This is the final challenge in the Tarot Apprentice contest! Last week our apprentice hopefuls had to demonstrate their people skills. I gave each contestant a unique sticky situation and they all stepped up to the plate with wisdom and compassion. There was also a lot of great interaction amongst the group – seeing this developing sense of community was amazing! Well done, apprentice hopefuls! Well done indeed!
The challenge this week: show me your business skills! Each contestant will be randomly picking a tarot website and looking at it through the eyes of a potential client. In any sort of business, it’s always about serving the clients – and thinking from their perspective is crucial. They will post their insights in the comment section below.
They will have 48 hours to complete this task. If they miss the deadline, they are automatically disqualified! (PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU DID NOT GET YOUR NAME INTO THE CONTEST BY 3/31/11 YOU ARE INELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CONTEST. THE SPOTS FOR CONTESTANTS HAVE BEEN FILLED. See contest rules: The Tarot Apprentice.)
Ready – set – GO!
Blessings!
Theresa
© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2011
http://www.XXXXXXXball-online.com/
So I will start with the things I liked about this website, I choose a local person to get an idea of my surroundings:
1. Easy to navigate
2. Prices very clear and understandable
3. Room for expansion with links to a blog and newsletter
4. Told personal details about herself
5. Left me with the feeling that she does have a gift
Things I noticed while visiting:
1. The site and picture looked dated in the 80′s and not “real”(glamour shots ?)
2. Put others down to promote herself, she put labels on herself leaving it feeling I guess self indulgent?
3. I would have liked to see some of the things she put into the services offered catagory in a different space explaining how her gifts work
4. Felt very entertaining buisness intead of guidance and healing
5. After reading blog I also got the feeling of generic, a lot of self talk and putting others down, not very positive
Over all I would say that Her web site could be tweeked and it would help her a ton, most of the time we do not realize the patterns that show up in our writing.
The website for review: http:// http://www.xxxxdaughter.com/
The first thing I think when I see this website: it is light, open, airy, and calming. The blue/white/cream color scheme puts me in the mind of sitting at a table in a clean, pleasant room with a breeze coming through. It sets me at ease and puts me in a space. (I feel that, for online readings especially, the site should set the space that is otherwise lacking in the physical.) Everything appears neat and organized, the menu is clearly seen and easy to navigate, the sidebars provide relevant content, and the content section itself is clear and uncluttered. There is tons of information here, awesome for readers and clients alike, but the relevant information to clients is provided first and foremost.
Most important to me is the information provided about the type of services offered, the prices, and the values and ethics of the reader. This website provides all of these details in an accessible fashion. Also, there is no hide-and-seek in regards to the prices: the prices for each service are clearly provided in the “Order Your Reading Today” page under the Services tab. Reading through, I see where she stands as a reader and how she views the Tarot, as well as what she will and will not do. She makes it very clear that her services are meant to empower, heal, guide, and enlighten rather than entertain or provoke. This explains where she is coming from so that I as a client can gain a solid understanding of my expectations in regards to her services. Also present is a sample reading, which I feel is especially important in making my decision. She provides ample contact information throughout and detailed explanations of the ordering process.
One minor thing I might like as a potential client is if the sample reading were more readily available. (It can presently be found in the Articles section or through using the search function.) To me, this is a major element and I feel it should be made more prominent.
When I am going for a tarot reading, my mindset is that I want to leave feeling more empowered and spiritually lighter then when I came. Looking through this website makes me feel as though I am likely to have that experience with this reader. Also, the information provided is both accessible and answers my questions thoroughly. Judging from the site, this is a reader I would definitely want to do business with.
http://****-guidance.com/
Please bear in mind that I absolutely LOVE this website and also the woman who owns this website; This comment is only the reflection of my empathizing with what I would “see” as a potential, first-time Tarot client.
The first thing I notice is that the grid/chart on the homepage looks like it was built on Geocities in the late 90′s or early 2000′s. I have an unappealing first impression of the webpage, and am actually wonderingif it will give me a virus if I click on something. It’s easy to navigate, but it seems like it’s been a long, LONG time since it was last updated. But then I look at the thumbnails of art that the owner has designed, and I start to get curious.
