One of the great misconceptions martial arts school owners have is about their websites. I have see so many AWFUL site, all done by great martial artists.
The first question to ask is WHY are you doing your site? Is it to serve your students? Or do you want to attract NEW STUDENTS. If you want to service your students, create a site or BLOG especially for that purpose. There you can tell your students the history of your art, how many years you have practiced, what your titles are etc, etc, etc.
Then create a website to attract NEW STUDENTS. Don't give them style information here, or anything martial art oriented. At this site you tell them about how wonderful your program is, how much 'little johnny' has improved his grades and WHY this prospect viewing your site should chose you and not the guy around the corner.
Next register a domain name, and make it something that works with the area you are in. An example would be london-kenpo.ca. This would help to optimize your website so that the search engines find it easier. Something like masterbobkarate.com won't do much in search engine ranking.
Now take a look at my website. I have 5 different domains all pointing to the same place. I get fantastic results from this website. It is FULL of testimonials from students and parents as to how wonderful we are. Pictures os student and video. My site is also a direct response marketing example.
http://www.windsor-karate.com
http://www.windsor-martialarts.com
http://www.belleriver-karate.com
http://www.belleriver-martialarts.com
http://www.thepeacefulwarriors.org
Another example is the site that goes with this BLOG.
Take a look at:
http://www.-karate-marketing.com
Another example is the site that goes with this BLOG.
Take a look at:
http://www.-karate-marketing.com
If you have any questions feel free to email me.
Yours in the arts,
Master Art Mason
