Taking Better Action photos
By Bob Hubbard
Ever been at a martial arts or other sporting event and taken pictures and not been happy with what you got? Were the eyes red and demonic looking, or did the subjects look like blurs or whispery ghosts? Here's a couple of suggestions to help you improve your shots.
1 - Know your camera settings.
Most people simply put their camera on "automatic" and hope for the best. This works in most cases, but action shots require a bit more knowledge to get right. Check and see if your camera has an "Action" or "Sports" mode. These settings use preset settings from the manufacturer to try and optimize your camera to capture fast moving action. While not perfect, it will usually improve what you do get.
2 - Use your Flash.
Yes, even in what to you looks like a nice and bright room, using your flash can help to "freeze" the action for your camera to catch it, and will add some pop to your shot.
3 - Enable Red Eye protection.
Many current pocket cameras today include a mode that ties to minimize those evil glowing demon eyes you get when using flash. Red eye is caused by the flash being too close to the lense, and the flash being "seen" in the eye. This is part of why professional photographers use those special grips and have the flash way up over the camera. If your flash is too harsh, try taping a little tissue paper over the light to soften it. Be aware that doing so will shorten the range and brightness of the light.
4 - Know what ISO your camera is set at.
Simply put, properly setting your camera's ISO will improve your pictures. A low ISO like 100-200 tends to be sharp, clear. High ISO's like 800-1600= ten to be on the fuzzy side, and grainy. So, why use a high ISO? The higher the number the more light sensitive your digital film is. Use a high ISO in low light situations.
5 - Take some test shots.
Digital cameras are great in that you can take as many shots as you want and not have to worry about bad ones. Before the event, take some test shots and preview them on the screen. Delete the ones that are really off, tweak your settings and try a few more.
Sports photography is a fun activity, but getting the best quality shots takes a little work. I hope that these tips help you enjoy your photography more.
====
Bob Hubbard is a professional photographer specializing in martial arts event, nature and portrait photography. He is also the CEO of SilverStar WebDesigns Inc, a web design and hosting company specializing in martial arts sites, as well as an administrator on the popular martial arts communities MartialTalk.com, Kenpotalk.com and FMATalk.com. His martial arts photography can be found there as well as at his martial arts photography web site, martialphotos.com. He may be reached through these sites.
Copyright © 2008 - Bob Hubbard - All Rights Reserved
Permission is granted to reprint this article on websites, blogs and ezines provided all text, links and authors bio is left intact.
Showing posts with label martialarts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label martialarts. Show all posts
Monday, December 29, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Benefits of Computers For The Martial Arts Industry - Part 3 of 3 By Bob Hubbard
Benefits of Computers For The Martial Arts Industry - Part 3 of 3
By Bob Hubbard
Shopping for Computer Training
The last few years have seen an explosion in the number of training centers catering to both novices and experts. The options can seem overwhelming. Before spending the time and money on computer training, research your options. Here are several questions to ask and consider:
#How big are the classes?
Just as in martial arts training, smaller classes mean more personal attention from the instructor.
# Are the computers up to date?
All computers should be up to date running modern software. It does you little good to learn on old outdated equipment that won’t be much like the system in your school.
# Do students have to share computers or does everyone get their own?
Each student should have their own computer to work on. This allows you to do more hands on training, rather than watching someone else do the exercises.
# Are the class times convenient?
In order to learn, you need to be able to attend the classes. Many places offer day, night and weekend classes. The more flexibility they offer, the easier you can schedule the time to attend.
#How long has the school been in business?
Older schools will have established track records. Talk to other people, especially those in professional fields for recommendations.
# What are the instructors credentials?
Computer certifications are a dime a dozen today. There are however a few names that will hold credibility. Do the instructors hold certifications from Microsoft, Adobe or other makers of the software you want to learn? For example, if you are going to learn Microsoft Word, looking for someone holding a certification from Microsoft is a good idea.
# Does this instructor regularly teach this class?
Many training centers rotate instructors with each one teaching various topics. You want someone who regularly teaches the class you are interested in as their skills will be sharpest, and they will be most likely to be properly prepared.
Some questions to ask:
# Can you observe a class before enrolling?
# What are all the fees involved?
# Can you talk to existing students for their opinions?
# How long will the classes run?
Some other advice:
# Don’t sign anything on your first visit.
# Don’t make a hasty decision, even if they tell you that seats are limited and going fast.
# Review all paperwork carefully before signing.
# Be certain to get a receipt for all payments.
With some planning and an investment of both time and money, computers and the flexibility and benefits they offer can be a great boon to your business, improving efficiency, cutting costs, and boosting your bottom line.