I want a Tarot Reading, so I click on the icon at the top that says “Tarot Decks”, maybe some information is in there… no?
It appears that she only designs her own Tarot Decks. They’re really pretty, but how do I get a reading from this woman? Wait, there is a link on the left side labeled “Tarot FAQs”, maybe I’ll find some answers there!
Hmmm…Not what I was looking for, but still really interesting! I have alot of questions about Tarot Readings. This seems like a great place to get filled in! Some of the FAQs are for people who are interested in becoming readers, but there are also alot of helpful answers about what I can expect from a Tarot Reading. I am learning ethics, history, and myths about Tarot. She says she can’t predict the future with Tarot. Good. At least I can trust her not to be a kook or a rip-off. Now I at least know what Tarot can and can’t do, that way I don’t get duped at a reading.
Oh right, I wanted a reading.
I search a little more through the icons… She has really nice artwork at reasonable prices… I guess… for what it is… hmm.
There’s alot of spiritual articles here! This woman seems more like a humble teacher. I’m learning all about Chakras and Natural Health Tips. I don’t even have to pay! What a great person; she understands that basic information should always be available to a public who wishes to learn!
Oh wow, there’s iridescent paint and glitter on her cards, and she. has. SAMPLES! Cool, I want one.
I forget I want a Tarot Reading, and order a sample card. Along with the sample, I receive her business card. It is the only thing that seems to incinuate that she offers Tarot Reading services, but I’m still a little unsure. Her phone number is on here, maybe she only reads locally…. That’s a shame. Should I call and ask? No, no, I don’t want to bug her, especially if she doesn’t, then I will have wasted her time.
I’ll just enjoy the free articles and find another reader…
….
Such a shame, right? What if she DOES do readings, but she makes it so unclear that all perspective clients end up doing is taking advantage of her wisdom (presented as free articles). She probably makes good money form selling her beautiful decks and paintings, and she seems like such a kind and helpful lady.I wish I could get a reading from her, at least over the phone. But I have no idea if she does readings or not. I may work up the courage to call and ask, but most clients would probaby leave the site just because it looks older (No offense, I love you so much, Ca***!) and doesn’t mention a thing about readings.
Although I stuck around the website longer than most clients would, the point remains that it is not made clear on the website whether or not readings are available as par of her business.
Let’s not make that same mistake, right?
-Allie
I chose this site as i was browsing on the internet:- http://www.xxxxxtarot.com
When I entered the website, the first impression I got, was that it was simple and to the point, unlike other sites which were filled with flashy blinking advertisements which completely put me of, they give me an impression that I’m going to be scammed and scare me away. The site is white with a blue banner. It might have helped if there was more colour in the site. The first page shows information about *****, the Tarot reader. But there is no photograph of her and her qualifications are not mentioned, so as a client I am unsure if she is qualified. She mentions that she also teaches psychic readings, which I find very interesting. If she teaches, she must be an expert.
She does face-to-face readings as well as telephonic readings, so is flexible and not high and mighty like some other readers.
The last line seems a bit pompous saying that she has done readings for film stars and various other celebrities, but I feel that most people get drawn to ‘famous’ tarot readers who have read for the rich and the famous, so from the business point of view is a good move.
After the Home Page, there is a section, ‘About Tarot, this is for people who don;t know what Tarot is, so its good as a beginner who is coming for a first time reading to get a rough idea of what to expect. She has a point, which i don’t know might be true or not, but slightly biased. She says,” Today you may find a number of men and women, who claim to be tarot reader, but the art of Tarot reading is primarily associated with feminine section of the human society and women prove to be more accurate as a Tarot reader.” Hmmm, ok, I’m all for that because Im a woman too, but if I was a male client, I might’ve been put off by that statement, I don’t know!! But come to think of it, there are mostly women tarot readers…
The next section is most important and is called “Services”. This is clear cut and organized with no extra frills or so called discounts and schemes . There are 5 types of readings with different prices. Fair enough. The types of payments accepted are also mentioned which are quite a few. Convenient. I clicked on the first one, it says its a comprehensive package, a 45 min reading for $ 75. There are also kind signs saying, ‘call me before placing a reading’ and ‘clarify the amount before placing the order.’ I feel well-looked after and entering into safe territory.
