The Curvy Coach

It seems like the complaints for shabby plus sized based websites are on the rise. I’m not particularly sure why that is, given so many resources are available today at low-to-no costs to ensure that you have a great online presence. I did a recent post regarding the need to have thick-skin, be confident, and a focus that’s customer based in order to create a strong plus size image. This post sparked the conversation of low-budget looking websites as part of a not so pretty plus size image.

We already have to deal with the judgment from others regarding our weight, so I’m not surprised the same criticism carries over to our websites. I’m not going to focus too much on the colors and “prettiness” of the website; what I am going to talk about is how to best enhance your visitor’s experience. Below you’ll find a list of website essentials to help you spruce up your online image:

• Facebook  page vs your own website:  A social profile should not be your main website. Your facebook page, myspace page are great tools to build your online presence if done right, but you should really invest in your very own domain if you plan to do business. It only takes $10.00 from Go Daddy or other domain providers to get your very own personalized domain name.

• Core & Concise Message: In a few short words, why should anyone  come to your website?  For example, this website’s core message is “Inspiring and Empowering Entrepreneurs in the Plus Size Community.” To help define your core message, answer this question: “What is the immediate benefit of coming to your website? Will they find the best clothing for their body type? Will they learn how to book more auditions than they ever imagined? A great place to have your core message is right below the title of your site or somewhere prominent on the top half of your page. Your about page is also a great spot to share your message. Remember, people want to know exactly why they are visiting your website and what they can expect.

•  Call-to-Action: So now that someone is on your website, what exactly do you want them to do? Subscribe to a newsletter? Subscribe to your blog? Purchase an item? Leave a comment? Make it easy for your visitors to take action on your website. For example, in the top right of this page, my goal is to get you to subscribe to a free audio on “How to become a Full-Time Plus Size Blogger” . Do you have a “Add to Cart” button on your products or is it just a photo gallery? No, your visitors are not dumb; you should simply make it easy for them to do something.

• Where to go next?  It should be easy for your visitor to move around your website. If there’s too many clicks just to get to the page with black pants, chances are they will get lost and won’t buy. Distinct categories and easy-to-read texts help to create a great browsing experience for your visitors. Be sure to get rid of excess clutter and excess ads. Sometimes too much information is just as bad as not enough information. Don’t overwhelm or confuse your visitors.

• Music on the website…why? Particularly if you’re a business or solo entrepreneur, music can be more of a distraction than a pleasant experience. Re-think the purpose of why your personal music taste is on the website. If you’re selling music, then it’s ok of course

• Images of Plus-Size People: This is a HUGE PET PEEVE in the plus community. If you are selling to the plus size consumer, then it only makes sense to display plus models especially when it comes to clothing. Think about it, when you browse through any catalog, you can almost always tell if the readership is for moms, teens, working women or men by the images alone. Use the appropriate images to attract your full figured visitors. Your customers will appreciate it and feel compelled to buy even more now that they can actually relate to what you’re selling. Your images should also be a reflection of what you’d like your customers to feel i.e. fun, beautiful, and tasteful unless you’re selling….

• User –friendly shopping cart: If you own an online store, it’s important to invest in a really great shopping cart. Make it easy for your visitors to purchase varying quantities, use coupon codes, continue shopping, etc. Don’t lose very warm prospects right before the purchase because an error showed up; their chances of coming back are slim to none at that point.  Developing and maintaining that trust with your clients is very key. So connect with an e-commerce specialist to help you choose the right shopping cart and payment processor that’s suitable for your business.

• How will you get visitors to come back? Encouraging your visitors to sign-up for your e-newsletter or subscribe to your blog is a great way to keep them coming back to your site. The key is to make them an offer. Give them something that is valuable and free so they can get a taste of the great buffet you have in store. Follow-up is lacking in many businesses and the plus industry is no different. Don’t leave your customers hanging after they’ve pulled out their credit card for your products/services. Stay in touch and show them how much you appreciate their business.

Do you have any tips to share? Please comment below, I’d like to know your thoughts.