot offer up improvements seeing as I don't know what your site looks like now, I can offer up a few suggestions:
1. Please, no music or instant loading videos.
2. Make sure that the background and text colors are easy on the eyes.
3. Pricing. I really hate having to go to an outside source and sign up before knowing the price of your classes.
4. CURRENT schedule
5. Description of the feel of your studio…..are you a slinky haven for women or are you more of a gymnastics/fitness type pole studio or possibly do you offer both?
6. Please please please have some body proof read your web page. There is nothing that screams unprofessional to me than a bunch of misspellings and typos. (This is a real description taken from a real site: XXXX Pole Dance is a professional studio, with professional staff members. XXXX Pole Dance offer large classroom settings, small classroom settings, private lessons, semi private lessons, 1 on 1 lessons, girls night, out and private parties.)
7. Make sure that whatever your home page is does not trigger filters. There are a lot of pole websites I cannot see because they are blocked by my work.
8. Don't use stock photos or photos you found on the web without making sure you can use them. I am so sick of seeing Sheila Kelley and Annastasia on websites it is not even funny and I know that Sheila's pictures are all copyrighted.
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As a technical writer, I cannot tell you enough how distracting and unprofessional it is to have a website full of writing errors. If you have a friend who happens to have an eye for it, definitely let them do so. It is nearly impossible to tech-write as the creator of a document, website, etc. Always get another set of eyes.
And to definitely follow up with Chem, CURRENT schedule please, along with pricing. I have looked up so many studios for dance, aerial, pole, etc, and many of them do not list a current schedule?! If one is going to maintain a website, you need to keep it current. Because when the bottom of the page shows that it hasnt been updated in months or years, I don't bother. It doesn't need to drastically change all the time or anything, but definitely should reflect the current schedule, pricing, and staff.
Also photos and video are also important. No instant loading video for sure, and keeping video short, ie around 1:30 or so helps to get a feel for the studio and teachers, but doesn't get too long. I love to see photos, but no need to have a full on resource gallery… just a few of the instructors doing some of the moves, and if possible of a class or two. I know I kind of like to see how many people can be in the space and what they are wearing, etc. But I do realize that sometimes classes aren't ok with photos so I understand that. One thing you could do is have a time slot to get photos and have any one who would be ok with having their picture on the website show up.
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I like to see things that help me make a decision about even walking through the door. Location, Class Schedule, Class Descriptions, Teacher Bios (important to note that this would be any certifications such as Personal Trainer, CPR certified and/or placement in comps. (I am totally okay if there are no certifications or placements However I still want to see a picture of their face and get a summary of their dance background/teaching philosophy)). Studio pictures and Class Rates. I also like to see the studio waivers available either by hyperlink or online acceptance and how a student is expected to register for class.
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