Next, is the testimonials, people who have done readings and given positive reviews. This is reassuring, but I wonder where the famous celebrities went away, maybe a couple of their references would have been great, since she mentioned that she did readings for them. Lastly, she mentions her contact numbers, and email address, for personal questions.
Negative point is that everything is so to the point, there are no freebies to lure me, like a daily free card or a daily rune something like most other sites have. There should also be a suggestion box and more pictures of other cards. She has also not written any books or have any decks of her own. Her client testimonials are all from within India, so I don’t know how many global clients she gets. I somehow get fascinated when people give options of using different decks, I like choosing among a variety of decks to suit my reading. Here she hasn’t even mentioned which deck she uses. I guess it doesn’t matter for a beginner or novice, they have no idea about these things. I also love oracle cards, they make pretty pictures for websites
She assumes that the client knows little or nothing about tarot. I would have loved options of Spreads, atleast the basic ones like Three Card Spread, Celtic Cross, etc. Also, earlier she mentioned that she teaches psychic readings, there is no section mentioned of ‘Workshops’ or proof of her classes that she holds, like photographs or any ‘certificate’ that I will gain afterwards. So, overall I would love some more colour and photos on the website.
Besides that, I feel there is nothing ‘wrong’ about the site, but it could do with some improvement and some business ‘tactics’ to make me as a client prefer this site over so many other websites out there. The reader seems very sweet and genuine and has belief on her talents, there is no doubt about that, but the business aspect is also equally important to lure a first-time reader. The reader is paying his hard earned money and the tarot reader must convince him 100% that she is genuine and that he won’t be taken for a ride with a fake reading.
Thanks, Kareena
Final Challenge – examine a real tarot reader’s website from a client’s perspective.
URL: http://Xxxxxxxxpsychic.com/
The first thing that hits me is the large, dark banner at the top of the page that reads
“Psychic Xxxx”. I’m a bit confused – Is this woman a tarot reader or a psychic? The rest of the home page feels good – a white background makes the black font easy to read, there is interesting artwork and photo of the reader herself, as well as a news-style feed and navigation options on the top, bottom and both sides of the page. First impressions over, time to investigate further. Just under the first banner is a navigation bar that lists some great options such as ‘About’, ‘FAQ’ and ‘Prices’. Since I want to know more about the reader herself, I click on ‘About’. There’s a picture of the reader smiling at a table with some tarot cards laid out. She’s young, but radiates positive energy. I read that she is a psychic tarot reader – I find this interesting and want to know more about how the psychic part comes into the reading. I could go back to the navigation bar at the top, but at the bottom of the ‘About’ info there is a link about how she works during a reading, I click on it. I find out that the reader doesn’t adhere to a particular belief system, and am relieved – I don’t want a reader trying to shove their spiritual system down my throat during a reading. I still have some questions about the psychic part, however, so before I contact the reader I click on ‘FAQ’. This tells me that the psychic and tarot elements are rolled into one – great! I’m comfortable with that.
I decide from this information that I’m ready to investigate price, so I go to the top navigation bar – but there is another navigation area at the bottom of the page I could use if I wanted to. I click on ‘prices’ and am given a list of prices according to the length of the reading. I am also made aware of having the session recorded for an extra fee, so I can take a copy home. Pleased, I follow the link on the price page to how to make an appointment. I find out that the reader reads from a store, a physical location. But what if I can’t come in? Does she do phone or email readings? I go back to the FAQ page. Nothing. How do I get back to the home page? There isn’t a home button. I try clicking on the dark blue banner. It takes me back to the home page. Phew! I try clicking on the side navigation bars of ‘tarot’ and ‘psychic’ but I just comes up with a news feed from her blog. Hmmm. How do I find out if she does phone or email readings? Then I see a search box – it’s so dark that it’s almost obscured as it is sitting on top of the dark blue banner up the top. I type in ‘phone reading’ and ‘email reading’. No results. I see another search box on the left hand side navigation bar, and try the same searches. Nothing. It seems I might have to call the store to see if she does distance readings via phone or email.
