Questions about website are always a good topic because there are so many problems with websites.

I personally don't mind gals using the cookie cutter sites, but some guys do.  Here's what I suggest:  Look around at a lot of sites that gals are using, and then write and ask them who made up their site or how to get a template for it.

Here are the issues that I would concentrate on:

Photos!  They are the first thing that most guys will look at, and if they aren't attractive, they will move off before reading anything else.  Do not scrimp.  Get the best photg that you can find.  You should ask gals about whom their photog is if you like the photos you see of them.  Make sure the photos load quickly and as full as possible.  I hate when I click on a thumbnail, and it only doubles in size rather than fill up nearly the entire screen.  Avoid the automatic slide shows too.  Sometimes I like to run through the photos quickly, and sometimes I like to stop and admire a photo for a few moments.  The best navigation device is where I can move the cursor over a thumbnail, and it blows up to full size.

Have clear and understandable rate information.  Check the math!  Some gals rates are incomprehensible.  Here's a tip:  Rates should go down on an hourly basis the longer you spend with a guy, not up.   If there is an upcharge for certain things like Greek or fetishes, say so and indicate the upcharge.  Also indicate if there is a difference between incall and outcall, and indicate whether either or both are available.

Let us know where you are located.  You'd be surprised how many gals leave off this important piece of information.  If you travel, have a calendar that is updated to tell us when and where you will be.

Consider a blog.  Mamy gals do have them, and it's a great way for regulars to keep in touch with what is up with you.  I follow about 6 gals on their blogs.  It is great marketing.  Be sure to update it every few weeks too.

Be sure the print is legible and decent size.  Don't have pale pink print against a light purple background (I've seen this, and the print was miniscule to boot!)  If we can't read what you're writing, we won't bother to try calling.

Have clear instructions on how to contact you, what your screeing requirements are, and the protocols of how to handle the donation - as well as any other particulars that are important to you.  The better you prepare us for what to expect and what to do, the fewer problems will develop.  Don't make them too complicated either, or that will turn off guys.

I think that pretty much covers the basics.

Be sure what ever text you do have is perfect in terms of grammar and spelling.  It really counts.

I know that putting together a website is quite a taak, but do not underestimate its importance.

Best wishes with it.

...here I am again! You guys have all been so incredibly helpful and sweet (especially London, what an angel!), so I hope I'm not flooding the boards too much with my rookie drivel.

In any event, I'm in the process of trying to build my website...what an overwhelming pain in the ass! Does anyone have a preferred site for this stuff? Limiting access to certain pages? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Furthermore, is it going to be impossible to find a template that doesn't look like a 15-year-old girl's MySpace? I absolutely loathe glittery butterflies.

The ladies can help with the site recomendatons and templates. As for suggestions:

1) No music

2) Make sure your rates are easily found and list them for multiple hours

3) Imho, you can never have enough pics. You never kno what pic will do it for a guy. I see some sites with 2 or 3 pics and it just isnt enough.

4) