As a producer, one of the things I look for online when I’m hiring actors is an up-to-date, easy-to-navigate website. I want to see their work and what they’re contributing to the business. It is important to have an online presence, even if it’s just a single web page with your headshot and contact info
Here are Page/Menu suggestions when creating or updating your website:
- Homepage: Take advantage of this ideal spot to post career updates, callbacks, producer sessions—anything biz-related that wouldn’t necessarily be on your resume
- Bio: Check out the June Acting Up post to get some fun ideas on how to draw your audience in. Be sure to include your social media links
- Resume: Have a link to a PDF version that includes a small headshot of yourself as well as your social media links
- Gallery: Include your headshots. Personally, I love “action” shots included in the Gallery as well
- Testimonials: These are a great way for someone to discover the type of professional artist you are to work with. Reach out to the most influential people you have worked with—directors, producers, writers, casting directors—and ask them to write a short recommendation
- Press: If you don’t have any press yet, you can always put a “Coming Soon" header until you do
- Contact: Include all of your contact info—email, your representation’s contact information, your social media links and an email newsletter signup. You may also decide to link your site to a newsletter subscription (Mailchimp is a popular option)
Need a web designer? First rule: Keep it simple! (For my own site, I’ve found YoungSoul Design to be creative and affordable.) Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing a designer:
- Do you like their work?
- Do they list testimonials from previous clients?
- Do they bring creative ideas to the table, in regards to the look and feel of your site? Are they creating something individual and unique, or are they using a template that looks like everyone else’s website?
- Lastly, are they affordable?
Now, go book that job!
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