I go back to the home page, as before I book an appointment I would ideally like to hear from people who have had her read for them before – I see a picture of a tarot card with the large, clear title ‘Testimonials’. I click on it and read anonymous feedback (for privacy reasons) that state they find her gentle, inspiring and fun. Great! I want to get a reading now, and I know all I have to do to book one is call the number on the ‘Contact’ page. I go back to the home page for one final look and see in the news feed that she publishes tarot readings online for the collective, and spend some time reading her interpretations for April – it’s interesting, as I get an insight into her style before booking an appointment. I wish my attention had been drawn to these collective readings sooner – under a clearer title, with a page of it’s own – right now the most recent reading just comes up on the home page in a news-feed style. I see she also has links to other sites regarding things like meditation methods – I find this reassuring that she is not a scam artist, and has broader interests outside of tarot. She also has links to her Facebook and MySpace pages.
Overall:
This site felt professionally designed – it was easy to navigate and well laid-out with multiple navigation options on every page. The colours worked well, with the white background and black text it was easy to read. Purple and dark blues gave a nice spiritual feel without being overpowering. Almost all the basic information a prospective client could want was available – about the reader, the tarot itself, reading style, price, location, hours, contact details, as well as readings for the collective which demonstrated her reading style. She even went above and beyond to include information about her interests, so a client could get to know who she is outside of tarot. She also provides links to Facebook and MySpace, so that clients could connect to her on social networks, should they choose to do so. The only problem I had was a lack of a home button, and being unable to find if she did distance readings – but this could be easily fixed by contacting her using the contact details on the website. Her readings for the collective could also be organised outside of the news feed on the home page or archives, on their own so prospective clients can get an idea of how she reads the cards.
These are great observations, guys! WELL DONE! I’m truly impressed with the smarts in this group.
Blessings!
Theresa
love it! Thank you Theresa! Thank you Robin, Iseke, Allie, Kareena and Missy!…
mzzlee recently posted..Some wisdom from our President Barack H Obama
http://www.xxxxxxxxxxxxxroa.com
Go into the mind of a potential client. Does the website appeal to you?
It’s very new-agey looking, which either could be an asset or a hindrance. Personally, I love anything celestial-themed, and this certainly has a “blue sky, good feeling, positive” vibe to the design of it. But then again, I do like a reader to be down to earth and not “head in the stars” too. However, the navigation is clear, which is always appealing to me as a customer looking to purchase anything, including a reading.
Is it clear that this is a tarot site?
It’s definitely more psychic woo-woo than tarot-looking. There are also no tarot images on the main page of the site, and the only indication that tarot cards are used are in her bio page on the main page. When you further navigate the site, there is a tarot card on the upper right section of each of the subpages. So this may be more of an intuitive reader/counselor than tarot reader. Nothing wrong with that; just not something that I would look for.
Do you find yourself wanting to buy a reading?
See below, but mostly no. I like things to be explained to me on how a reader conducts readings, and this is not said on the website, and if it is, I couldn’t find it prominently displayed.
Is it easy to navigate?
Navigation is at the top of every page and runs across horizontally. I chose to navigate to her services, which includes tarot readings, but are not exclusive to tarot readings alone. She also states in her tarot reading services section, “If you are looking for a fortuneteller you might want to see someone else.” I am both pleased and annoyed at this exertion, so she might not be someone I would want to give me a reading. Also, the fonts used on the pages of the site vary widely in both size and color, making the site almost childish-looking. I like the look of a site to be professional, and just from the inconsistency of the fonts and colors alone, I am turned off.
Overall, I would probably not purchase a reading from the site alone. What I would do is ask around and see if anyone I know has had a reading from her. Based on word-of-mouth I would make my decision.
Hilary recently posted..The Tarot Apprentice—Week 2
http://www.XXXXXies.com
I tried searching for a service based in New Orleans, where I lived before and plan to return this year. Most sites were Voodoo themed, which is culturally significant to the city. I found a site that seemed more neutral, although it too offered voodoo magic. My initial reaction was generally positive in respect to the basic esthetic. This site, unlike others during my search which showed pictures of women dressed in colonial garments holding wicker baskets of who knows what while they stare mystically into the camera, was NOT annoyingly “woo woo”. No no, none of that here, this site got down to brass tacks. Except for the simple flower design thru the background, the site was actually dominated by small standard font text…and lots of it! I instantly thought of an infomercial where the bottom half of the screen is filled with a novella of microscopic “techo-blah blah”. I read all of it, and it was actually a pretty frank disclaimer of the service they provide and their “no sugarcoating” methodology. After scrolling down to the bottom half of the site the different services were separated with individual descriptions, prices and a link to purchase each individual service.