=========
Bob Hubbard is an administrator of the popular martial arts portal site MartialTalk.com and president of SilverStar WebDesigns inc., a web site design and hosting company specializing in affordable solutions for martial artists. Bob can be reached at webmaster@martialtalk.com
Article Copyright © 2008 - Bob Hubbard - All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction Without Written Permission of Author.
By Bob Hubbard
Shopping for Computer Training
The last few years have seen an explosion in the number of training centers catering to both novices and experts. The options can seem overwhelming. Before spending the time and money on computer training, research your options. Here are several questions to ask and consider:
#How big are the classes?
Just as in martial arts training, smaller classes mean more personal attention from the instructor.
# Are the computers up to date?
All computers should be up to date running modern software. It does you little good to learn on old outdated equipment that won’t be much like the system in your school.
# Do students have to share computers or does everyone get their own?
Each student should have their own computer to work on. This allows you to do more hands on training, rather than watching someone else do the exercises.
# Are the class times convenient?
In order to learn, you need to be able to attend the classes. Many places offer day, night and weekend classes. The more flexibility they offer, the easier you can schedule the time to attend.
#How long has the school been in business?
Older schools will have established track records. Talk to other people, especially those in professional fields for recommendations.
# What are the instructors credentials?
Computer certifications are a dime a dozen today. There are however a few names that will hold credibility. Do the instructors hold certifications from Microsoft, Adobe or other makers of the software you want to learn? For example, if you are going to learn Microsoft Word, looking for someone holding a certification from Microsoft is a good idea.
# Does this instructor regularly teach this class?
Many training centers rotate instructors with each one teaching various topics. You want someone who regularly teaches the class you are interested in as their skills will be sharpest, and they will be most likely to be properly prepared.
Some questions to ask:
# Can you observe a class before enrolling?
# What are all the fees involved?
# Can you talk to existing students for their opinions?
# How long will the classes run?
Some other advice:
# Don’t sign anything on your first visit.
# Don’t make a hasty decision, even if they tell you that seats are limited and going fast.
# Review all paperwork carefully before signing.
# Be certain to get a receipt for all payments.
With some planning and an investment of both time and money, computers and the flexibility and benefits they offer can be a great boon to your business, improving efficiency, cutting costs, and boosting your bottom line.
=========
Bob Hubbard is an administrator of the popular martial arts portal site MartialTalk.com and president of SilverStar WebDesigns inc., a web site design and hosting company specializing in affordable solutions for martial artists. Bob can be reached at webmaster@martialtalk.com
Article Copyright © 2008 - Bob Hubbard - All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction Without Written Permission of Author.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Benefits of Computers For The Martial Arts Industry - Part 2 of 3 By Bob Hubbard
Benefits of Computers For The Martial Arts Industry - Part 2 of 3
By Bob Hubbard
An important part of getting the maximum benefit from your computer is to be certain you understand it and it's use.
#Understand how to use the basic features of your computer
Knowing how to properly turn on and turn off your computer will save you many headaches later on. Other skills needed are how to use your CD or DVD drive, the mouse, how to manage your documents, and how to access the Internet. Basic maintenance skills such as backing up crucial information and protect yourself from computer viruses, hoaxes and other security risks will come in very handy as well
#Understand the basics of the Internet
You don’t have to be an expert, but understanding how to find your way in the electronic world will give you an edge over your competition. Basic skills such as using search sites like Google and Yahoo, and the basics of electronic mail are two keys to this. Search sites are excellent sources of information, provided you use them correctly. More people today are turning to them than turn to their phone books or print encyclopedias for news, information and recreation. Properly used, the Internet can help you keep a step or two ahead of your competition. If your school has a web site, it is very important that you and your key people have these basic skills, so that you can make full use of it as both a marketing and news tool.
# Understand how to use electronic mail as a communications tool.
Today, more and more communications is being done through the world wide communications network called the Internet. A great deal of this is done through the use of electronic mail or email. There are dozens of different programs used, some free, some for a small fee, so I’ll avoid program specific tips here, but give a few suggestions for best use of this tool.
#Understand how to use the basic features of your computers word processing software.
