©ruby mcguire coaching · web viewsetting up an email address & signature. be professional -...
TRANSCRIPT
© Ruby McGuire 2014www.rubymcguire.com
SETTING UP AN EMAIL ADDRESS & SIGNATURE
Be professional - [email protected] is not a professional email address!
If you have a domain name then try and get your email address linked in with that. Mine for example is [email protected]
Try to avoid the use of your date of birth in your email, i.e. [email protected] (ok so I know I’m not that young but you get the gist!)
A good signature will have your full name, phone number and links to your website, plus one or more links to your social media. You don’t need to add your email address because they have that, you’ve just emailed them!
If you can, bring some of your personality into it. By all means use ‘Kind Regards’ etc. but we work with people so wouldn’t it be nicer to have something a bit more personal? I use ‘Wishing you fabulousness’ but then we all know I’m a little bit quirky! Find something that works for you.
You can add fancy links to pretty buttons which I used to do, but they can get a bit messed up and sometimes they don’t even show as the image you intended, they just show as a little square box so it kind of defeats the object. At least with a standard link you know it will work.
Change your email signature from time to time – You could update it as you add new programmes or run events etc, link in your newsletter so that they can click through to sign up.
Set your signature in your email programme as a default signature so that it automatically comes up at the bottom of every email, to save time.
If you’re using an out of office reply set up a fun one. Don’t just use the boring, ‘Sorry I’m out of the office until ….’. I actually get people mailing me back to say thanks for making them smile with my fun out of office reply!
RUBY’S OUT OF OFFICE REPLY
Oh shucks, sorry you missed me! I’m out of the office right now.
(Please note I mostly don’t work Fridays or weekends - I say mostly because I’m a bit of a workaholic!) I will get back to you as soon as I can :)
ps - If you see me on Facebook that doesn’t count so I will reply to you when I’m doing grown up important email stuff again!
Wishing you fabulousness!
Page 2 of 12
© Ruby McGuire 2014www.rubymcguire.com
Ruby :)
RUBY’S SIGNATURE
This is what I use for my signature. It doesn’t mean it’s perfect, but it’s perfect for me and that’s what counts here.
_______________________________________Wishing you fabulousness!
Ruby McGuire, MCIPDCoach, Tutor & Trainerwww.rubymcguire.com07920-260111
* Website - If you like colour, you’ll love it!* Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn - Come and say ‘Hi'* Join my Cappuccino Coaching Club - Grow your coaching biz* Get my weekly newsletter - Hints & tips to boost your coaching confidence, skills & biz
Page 3 of 12
© Ruby McGuire 2014www.rubymcguire.com
WEBSITE*
**Please note (disclaimer!) ** I am only giving you some hints on tips on this area, I am not a website guru, I only know what I know so if you need extra support I’m not your gal! However, here are a few hints and tips to get you started. If you want to work with someone on this then I can recommend my lovely Techie Angel/VA – Kelly Cairns.
Domain Names
Book your domain name – this is the url of your website so my domain name is www.rubymcguire.com
I started out by booking my domain name through 123.reg.co.uk and since then have bought a couple of domain names from Go Daddy and if I was starting again I’d probably use Go Daddy just because I set one up really quickly with them recently - Useful article about setting up a domain name
Hosting
For your website to be seen and to go live you have to have a thing called hosting – this is basically internet storage and access for your site. Usually the company that provides the domain name provides the hosting too, at a reasonable rate, so it’s just a case of asking them for support. Usually this is offered when you set up your domain name.
Website
You can;
have a single long page site (easier to see than explain – scroll down to Free Range Designs or Djuradj for a good example)
have a more detailed one like mine have a more simple one like one I designed for Cappuccino Coaching (ps. It’s
not in use but gives you an idea of what you can achieve on your own with limited technical skill)
Before you go all out about the design of your website do a bit of research first. Think of some of your favourite websites – What is it about them that draws you in? Is it the colours, the layout, the style of writing? All of these things are worthwhile noting when you’re planning out your own site. Spend some time researching what you like and don’t like, and most importantly why you do/don’t like them.
