When it comes to building a
professional speaking career, there are countless pieces of advice out there
about what you need to do. One of the most common suggestions is to create a
professional speaker website. Now, I’ll be the first to tell you that while a
website isn’t a necessity to become a successful public speaker, having one can
still be a valuable asset—if done correctly.
As the only business coach
for public speakers in the world who guarantees you’ll make $150K in your first
year—or I’ll work with you until you do—I’ve helped thousands of speakers
achieve financial success without ever creating a website. That’s right: you
don’t need one to book gigs and build a thriving speaking business. What you do
need are proven strategies to land paid speaking opportunities and the skills to
deliver value every time you step on stage. That being said, if you decide to
build a website, it can serve as a powerful marketing tool to enhance your
credibility, showcase your expertise, and help potential clients learn more
about you.
Why a Website Isn’t
Essential
Let’s start by addressing
the elephant in the room: why isn’t a website a must-have? The simple answer is
this: event organizers, meeting planners, and decision-makers care more about
your ability to solve their audience’s problems than about how flashy your
website looks. They’re more interested in your pitch, your value proposition,
and your ability to engage an audience. If you have a strong pitch, a compelling
bio, and a few videos showcasing your expertise, you’re already ahead of the
game.
When I work with speakers, I
teach them how to build relationships and network effectively to land speaking
opportunities. A well-crafted email, a professional Speaker-sheet, and a strong
LinkedIn presence can be far more impactful than a website. But if you choose to
create one, let’s make sure it works for you.
What a Professional
Speaker Website Should Include
If you’re going to invest
the time and money into building a website, it needs to serve a clear purpose.
Here are the key elements your site should include:
-
A Clear Value
Proposition: What do you speak about? Who is your audience? What
problems do you solve? Make this obvious on your homepage.
-
Professional
Branding: Use high-quality photos, consistent colors, and fonts that
reflect your personal brand. Remember, first impressions matter.
-
A Speaker
Reel: A short video showcasing your speaking style, energy, and
expertise is essential. Meeting planners want to see you in action.
-
Testimonials and
Case Studies: Include quotes or videos from past clients and audience
members who rave about your performance. Social proof goes a long
way.
-
An Easy Way to
Contact You: Make it simple for people to reach out. Include a contact
form, your email, and social media links.
-
A Call-to-Action
(CTA): Whether it’s “Book Me Now” or “Schedule a Free Consultation,”
guide visitors toward taking the next step.
Tips to Make Your
Website Work for You
Your website should be a
tool that supports your speaking business, not something that complicates it.
Keep it simple, clear, and focused. Don’t get caught up in bells and whistles
that don’t add value. Focus on showcasing what makes you unique as a
speaker.
Final
Thoughts
At the end of the day, your
success as a public speaker isn’t determined by whether or not you have a
website. It’s about your ability to deliver results for your audience and
clients. However, if you choose to build one, make sure it reflects your brand,
your expertise, and the value you bring to the table. Remember, tools like a
website should enhance your efforts, not replace the work required to build a
successful speaking career.