All in all I liked the self-descriptive info provided and the straightforward vibe, but not so much the manner in which it was delivered (ie: lots of tiny print). As a client I probably wouldn’t have read all that initial fine print and I would have scrolled down to the bottom half
There was a large list of services ranging from: standard tarot reading/magic/spells, to Voodoo, to Egyptian magic. So I suppose a large disclaimer might be necessary to cover such a large service line. This site appears to be very professional. I must also say that their prices reflect the professional arena; I was a little surprised by how expensive certain services were.
I would probably not have purchased any online services from them, mainly to do with the price. But I would probably stop by their store and see what it was like. (they had listed 2 store locations around the city)
HAHAHA!!!
Allie that was hilarious! I really felt like I was your mind’s co-pilot. I was excited, distracted and fearing viruses right along with you as you described it. Nice review, despite some of it’s short comings it sounds like a super interesting/fun site.
I went to the website: http://www.xxxxxtarot.com
The website certainly appeals to me. I came across it once before and in fact, the way its set up encouraged me to buy the Limited Edition Deck in its first printing. The detail I love most about this website is how soft the colors are and how visually inviting it is. It makes Tarot seem less intimidating. Other websites I’ve come across are dark, and not in the mysterious way, but dark in a way that makes me wonder what kind of reader they’d be.
There is access to a preview of the cards available very clearly and I think it’s important for people who might consider getting a reading or using the deck later for their own personal use. It gives an overview of what a person might expect when they have a reading, rather than having an image come up in front of them and their mind running away with the worst. Though, I do think that she adds a little too much description for each card. Not leaving as much mystery as there could be. I think it’s a balance of both.
Otherwise, it’s not only easy to navigate, but everything is so clear that it’s easy to navigate the entire site in one sitting, which seems to make the experience more fun, and not stressful in any way. I’ve felt so lost on other websites before that I leave feeling worse than when I arrived. This site gives me a relaxing feel and insights into a lot of information.
I personally loved that there is a link to the reader’s Facebook, which would allow me a way to follow them and perhaps know them enough to develop a regular schedule with them for divination.
I think the number one most important thing with a tarot reader’s website is that it look genuine and professional. I’ve been to so many tarot reading sites that are so simple they seem fake – like a joke. I think that having a little more complexity but also an easy navigation to your website is key to people buying a reading. Otherwise, frustration with navigation might not allow them to be open to guidance. Having all of this and more, this website leaves me with a feeling of excitement, even anxiousness to experience the deck, the reader, the potential.
I chose to critique http://www.tarotbyXXXXXXXXXX.com because it has both areas that I liked as well as opportunities for improvement.
First of all, I like that this website has visually pleasing graphics as well as a variety pictures. The colors used are consistent and not overdone nor obnoxious. The images are good quality and are relevant to tarot reading and the services that are offered. Overall, this site has a lot of good things going for it.
However, this site also has some areas of opportunity. The header has a hard to read font and the sub-headers look like they should be links to pages within the website (rather, they are just a part of the header image). Information regarding the rates and services are hard to find- which I would assume is the most important thing when designing a tarot services site. Ads, article links, text boxes, video links, and Paypal donation requests are scattered throughout the content of the site which is further distracting to a user looking for tarot services.
An additional issue that I think needs particular attention paid to it is the way the navigation is organized. Instead of having broad categories that are listed across the top of the page, there is a very detailed link list organized in a long column to the left of the page. Part of designing a good website is limiting the amount of clicks needed to navigate the site. It’s also important to overload each page with information, requiring the user to scroll. This website requires the user to scroll too much in my opinion with running verbiage and large centered images.