Notice what colours appeal to you Check out how your competitors market themselves and their products When you land on a page ask yourself how you feel when you’re there. Does
the site make you feel happy, energised, calm, excited? Page 4 of 12
© Ruby McGuire 2014www.rubymcguire.com
What feelings would you like your clients to have when they land on your page? Do you want a professional or fun vibe? What tone do you want to use,
seriousfun?
Extra Bits
A professional photo – an Instagram selfie is not going to be portraying the right image! As I said in the previous module I bartered my professional photo when I started out by offering some coaching in return for a photo shoot so it doesn’t have to cost you lots of money. Remember you’re trying to create a good impression, you want people to work with you so look your best, not like you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards! Just sayin’!
Logo/Strapline – there are lots of companies that can do these for you. You could try Fiverr.com. You can always go back and change things later. I just have my strapline, it’s not really a logo but my little bird is my ‘logo’ if you like. Remember people pay thousands to get amazing straplines so don’t beat yourself up if you can’t think of one you like. Ask around, get input from others, brainstorm.
Build your own website?
You can build your own website – I use Wordpress, I find it easy to use, it’s widely recognised which makes it’s easier to get support when you need it but please don’t take my word for it. That’s just what works for me. There are lots of other great ones out there so if you’re not sure about using Wordpress do some research. If you do want to go with Wordpress then here’s a link to a masterclass on how to build your own – Build Your Wordpress Website In An Hour (and no, I’m not on commission, I’ve just been told it’s good)
Not building your own but getting help?
Find out if you can update it yourself. If you have to go to someone all the time to make minor changes not only is it frustrating it can also become very costly
Is it mobile friendly? You will be amazed at the number of mobile phone users accessing websites now. You want people to be able to read your content whether they are on their computer, tablet or phone so make sure that you get this feature enabled
Check the website design company/individual out – Make sure their pricing is a good range, check out their testimonials, ask to see their portfolio. Design can be very subjective, it’s quite a challenge to get what’s in your head into words for someone else to create for you, so check out all of the things they’ve done and talk through how many changes they will make for you, what they will do if the design isn’t what you expected, any hidden charges that might come up etc. Remember, a website can be your biggest expense in terms of money and time, so do your homework first. Set yourself a budget and a timeline.
Page 5 of 12
© Ruby McGuire 2014www.rubymcguire.com
Additional Note: Once you’ve got your website up and running you can get a mini one minute review done on it for free by a company called Peek User Testing. A random person does a video of your website. They’re not your ideal client but you can gain some really valuable information as to what their thoughts are as they navigate your site.
KEY SECTIONS/PAGES FOR YOUR WEBSITE
There are basic sections/pages that would be useful for you to have on your site. We’ll take each of these in turn. Now again I’m not a copywriting expert but I do know some of the key things you will want to get in place. If you want Copywriting support I can recommend Memma Seilosa Clare of Content Cakey.
When you’re putting your content together think of words that describe you – that can help you get into the style of your overall writing; Professional, vibrant, fun, motivating, calming, grounded, catalyst etc. Go back to your values list – What’s important for you to be you? Use some of that in your content. You want your website to be informational – to educate your ideal clients, to set you apart as the expert.
Key pages I would suggest you start with are;
About Me / Services / Blog / Connect / Testimonials
ABOUT ME
For this page you want a really nice professional photo so that they can see who you are. Adding a video is also a nice touch because it means people can get an idea of who they will be working with, rather than just a photo and text. Remember that people buy from people so the more of ‘you’ that you can get across the better. Coaching is personal so let your message be personal. Talk about you, explain what you do and how you can help.
Add personal information about you – just little snippets that give a bit more insight into you as a person. Talk in first person too, rather than, ‘he/she used to work in’, it’s much nicer to read ‘I used to work in’ – again more personable.
Writing your ‘about me’ page can be a bit daunting, it can make you feel as though you’re being arrogant. You’re not, you’re explaining to people why they want to work with you, that’s all. Shall I tell you how I started? I sent an email to my friends and asked them to tell me what they thought. I asked them a list of questions, something along these lines;
What 3 words would you use to describe me? What key traits do you think set me apart from others? What do I offer other people? How do I help?
Page 6 of 12
© Ruby McGuire 2014www.rubymcguire.com
When you think of me what strengths come to mind? What piece of advice would I help you with? Why would you come to me to be coached instead of someone else?