All computers sold today include a basic text editing software, and more advanced programs are also available and often times included. You don’t need to be a wizard, but basic functions such as starting a document, writing, centering, bolding and italicizing text, printing it, saving it and finding it again are very important. Other advanced skills such as complex formatting, including pictures or artwork, as well as specialty layouts can save you printing costs, design costs and give you a professional business presence.
#Understand how to use your printer.
Many systems sold today include an inexpensive printer. You should know how to load paper, change the ink cartridge, and use it’s basic features, as well as use it from your various programs. Using your printer correctly can cut your costs, save you time and allow you more time to talk to clients and prospects rather than driving to printers.
#Understand how to use book-keeping software.
There are countless systems out there for book keeping. File cards, multicolumn ledgers, folders, boxes and even bags. All have serious disadvantages. Properly used, a basic book-keeping program can greatly improve your ability to track your income and expenses, contact information, employees, customers and more. You can see at a glance how you are doing, and where you need to focus your attention.
As we’ve seen, the proper use of computers to your martial arts school can save you time, improve your efficiency, and keep you ahead of the competition. But we are all challenged for time today, so how can you gain these skills in a timely manner so that you can get back to the business of martial arts?
There are three main ways to learn these skills.
1- Trial and Error, or the old “poke it with a stick til you figure it out” method. This is of course one we all try from time to time. It is unfortunately, the least efficient.
2- Learn from books or videos. Books and videos are great references, and on some programs, all you might need. Two series I highly recommend are the “Dummies” books, and the “Visual Guides”. The former puts things in simple terms, explains all the jargon and offers a nice introduction to the basics, while the latter is loaded with step by step pictures pointing out almost every mouse click or key hit.
3- Find a qualified teacher. This one should be the most familiar to us. Learning computers is much like learning martial arts. We need the right tools, and the right teacher to really do our best. But, finding that qualified teacher can be a challenge. Today, specialty training centers, most of our big computer stores, office supply chains, and even electronic stores seem to offer some form of computer training. So, when shopping for training, what should you look for?
Join us next week for part 3, shopping for your new PC.
=========
Bob Hubbard is an administrator of the popular martial arts portal site MartialTalk.com and president of SilverStar WebDesigns inc., a web site design and hosting company specializing in affordable solutions for martial artists. Bob can be reached at webmaster@martialtalk.com
Article Copyright © 2008 - Bob Hubbard - All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction Without Written Permission of Author.
By Bob Hubbard
An important part of getting the maximum benefit from your computer is to be certain you understand it and it's use.
#Understand how to use the basic features of your computer
Knowing how to properly turn on and turn off your computer will save you many headaches later on. Other skills needed are how to use your CD or DVD drive, the mouse, how to manage your documents, and how to access the Internet. Basic maintenance skills such as backing up crucial information and protect yourself from computer viruses, hoaxes and other security risks will come in very handy as well
#Understand the basics of the Internet
You don’t have to be an expert, but understanding how to find your way in the electronic world will give you an edge over your competition. Basic skills such as using search sites like Google and Yahoo, and the basics of electronic mail are two keys to this. Search sites are excellent sources of information, provided you use them correctly. More people today are turning to them than turn to their phone books or print encyclopedias for news, information and recreation. Properly used, the Internet can help you keep a step or two ahead of your competition. If your school has a web site, it is very important that you and your key people have these basic skills, so that you can make full use of it as both a marketing and news tool.
# Understand how to use electronic mail as a communications tool.
Today, more and more communications is being done through the world wide communications network called the Internet. A great deal of this is done through the use of electronic mail or email. There are dozens of different programs used, some free, some for a small fee, so I’ll avoid program specific tips here, but give a few suggestions for best use of this tool.
- Know what your email address is and have it listed correctly when you contact someone. Too often I reply to messages where the sender has typos or other errors in their return address, which slows and sometimes stops any chance I have of responding to their message.
- Make certain you have your name correctly entered into your program. Again, too often I get messages from the default names and have no idea who contacted me.
- Make sure you use the “Signature” feature of your email program to include basic contact information on every message you send. Think of it as a mini business card.
- Understand how to write, send, read and reply to messages.
- Check your email regularly. People today expect almost immediate responses, so daily at least is recommended.
#Understand how to use the basic features of your computers word processing software.
All computers sold today include a basic text editing software, and more advanced programs are also available and often times included. You don’t need to be a wizard, but basic functions such as starting a document, writing, centering, bolding and italicizing text, printing it, saving it and finding it again are very important. Other advanced skills such as complex formatting, including pictures or artwork, as well as specialty layouts can save you printing costs, design costs and give you a professional business presence.