As a prospective client, I like that this site looks more polished then other tarot sites that I came across; however, the information regarding scheduling a reading and cost was very hard to find. To sum up, it’s a pretty site but very hard to read.
http://www.xxxxxxxxham.com
Initial impression: Glamour, eye-catching, desirable. The site is full of images of the reader, which is useful. It is very clear that it is a tarot business website. I enjoy the website video in the beginning showing her at her work. The scroll over text is vibrant. Extremely user friendly links for navigation such as: private readings, party readings, testimonials, clients, about, and contact. On the front page there is a release date for her new book. Website features links to her blog and a disclaimer (For entertainment purposes only). There are helpful buttons for adding her on facebook, on paying her through different services.
Even with all of this, one thing does put me off about the website. It doesn’t feel truly her work. Yes there are plenty of appealing photos on every page. But the pages are written in the third person. It doesn’t seem tempting. Also, there weren’t any prices listed. That’s undesirable.
I would most definitely love to meet her, although I don’t think that I would want a reading from her. She seems extremely popular and on the scene of things. If I were in NY I’d probably not go to see her in her office.
My critique is on XXXXtarot.com
Vary basic set up on the site. The top area gives sections on a bar for easy navigation. On the site it gives a great over view of the reader, her spreads, books she has written, events she will be at, and a blog. If you want to find some thing more specific there is a listing of categories down the said of the home page.
The reason I’m draw to this site is because it doesn’t have extra ads and pop ups all over. For some reason I felt like the sites that had a lot going on were going to end up giving my computer a virus. Also I don’t trust a site if it has miss spelled words.
There is a over all warm classic theme running through out the web site. The language used is intelligent and easy for the normal consumer. Even some one who is not computer savvy would be able to navigate the site. That’s a positive thing and will open her up to a more diverse clientele.
This web site is one of my favorites because it has a great blog. The blog is informative, up to date, and easy to read.
I suggest the site to people who are just starting to gain interest in Tarot. I feel like a lot of people are turned off of getting readings on line because of the amount of trashy looking sites. This site is classic, easy to read, highly informative.
Aaron,
Beleive it or not, I’m interested in the website you found too! haha
“Colonial voodoo chicks with baskets? Waahh….!?”
Post your email adress so we can swap URLS.
Thanks,
-Allie
http://www.xxxxxxaths.com
I’ve visited this site many times before because I love what this lady has to say about the cards.
But this time I’m coming into her world because I want a reading, so let’s see what happens…
I open her website and I’m immediately confronted by lots of writing. There’s writing everywhere. And it’s all quite small. And it’s all the same colour. Only her webpage title is larger than the rest of the wording on the page, so for that reason it is the only thing that stands out. Plus also there are little stars moving around her title at the top of the page, which is eye-catching and is a pretty touch to an otherwise mundane looking page. And I say mundane because it is simply a white background with blue writing all over it. And for a little variation, all headings and key words are bolded and underlined. She has a little tagline or grabline just below her title too, which is quite a nice one, and what I assume sums up how she feels about this work and her page. This gives me a bit more insight into this reader, and I identify well with her statement, which draws me in a little. So I take a quick glance around. It is reasonably clear I’m at a Tarot site because I see the word everywhere, along with the word ‘cards’ and ‘spread.’ Clear, but not obvious.
What I do like about her homepage though, is the little picture of the herself at the top right-hand corner. It’s a very real and candid photo. She’s smiling and she looks very pleasant and genuine. It’s nice to see a picture of the reader.
And just below her photo in very small writing, it says to ‘click here for real tarot readings’. So I found where I needed to go, but only by default. I was so bombarded by information when I first entered that I didn’t even notice where I would have to go for a reading. In fact I was not even sure if she offered that service at all. There are no distinct tabs or columns to break up the variety of different categories she has. It’s all there, but it’s just not very clear as nothing jumps out at me. A big heading saying ‘READINGS’ would have been helpful.
So I ‘click here’ for a reading and I’m taken straight to her online store where you can buy readings, tarot decks and other related items. Her store seems to have much more order and organisation about it, with tabs and headers, and it’s easy to find what you want. She provides many types of readings, and has added a thorough description of each so you can pick the best that suits your needs. There’s prices, feedback and testimonials, and to my surprise, over 40 sample readings. There’s nothing vague about this section, she tells you exactly what to you will get and what to expect. She even explains the process of the order, turn-around time, etc.
