TOPIC:

Greetings,

I have recently assumed the duties of managing the website and would like your assistance with feedback. Specifically, how to make it more attractive and marketable to the public to increase membership?

5884.toastmastersclubs.org/

Sincerely,

Jason Perez
Club President

Great start

I like what you added in the background. You more on the home page.

Where; When you meet; What time also to start

Check out other websites in your area for ideas.

Linda

Hey, Jason!

First, your page is attractive, and (trying to think as a potential visitor) makes me want to begin reading, rather than close the tab. Not every web page creates that instant impression. Good.

Second, your page is somewhat small. This isn't a problem in itself; some website strategies cater to visitors who scan quickly, and want to take in the whole picture without delay. It means though that I'll spend a lot of time looking at putting a strong message in a small space. I think I can offer some advice there.

You specifically asked about being attractive and marketable to potential members. I'll emphasize that, but to do so I have to start with an observation about people which influences my own website philosophy. Understand that much of this will be purely my opinion.

We're surrounded by people who sit thinking, "Someday, I'll (learn)/(do)/(become an) xyz," yet sadly it often never happens. When I meet new people and mention something that happened in Toastmasters, perhaps a quarter of the time I get an interruption like, "Toastmasters! I've always thought of joining that!" Yet even with lots of info and encouragement, they rarely do.

A second, (even more distressing) response is," "Toastmasters? What's that?"

My impression then is that we're dealing with some who know too little about us, and lots of others who've got the message and would join, but never get the right nudge that moves them to visit.

Let's educate, and nudge. Every visitor is a real person with questions, uncertainties, and fears. And while this might sound at first like "Toastmasters Heresy," realize that at the deepest level, no one wants to join Toastmasters; what they want is a happier, or better version of themselves.

Fortunately for us, Toastmasters can deliver that; we'll tell them how.

You already do a lot of the following, but let's look at how to make a few paragraphs as encouraging and inviting as possible, though it will expand the space you're using, just a bit.

Let's tell them, what you do, where and when you do it, assure them that they'll fit in, that visits are free, that they won't be embarrassed or put on the spot, and that it's fun and interesting.

Help them to visualize themselves being a Toastmaster and being successful at it. Emphasize that you love visitors and that they're very welcome!

Emphasize also (if it's true) that your members range from beginners to more skilled speakers, and that everyone will fit in. The photo suggests a range of ages, which you might also emphasize, since one fear in visiting strangers is that they'll be out of place. I suspect that this fear is almost as big as the fear of facing an audience and they have to overcome it before they visit; we must deal with it.

If your people arrive early, invite your visitors to do the same, because you'd love to meet them, answer questions, and tell them how much Toastmasters has done for you. This includes them as part of your your group, from the very beginning.

Because the content on your homepage is small, I think I can show an example of rewording it to include everything I've suggested. This is just an example; my style is somewhat enthusiastic and may not match your tastes. Use what you can; change what you have to.


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Welcome to Anaheim City Communicators! We're committed to making a friendly, supportive environment where anyone can overcome their public speaking fears and develop into skilled speakers and presenters. Come enjoy an interesting and friendly group, and sooner than you think, you'll easily be able to do something that many people can't do at all.

Visits are free and open to the public. We meet from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday, at the Anaheim West Tower at 201 S. Anaheim Blvd. Full directions are at <link to your Meeting Information/Directions page>.

You will fit in. We're a group made up of all kinds of skills and ages, which is great, because in real life, you never know who your audience will be, and each of our club members will eventually evaluate you, as you'll learn to do for them. You'll get lots of ideas and helpful suggestions as you learn to become an excellent speaker.

If you're nervous, you can just watch silently, or you can join in and participate (ask us how & we'll be glad to include you).

If you can arrive 5-10 minutes early, it's even better. Some of us will already be there, and will be glad to meet you and answer all your questions.

By the way, parking is free and easy for up to two hours in the customer parking area. Visitors are always welcome but we encourage you to check in with the building's security center to obtain a visitor's pass.

You'll arrive as a visitor and leave as a friend. (And maybe even as a lifetime member. You've just gotta check it out.)


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I've left out some of the directions info, but directed them to the page that will fill it all in. I've included only the info that they'd need to make the decision to visit. Once they're considering it, they can go to the page with fuller directions.

Another thing to help people decide to visit: I'd put one or more pictures of the building you meet in on your directions page. Make them similar to the view they'd get while driving to you, for the first time. Make sure they know they can find you without problems.

You might also consider adding a few extra pages to your site, giving additional info. Someone who is considering a visit might want to know a little more. You might have a page describing what a meeting is like. If there's some particular atmosphere or vibe that's particular to your club, you might want to describe what your group is like. You can be sure that someone who's on the fence about visiting a bunch of strangers will want to know what they're in for.

I hope this will help. Take care...