This helped me to formulate my pages. Here’s an example of some of the wording from a couple of friends, where I say… I've been a single Mum working hard to keep the balance between being a good parent, running a home and juggling a demanding career. My friends like to remind me I made a success of all three.
SERVICES
You’ve spent time building your pricing and packages, now it’s about sharing that information on your pages.
The key to this is to offer a specific solution to a problem that your ideal client has. People aren’t paying for coaching per se, they are paying for the experience, the outcome, the transformation that coaching can bring.
When writing information about your services think about what you ideal client will want help with and include that.
To put prices on your site or not? Your call. Personally I prefer to, it prevents time wasters. I am being completely upfront about what I charge. Lots of coaches vehemently disagree with me, they like things to be completely bespoke. If I’m going into a shop I don’t want to have to ask how much something is, I like a nice clear tag so that I can make my decision and that’s what I chose for my business too.
Put yourself in the position of your ideal client, what do you think you would want to know if you were trying to find out more about working with you?
Make it easy for them to know what you do and how you can help. It’s easy to get this wrong, it makes sense to you but keep checking! I thought everyone knew I did 121 but I’ve become more known for online group work so I’ve been working on spreading the news more around my 121 work. Ask your ideal clients for feedback from time to time to keep you on track, that way you’re better able to help them.
BLOGS
To blog or not to blog? If you like blogging then blog, but be consistent. It’s a great way to share your expertise and knowledge and the resources come in handy later for sending links to clients to support them further or when asked to do guest posts etc. If you hate blogging then don’t. Don’t make your business stressful. Choose to leave blogging off the list or hire in someone else to do a blog for you. A blog doesn’t necessarily have to be reams of writing. Just because you’re a Coach doesn’t automatically mean you’re an Author!
Page 7 of 12
© Ruby McGuire 2014www.rubymcguire.com
What to do instead of writing a blog A comprehensive list of other things you can do (warning; she talks about rude things at the end of the post but it’s a good list nonetheless)
50 lessons from a decade of blogging
A blog on the website or not? I like having it all in one place on my Wordpress site, but I know business owners who don’t and have a separate blog. You could try something like Blogger.com – a free blog platform, there’s loads out there.
CONNECT
You want to give as much information as possible for them to connect with you, so include phone number, email address, social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn etc.
On top of that though start to think now what you could offer as a way to get people to sign up to your mailing list. Your list is one of THE most crucial things to your business. If any of your social media platforms shut down, and they could, how would you connect with all of those people that you know? You want to build a list of ideal clients, send them useful content on a regular basis whether it’s links to your blog, other people’s blogs or just short articles that you’ve written especially for them. If this isn’t your area then outsource the content side of things to someone and do the things that you love and are good at. I would say 80-90% of my 121 work comes through my mailing list. The initial contact is through Facebook but I encourage people to sign up to my newsletter, one to build my list just in case anything did go wrong with the social media platforms, but also so that I can support them. I have had clients on my list from when I started and they are only now buying from me so give it time to build. It takes time for people to get to know, like and trust you.
We’ll delve a bit more into newsletters in module 11.
Read this if I haven’t convinced you that YOU NEED A LIST!
TESTIMONIALS
Testimonials are so important. You can tell people until you’re blue in the face that you’re fab and can help them, but when they hear it from someone else it’s different. It carries more weight, it helps your ideal client to feel reassured that you’ll be able to help them too. They build trust. It’s easy to forget so set up reminders.
Page 8 of 12
© Ruby McGuire 2014www.rubymcguire.com
When you’re working with clients (pro-bono or otherwise) get them to provide a testimonial for you that you can then add to your website. Set up a simple process now going forward to help you collect testimonials. Here’s some ideas;
Ask for 2-3 lines in an email Set up a form for them to complete, send and return Send a survey link – Survey Monkey & Google Forms are good (here’s two of
mine – serious and fun versions) Ask for a verbal testimonial on your last session If they say something nice about you on social media ask if you can use it as a
testimonial (in return spread the word about them as a thank you)
Here’s some more testimonial tips and there’s another tips sheet in the hub with a few additional pros and cons to consider.