One thing though, is that while this page presents all its information in an orderly fashion, it doesn’t really do much to tickle my fancy. The colours are white, blue and grey. They are not warm and inviting. There’s no spiritual, esoteric or mysterious feel to it. I’m not saying it has to be any of these, but I think it does not do any justice to how marvellous and special the Tarot is. Nor does it particularly grab me into spending my money here. I’m a visual person, and when it comes to web browsing, there is only one of our senses in play, that is our sight. So I think it is crucial that a website stimulates us visually. It must grab our eye balls and draw us in. A good use of visual aids is what this site lacks. Attractive colours and pictures would have drawn me in. And a video could be used to enhance this if it serves a particular purpose. But also it provides sound, getting our ears into the operation as well.
Her sample readings look great, but I don’t necessarily feel like buying a reading. So I go back to the homepage and take a look at the loads of articles and other literature she has, which is the reason I usually stop by. I must add that though there’s a lot of mumbo jumbo, her site is quite easy to navigate. I arrive at her Tarot resources page. Her writing captures me. The cards come to life when she talks about their meanings. Her words serve the Tarot so well, painting a beautiful picture of how it turns up in your life. I see her passion and sincerity. I’m convinced she knows her stuff. And it all makes me think twice about a reading, as I’m pretty sure it will be a good one.
Yet why I am still to buy one? Something’s missing. She’s won over my mind, but hasn’t drawn in my heart. Sounds corny and dramatic, but I think it’s true. Minus her lovely, smiling picture, her website isn’t exactly warm and inviting. In some places, it’s quite cold to me actually. A web page doesn’t have the benefit of face to face interaction, so it really needs to interact with us on another level. This reader has a general daily card reading as well as a forum for people to chat and discuss topics. But I think a blog, for example, would remind me that there really is someone on the other side of my computer, and also that she is alive and active in this work.
I’m really a fan of this lady because I’ve read a lot of her from her resources section. But I don’t know that a potential client just passing by would necessarily buy a reading. The big lesson I take away from this task is that marketing yourself well on your website is essential. And there’s no point in just having one for the sake of having one. If you are going to have a website, it might as well be thorough and speak to the hearts of the people viewing it. No point in a half—hearted one. It should be appealing, inviting, interactive, organised and very clearly show who you are and what you are offering. And I have to think ‘what can I do to make my website stand out from the sites of all those great readers out there?’ If it’s user friendly, warm, attractive, professional and you’ve got regular updates that keep your readers visiting time and time again, then you’ve got something good to work with. But after that I would want to make sure my passion and authenticity seeps through the screen and straight to my potential client on the other end.
“Negative point is that everything is so to the point, there are no freebies to lure me”
Kareena, I think you make a really valid point when you say this. I’ve just been scanning a few other websites through the eyes of a potential client, and while you do want easy access and a straight-forward run down of all the business side of things, it is actually all the other ‘free’ resources on the page that makes me decide how I feel about that reader and his/ her work.
Once I noticed that they do readings, I then went and explored other features of their websites- articles, interpretations, books, blog posts, biography, etc. to get an idea of the person, how they work with the cards, the role tarot plays in their life, etc. It’s all these things that actually make you feel a connection with the reader, or not. I don’t think deciding on getting a reading with a certain reader is a rational thing. We feel like there’s something special that he or she can offer us through a reading, and I think that comes from getting a glimpse at the quality of their work, together with the aesthetics of their website. So it’s probably important to draw a good balance between being professional and direct, and to the point as you say, while also investing time and effort into our webpages. And also sharing ourselves, and our knowledge through ‘free’ articles, etc. But finding that balance so we can have an business- effective website is probably the challenge!