#Understand how to use your printer.
Many systems sold today include an inexpensive printer. You should know how to load paper, change the ink cartridge, and use it’s basic features, as well as use it from your various programs. Using your printer correctly can cut your costs, save you time and allow you more time to talk to clients and prospects rather than driving to printers.
#Understand how to use book-keeping software.
There are countless systems out there for book keeping. File cards, multicolumn ledgers, folders, boxes and even bags. All have serious disadvantages. Properly used, a basic book-keeping program can greatly improve your ability to track your income and expenses, contact information, employees, customers and more. You can see at a glance how you are doing, and where you need to focus your attention.
As we’ve seen, the proper use of computers to your martial arts school can save you time, improve your efficiency, and keep you ahead of the competition. But we are all challenged for time today, so how can you gain these skills in a timely manner so that you can get back to the business of martial arts?
There are three main ways to learn these skills.
1- Trial and Error, or the old “poke it with a stick til you figure it out” method. This is of course one we all try from time to time. It is unfortunately, the least efficient.
2- Learn from books or videos. Books and videos are great references, and on some programs, all you might need. Two series I highly recommend are the “Dummies” books, and the “Visual Guides”. The former puts things in simple terms, explains all the jargon and offers a nice introduction to the basics, while the latter is loaded with step by step pictures pointing out almost every mouse click or key hit.
3- Find a qualified teacher. This one should be the most familiar to us. Learning computers is much like learning martial arts. We need the right tools, and the right teacher to really do our best. But, finding that qualified teacher can be a challenge. Today, specialty training centers, most of our big computer stores, office supply chains, and even electronic stores seem to offer some form of computer training. So, when shopping for training, what should you look for?
Join us next week for part 3, shopping for your new PC.
=========
Bob Hubbard is an administrator of the popular martial arts portal site MartialTalk.com and president of SilverStar WebDesigns inc., a web site design and hosting company specializing in affordable solutions for martial artists. Bob can be reached at webmaster@martialtalk.com
Article Copyright © 2008 - Bob Hubbard - All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction Without Written Permission of Author.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Benefits of Computers For The Martial Arts Industry - Part 1 of 3 By Bob Hubbard
Benefits of Computers For The Martial Arts Industry - Part 1 of 3
By Bob Hubbard
Today in the opening years of the 21st century, computers are everywhere. They are in our cars, our stores, our phones and our home appliances. To exist in the business world of the 21st century, we need to understand the benefits that their use can provide our businesses. There are two main benefits to using computers today.
Benefit #1: They can help organize the chaos of modern life.
You’ve seen them. The walls full of sticky notes, the piles of paperwork on the desk, stacks of business cards, half done “todo” lists, and other assorted cluttered time stealers.
Proper use of a computer can organize this chaos and save you hours of time each week.
Benefit #2: The can save you both time and money.
How many times have you thrown out old business cards, flyers, brochures or other paperwork? How much time do you spend doing paperwork each day rather than teaching or training? Have you ever needed 1 more flyer, or ran short of business cards during an event at your school? How much time do you spend tracking down paperwork needed each day or filing the days paperwork? Properly used, computers can save you time, and we all know time is money.
In order to get the most from your computer, there are a few basic skills you must have, and several advanced ones that will be of great benefit. Both you as a school owner, and one or more of your staff should have these basic skills.
Join us next week for part 2, understanding your computer.
=========
Bob Hubbard is an administrator of the popular martial arts portal site MartialTalk.com and president of SilverStar WebDesigns inc., a web site design and hosting company specializing in affordable solutions for martial artists. Bob can be reached at webmaster@martialtalk.com
Article Copyright © 2008 - Bob Hubbard - All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction Without Written Permission of Author.
By Bob Hubbard
Today in the opening years of the 21st century, computers are everywhere. They are in our cars, our stores, our phones and our home appliances. To exist in the business world of the 21st century, we need to understand the benefits that their use can provide our businesses. There are two main benefits to using computers today.
Benefit #1: They can help organize the chaos of modern life.
You’ve seen them. The walls full of sticky notes, the piles of paperwork on the desk, stacks of business cards, half done “todo” lists, and other assorted cluttered time stealers.
Proper use of a computer can organize this chaos and save you hours of time each week.
- Contacts can be organized into an easily searchable list; thereby avoiding stacks of easily lost or misfiled index or business cards.
- “ToDo” lists can be sorted, redone, reorganized, and worked from, all in seconds, compared to standard paper based systems.
