Website Critique

[ssmithyoga]

Hello,

I am a yoga and massage therapist in Tampa, FL and would love feedback about what's working/not working on my site:
Serenity Stream - Brandon / Riverview Yoga

Thank you

Sherry Smith

[Administrator]

Ouch.

"Are you in need of a little serenity and peace in your life? Do you live in the Brandon / Riverview area? You've come to the right place. I am a certified yoga instructor, yoga and massage therapist, and Thai yoga massage practitioner. My unique combination of skills and modalities can help get you back to the right frame of mind. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you!"

I think yoga instructors forget that other people, namely clients, are reading their web pages.

You aren't marketing your services to yoga instructors.

Most people aren't looking for serenity in their lives.

Let me explain.

The majority of the clients who are interested in privates you will meet will be fairly new to yoga. People familiar with yoga tend to seek out classes although there are some exceptions to both.

Although your web page is graphically beautiful, it doesn't offer benefits other than a nebulous benefit.

Serentity is what we call a "towards."

When the public comes to yoga, their motivation is what we call "away from".

They want to lose weight.

They want to get rid of back pain.

They want to get rid of stress.

I don't think anyone has ever called Sara on the phone and said, "I'm looking for serenity."

Now that is the way Sara used to think... until she met me.

Her old business card was aimed at the serenity market.

Her current business card is aimed at what people are looking for.

Yoga teachers all prefer her old car.

Her business obviously prefers her new card.

Now your website combines so many things it's confusing people.

The picture has you doing Thai massage. But some people are going to think the picture is yoga. They don't know.

Did you know people always read captions on pictures.

They have no idea what's going on in the photo.

And I love Thai massage but you haven't explained the benefits to me.

What is it?

Why would I want one?

Explain to them as if they are totally new and wouldn't know the difference between Thai Massage and Pad Thai.

Now your benefits of yoga page is much better. Take the information from there and put in on your main page.

And kill the "your ego is telling you not to do yoga stuff."

Who are you talking to?

Your insulting clients you've never met?

Your site needs major work.

Harlan The Grumpy.

[ssmithyoga]

Harlan,

Does Sara have a website for her private yoga classes? Or do you have an example of what her business card looks like. I appreciate the feedback, however, can you give some examples of websites that work? I think that will help us all.

Sherry

[Administrator]

Sara has had a problem with yoga teachers copying - sometimes word for word - her copyrighted website.

People have even taken testimonials off it and used it in their ads.

So she's asked me not to publicize it.

I've had people copy my business cards - even the same picture. (No it's not a picture of me.)

Study the numerous posts on the forum.

There is a wealth of information right here.

[Kiwiyogini]

Hi Sara, Harlan and other yogis

Great site! I'm enjoying reading your comments and its so nice to have this community. I don't feel being in the business of yoga is quite so hard now, there is light and I would like some!

I realise after reading through the posts, I'll need to make some changes to my current web site. Harlan, I would appreciate any feedback!

Corporate Yoga - Auckland Yoga Classes in the workplace for all levels of fitness.

Peace to all!
Karen

[Administrator]

OK, maybe I should calm down.

The name of your site is corporate yoga but you never say what that means.

And...

to make matters worse...

It's the last item on your page.

And even worse....

Corporate Yoga will provide Ashtanga Yoga instruction at the workplace. Emphasis is on providing yoga instruction to benefit the health of employees, improving their ability to focus and deal with stress.

What's Ashtanga Yoga?

How will yoga improve their ability to focus? How is that a benefit?

Who's Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois and why should anyone care about him?

You're doing the same thing other yoga teachers do...

You're writing your website for yourself or for other yoga teachers.

No testimonials.

No explanation.

Therefore, you'll see no results.

Sorry.

Peace.

Harlan (who must have woken up in a bad mood.)

[Kiwiyogini]

Hi Harlan
I hear your message loud and clear! Thanks!

Karen