One of the things I love to do and feel I have a knack for is teaching. Having served as an Area Coordinator over AL, GA & MS for MOPS International for many years, I have had the privilege of teaching people all over the country. So as a Home Stager and a blogger, I feel this talent should not be wasted.
One of my favorite teaching subjects is Professionalism in Print. My husband is a technical writer and has shared many trade secrets with me concerning quality web designing and newsletter writing. Two resources I really enjoy and have used more than any other is The Non-Designer's Web Book and The Non-Designer's Design Book. They give advice that any layman or woman can appreciate.
I am constantly researching the Home Staging and Redesign industry, often times this leads me to web sites all over the US. From time to time I come across a web site where I am visually distracted from truly looking beyond the home page.
My encouragement to you is to remember: published resources like web sites and newsletters represent you, your business and your industry. (My personal catch phrase - it's not wrong until it leaves the building, but print is permanent.) One prominent web site hosted by a leading home staging trainer is cluttered and the eye is forced in so many directions. My personal opinion is that my web site should be as de-cluttered, clean and functional as the spaces I am advertising to stage. It is a part of my resume.
Now, I know this puts me up for critique and some of you may check my website out. I am not perfect (and feedback is welcomed), I am sure there are flaws, my tired eyes can only review it so many times, but my point remains. The writings we share, post, publish say more about us than we may think.
Here are some important tips to consider:
(1) Make sure you have white space balance. This means make sure the amount of text & graphics are proportionate to the amount of space not being used. Not too much and not too little.
(2) Text Fonts vs. Title Fonts Text fonts should be Garamond or Times New Roman, the pt should be 11 or 12. Title Fonts can be a bit more playful, but should remain conservative, especially on a professional document, the pt should be around 16 - 20.
(3) Keep alignment consistent. Alignment means that the items on the page are lined up with each other. Lack of alignment is a common problem.
(4) Ask an objective person, who hasn't been staring at your web site screen for the last 5 hours, to give you some constructive feedback. And...accept their feedback graciously. Don't take it personal. They may be giving you the best ideas for a great first impression.
(5) I use a free web site provider, however, I try not to let my site look like it is free. If you are having to or want to start your own web site, research the different options. There are some amazing websites. I recommend freewebs.com or google's free web. GoDaddy.com is great for purchasing an inexpensive domain.
I encourage you to check out the above books or review some online sites. There are many free web sites out there concerning Newsletter and Web Site writing.
Happy writing,
Amy Powers
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