In the past, I have personally done the full graphic design and coding for twelve of my own websites. I also had the graphic web designers from the local community create two additional websites. But now, I outsource all this time consuming work to Pakistan, India or some other very cheap tech sector based geographic area. I discuss this type of outsourcing in detail in Chapter 5 of Train For Top Dollar.

So what methods have I used to create my websites?

Whoever you use to host your website will usually include free web templates. What this means is that you can download the template to your computer, or you can use an online editing program that is usually available on your web server, and most of the work is done for you. For multiple reasons included in my book, especially using simple one-click blogging, my favorite host is Bluehost.

The colors, backgrounds, and organization in these templates are already there, and you just have to drag and drop the images and text you want. This can be a very effective and fast way to design your website.

On the other hand, a template will have a very generic feel and you have extremely limited control over the basic layout and organization of the website. These types of sites don’t have a wow factor, but if you’re short on time, on a budget, or just want to get started, this may be the way to go.

If you use an online website design tool, usually also available from your hosting service (such as Bluehost), you’ll finish a web page on your website, then just hit “publish” or “save”, and it will now appear when the people type your domain name (also known as a URL) into your computer’s web browser.

If you use your own computer-based website design software, you usually have to create the website on your computer and then submit it electronically (called FTP) to your hosting service, which usually provides pretty good instructions in the help on how to use various web design programs to create and upload your site.

My favorite computer software is Adobe GoLive, but if you visit a freeware or shareware download website like Tucows, you can try or use any number of free website design software packages.

Here are my five decisive tips for designing your website:

o Keep it simple and clean. Include plenty of “white space” so your readers aren’t confused by 18 different workout ads, fitness popups, and sounds or music when they first visit your page.

o Use photos effectively. Try to include your face or body if possible, to build a trusting relationship with your prospects online and show that you really are fit.

o Use a simple navigation menu without too many buttons. A simple “Home”, “Services”, “About Us” and “Contact Us” will suffice for a basic online personal training page.

o Include space to post your latest breaking articles on your home page. This is very important for search engine optimization, which I present later in this chapter.

o Include a space for customer testimonials. Here’s an email I send to every successful client after they’ve reached a major goal and have enough dopamine and endorphins rumbling through their system to give me a fantastic testimonial:

“Dear _________,

The people I coach and coach are my main focus in life. When you achieve your goals, I feel like I have contributed to your life in a unique way, and in some way I have contributed my knowledge to help you achieve something special and meaningful.

I am in the process of updating my website, specifically the online fitness and nutrition training services. I really want people to know how I can help them achieve their wishes.

This is where you come in. If you’re interested, I’m looking for testimonials. Just a short sentence or paragraph about how I’ve helped you identify goals, reach your goals, or just give you a nudge in the right direction.

If I use your testimonial on my website or in a brochure, I will just write your name or just your initials if you prefer. All you have to do is send me your testimonial by email.

Thank you for considering and remember to train and eat smart!”

These 5 tips will help you get started. I also offer business consulting services and websites for personal trainers, and provide a wealth of information in my book Train For Top Dollar, which teaches how to maximize your income as a fitness professional.