I must admit I had a difficult time choosing a web site for a Tarot business. I decided to have a look at the web sites that offer tarot readings in the UK and checkout the competition and get some ideas how to approach my own site. I know how it feels when you start planning your own web site, but it is a whole different process when you are in the client mode. So my research showed me quite a lot, but I’ve decided to go the average Tarot service webpage. The site I’ve picked up is http://www.toXXXXXen.co.uk
FIRST GLANCE: It’s well structured and has clear outlook on all the information; category section on top, under the head banner, left menu alternative info about structure of Tarot, but the last few links are rather mixed, needs little attention and sorting out. Home page is right to the point, short info about reader’s services and skills and sounds appealing. On the right, latest service offer with price (online purchase). After the main info come several paragraphs related to other services, the reader’s book about Tarot and feedback and testimonials from clients, which is good and concerning this I would put testimonial or client’s feedback link in the main menu on the top and not in the one on the left side (gives out a feeling that the reader isn’t confident enough).So, the home page is OK, but somehow it feels like to much text on it. What I’ve noticed that as a client I usually always go for the reader’s experience, testimonials page and types of services and ways to acquire them, so usually don’t dwell a lot on the home page if there is too much to read.
The link doesn’t say much about whether is it a tarot site or something else, but you will get the idea as soon as you open the home page. I like the idea of personalising the web address and it gives out a special ring to it and that way it’s easier to remember it once you’re familiar with the Tarot reader and also it’s a good marketing tool.
LOOKING FURTHER: But, when you go to the ABOUT section you get a little bit of short CV, excerpt from a personal memoir and links to the reader’s other hobbies. So in a way you get this idea that the person is very creative, and yet some of this creativity seems to lack in the overall design although the reader has designed the web-pages by himself. I usually don’t want to offer comments on web page design, but in this case, because of the task at hand, it looks like this particular web page lacks a little bit of colour and pictures in the background and font style – so for me it’s not just how it reads but how it pleases the eye, as well. Also, it would be nice to have more than only one way to contact the reader, because although we live in a hi-tech computer educated society, some people still struggle with computers and e-mails and prefer the more conventional ways, like the phone. I can understand why the reader has chosen this method of contact because I would myself find it difficult having to answer all of people’s questions about me and my services over the phone.
OTHER SECTIONS: The Links page and Tarot Club and Tarot Workshops look appealing. The only thing I feel is missing is connections with other Tarot societies, clubs or associations, which gives out the impression that the reader is either self-thought in reading skills, but also that he might not upgrade his current skills and knowledge through sharing with colleagues and seminars and meeting on Tarot. It looks very professional and attractive to the potential reader when you affiliate yourself as a service provider with some kind of formal organization that represent and supports your business because it presents credence.
Q&A:
1) Does the website appeal to you?
Score: 3 of 5
Reason: Lack of aesthetics and personal appeal
2) Is it easy to navigate?
Score: 4 of 5
Reason: Good menu structure, but lots of uncategorised sub menus and prices are vague about the other services the Reader offers.
3) Is it clear that this is a tarot site?
Score: 5 of 5
Reason: Very straight forward and presenting other related skills as well.
4) Do you find yourself wanting to buy a reading?
Score: 4 of 5
Reason: Pros would be that the Reader is very creative (has written a book on the subject, practice astrology and is creative) and Cons that there is no indication of professional affiliation (links to Tarot societies and organisations).
Helena: I loved your review (and subsequent comment) and completely agree with you on what elements draw in a client! I couldn’t agree more on how important it is that the website create a visual space for the potential client, as well as offer freely accessible material to show where they are coming from and what they can do. Well put!
My initial impression of Readers who do not have ‘free’ things to look at is that they are greedy and do not understand that the Tarot is for EVERYONE. It most certainly is, and if the Reader is skilled enough, it won’t matter if they have free things to play with, because they are confident in their abilities. See what I’m saying?
Just my opinion.
-Allie
Allie-
I actually don’t remember the name of the site that had the “colonial gal”. I just laughed and hit the BACK button cause i knew i didn’t want to base my post on that site.
BUT if you want the experience I had, go to google and type in “professional tarot readings in New Orleans” (or some variation). and just click around. The majority were voodoo specific services, I had to refine my search to find the actual site I used.
I was interested to see what turned up, because i lived in New Orleans for a year and a half. It is a city with a voodoo history, but like many things in that city it is often tragically commercialized. There is also a central square in the downtown (jackson square) that is known for always having fortune tellers (tarot, palm, psychic, you name it). So I was a always skeptical and never thought much about it while I was there. I never actually went into a professional store in downtown because i figured there would be a lot of “hocus pocus” theatrics. When I return I am going to investigate, for sure!