- Scheduled appointments can be setup to automatically remind you about them, saving you from having to remember to check the paper planner in your drawer or on your wall that’s half hidden by sticky notes.
- Financial information can be quickly, securely and easily accessed, updated and maintained avoiding keeping track of paper registers and old fashioned accounting ledgers.
- Student information can be easily tracked, including contact information, special needs, attendance history, payment records, and promotions.
- Personal and Business expenses can be tracked allowing a more efficient means of financial planning.
- And many more.
Benefit #2: The can save you both time and money.
How many times have you thrown out old business cards, flyers, brochures or other paperwork? How much time do you spend doing paperwork each day rather than teaching or training? Have you ever needed 1 more flyer, or ran short of business cards during an event at your school? How much time do you spend tracking down paperwork needed each day or filing the days paperwork? Properly used, computers can save you time, and we all know time is money.
- Student attendance can be tracked quickly on a computer, replacing or improving the efficiency of old paper based systems of index cards, time cards, or similar.
- Student payments can be quickly checked, letting you know before class who hasn’t paid that month, thereby improving your payment speed.
- Rather than spend a lot of money on flyers at a print shop, you can print smaller quantities of flyers as needed, saving you money and helping the environment by cutting back on paper waste.
- You can quickly print out a few business cards as needed, even have several different ones using affordable off the shelf card stock that works in almost every printer.
- Using certain tools that either come with a computer or can be affordably added, you can plan out your day, week, month, and even year, increasing the efficiency of your use of time.
In order to get the most from your computer, there are a few basic skills you must have, and several advanced ones that will be of great benefit. Both you as a school owner, and one or more of your staff should have these basic skills.
Join us next week for part 2, understanding your computer.
=========
Bob Hubbard is an administrator of the popular martial arts portal site MartialTalk.com and president of SilverStar WebDesigns inc., a web site design and hosting company specializing in affordable solutions for martial artists. Bob can be reached at webmaster@martialtalk.com
Article Copyright © 2008 - Bob Hubbard - All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction Without Written Permission of Author.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Q&A: How do I advertise my school or organization on MartialTalk and it's related sites?
Question:
How do I advertise my school or organization on MartialTalk and it's related sites?
Answer:
Advertising on MartialTalk is handled through SilverStar WebDesigns Inc.
A list of advertising options, ad specifications, and more is available at http://www.silverstarsites.net/scn/
How do I advertise my school or organization on MartialTalk and it's related sites?
Answer:
Advertising on MartialTalk is handled through SilverStar WebDesigns Inc.
A list of advertising options, ad specifications, and more is available at http://www.silverstarsites.net/scn/
Friday, November 7, 2008
Q&A: Photos in the school, do I need a release?
Question:
I'm taking some photos in my school and want to use them on my web site. Do I need any one to sign a release?
Answer:
If you are simply covering a public event, then usually no. If however you intend to use these photos in any way that can be seen as an invasion of privacy, or for commercial gain, or use on a commercial website, then you should have all those show sign a release form.
A simple, sample release:
I ________________ Hereby grant all rights to (PHOTOGRAPHER) to sell or publish any photographs taken of the following subjects today. This permission is permanent, and I claim no future compensation.
Fill in all applicable.
Name:____________________________
Minor: ____________________________
Property: _________________________
Signature: ________________________ Date: ______________
A discussion of this and some other related points is available on MartialTalk.
I'm taking some photos in my school and want to use them on my web site. Do I need any one to sign a release?
Answer:
If you are simply covering a public event, then usually no. If however you intend to use these photos in any way that can be seen as an invasion of privacy, or for commercial gain, or use on a commercial website, then you should have all those show sign a release form.
A simple, sample release:
I ________________ Hereby grant all rights to (PHOTOGRAPHER) to sell or publish any photographs taken of the following subjects today. This permission is permanent, and I claim no future compensation.
Fill in all applicable.
Name:____________________________
Minor: ____________________________
Property: _________________________
Signature: ________________________ Date: ______________
A discussion of this and some other related points is available on MartialTalk.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
“Webifying” your Business for the Martial Arts Industry By Bob Hubbard Ok, so you have a website. It’s live, it’s open for business but, now wha
“Webifying” your Business for the Martial Arts Industry
By Bob Hubbard
By Bob Hubbard
Ok, so you have a website. It’s live, it’s open for business but, now what do you do? One of the hardest things about having a website, is always getting it noticed and used. You will hear people talking about “search engines” and “directories” and a ton of geeky jargon, but what can you do to make your site more visible and get more visitors? Several things in fact, that don’t require a PHD in computers to understand or do.