Page 9 of 12
© Ruby McGuire 2014www.rubymcguire.com
SOCIAL MEDIA BASICS
So how does this whole social media work then?
In a nutshell;
Facebook – catching up with friends, longer messages, fairly quick turnarounds on responses, quotes, life
Twitter – quick fire conversations, a bit like texting LinkedIn – grown up Facebook, more serious, slower turnaround on responses
Want to learn the basics, here are a few links for you;
Facebook For BeginnersTwitter For BeginnersLinkedIn For Beginners
(nb – the documents above are older, but they cover the basics – if you get stuck on anything then shout)
I won’t go too much on the platforms but will give you some hints and tips of what I’ve learnt along the way. Rebekah’s video should have given you some context behind the various media platforms. Remember whatever you do on any of these profiles stays out there forever so don’t incriminate yourself
Facebook Etiquette
Be aware that not everyone wants to hear all about your drunken parties etc. Saying that though, do share if you’ve had a cheeky glass of wine, keep it real. You don’t have to be a saint just because you run your own business, but you do want to be professional. If you have a personal page keep that as the one you post on, if you’re wanting to keep your profile private then check your settings (personally I don’t mind, what you see is what you get)
Don’t bemoan people or things that have gone wrong, what does that say about you as a Coach? You’re meant to be inspiring and motivating, not grumpy! That doesn’t mean you can’t share if you want to but do it in the right way. Share and then show what learning you took from it. Nobody is perfect so again it shows you’re human if you get something wrong
Some coaches have a vent about things that are important to them and that’s ok but just remember what you put out there represents your business and might cause offence – people don’t necessarily want to hear about your political or religious views but hey that depends on what you’re all about, what your business is about and what your ideal clients want
Twitter EtiquettePage 10 of 12
© Ruby McGuire 2014www.rubymcguire.com
Don’t thank followers by saying thank you! People get annoyed with you if you fill up feeds with thank you’s so you can do one of the following;
Follow them back (but only do this if you like their stuff – you don’t have to follow them back if you don’t want to)
Have a chat with them about a common interest you share or comment on something they’ve shared, perhaps a tweet or something on their profile
If they ask you a question reply Go through some of their old posts and retweet them
Some people also do what’s called Follow Fridays or #FF followed by different people’s names. The person who sets this up is basically saying I think you should follow these people, I can vouch for them.
LinkedIn EtiquetteLinkedIn is much more grown up. Everything is much slower, people are more sensible and professional. It’s like a professional Facebook, it’s not about life so much, but more about business and networking as you would at a business networking event.
Spamming on any platform is a no-no. Social media is about being social, not a stalker or sleazy salesperson.
Are some posting times better than others?
Quick answer: YesLong answer: Read this article for some great tips on best times to post on each of the different platforms
To schedule posts or not?
You can use a few different programmes to help you schedule your posts, which is really helpful. I use Hootsuite, which allows you to schedule all of your posts across the platforms. You can schedule posts on Facebook on your page and/or by using Post Planner. So yes, you can schedule posts, BUT you still need to engage so schedule some but not all, that way you can engage more. There will be times when you just need to schedule and that’s ok because it’s better to have content going out than none, but interaction is key.
How many posts should you do?
Page 11 of 12
© Ruby McGuire 2014www.rubymcguire.com
Up to you. Play around with it. I’d start with 3-4 on Twitter, 2-3 on Facebook and 1-2 on LinkedIn, depending on which platform you’re choosing to work on. Mix it up a bit. I sometimes try being more active on LinkedIn or Twitter for a month to see what happens. I think whoever you speak to will have a different method that works for them so like anything with marketing test what works for you, your ideal clients and the service you’re offering.
YOUR HOMEWORK FOR THIS WEEK!
1. Create an email signature
2. Start researching your website
3. Write each of your key pages for your website
4. Set up a profile on your chosen social media platforms. I would suggest all of them for a basic profile so people can find you and then afterwards you can choose the ones you enjoy.
5. Pick one social media platform and play by posting 2 messages this week (See cheat sheets in hub for more info on what you do on what platform)
Here are some links that might help with set up but there’s dozens more out there, Google again is your best friend
T witter
Page 12 of 12