One of the fallacies is that a search engine listing is all you need. Nothing could be further from the truth. According to GoDaddy (one of the leading domain name registrars) over a million new web sites are registered every day! Google, the leading Internet search site, currently indexes billions of web pages. Billions! Obviously, you are going to need more than just a search engine listing.
So, what do you do?
Simple. You do what has always worked. You tell everyone, and let word of mouth be your best salesman.
1: People need to know your site exists in order to go there.
When was the last time you went someplace you didn’t know about? Almost never, right? The web is the same way. People almost always go where they plan to go. Making people aware that you exist is a main part of getting noticed and visited.
So, how do you do this?
- Put your website on everything going out of your business. Put it on receipts, invoices, letterhead, business cards, boxes, class handouts, flyers, etc. If it leaves your business at any time, make sure there is a website address on it.
- Place it prominently in your windows. Remember, your window works 24/7/365 for you. Make sure that you have 3 key pieces of information on there: Your name, your phone number and your website.
- Have a custom bumper sticker made for your vehicle that lists your website. You can also have a local vinyl or sign company do some work for you that advertises your business on your vehicle. Be certain to include the web site! Your vehicle spends a lot of time in parking lots. Let it be a mobile billboard for your business and work for you.
- If you sell or give away “branded” merchandise (sports bottles or towels for example), have the website included.
- All advertisements that you run must include your website address.
- Make sure that all of your students, parents and instructors know about the site. Remind them regularly about it.
2: People need a Reason to go there.
Knowing you have a site is not enough. People need to be told to go there, and they need to know why.
- When talking to a prospect on the phone, don’t just tell them about the classes. Tell them that “and information can be found on our website xxx.com.” or “Our full class schedule is always available on our website, xxx.com”. If you have a web coupon, be sure to mention it as well. Everyone likes to save a buck, and pointing that out will almost guarantee that they will take a look at the site, and hopefully, also pass the address on to someone else.
- When talking to your students, parents and instructors, be sure to mention that class schedules, upcoming events, school news, and whatever other areas of interest you have there exist, and encourage them to check regularly. Ask your students to link to the school site from their web pages. When doing “Tell a Friend” promotions, be sure to suggest that they also tell them about the website. Update your site regularly, and announce the updates at every class for a week after the updates are done. “Our class schedule on the website has been updated. You can print a copy for your own use right from there.”
- Update your site regularly, and let everyone know about it. Students, parents and instructors all should be checking the site out regularly. Encourage feedback on the site and ask your students and instructors for suggestions on improvements. This involves them in the process more, and makes them feel good. Updates are especially effective if done after an event, and photos and reviews are included. Most people love seeing themselves, and the “Hey everyone, I’m on my schools website working with Master Z” can get you great word of mouth promotion for your site.
3: You need to do some promotion of the site as well.
When talking to a vendor, inquire if they do link exchanges. A link exchange is where you put their banner (a small image) and a link to them on their website, in exchange for them doing the same for you. These are good ways to help boost your visibility and rankings on the search engines.
- When you go to other events or seminars, ask if you can bring flyers or other handouts to help promote your school. Many will say yes. Even if they say no, be sure to bring several business cards with the address on them with you. This way, you can do some personal networking and exchange cards.
- When talking to key people in your art (your instructor, the guest instructor of the seminar, etc), find out if they have a website, and would be interested in a link exchange as well. Many people are very happy to do so.
- Make certain that all your newspaper, magazine, phonebook, radio and TV advertisements mention your website.
- When you do trade shows, you want your website address visible and prominent. Many people today will write a website down before they write the phone number.
- If you frequent web forums and mailing lists, most will allow you to include a small block of text, often called a “signature” in your postings. Do so, and make sure that, if allowed, you include your website.
- Most email programs also allow you to include a signature. Add one to all outgoing messages.
Conclusion
Having a successful website is a lot of work. Gone are the days where you can just put it up, list it on a search engine, and watch traffic role in. Each day, over a million new sites go up. That’s a big ocean in which to shine, but, with the proper promotion, you can start a motion that builds to a popular and successful web presence. All it takes is some old fashioned promotion.
Bob Hubbard is an administrator of the popular martial arts portal site MartialTalk.com and president of SilverStar WebDesigns inc., a web site design and hosting company specializing in affordable solutions for martial artists.
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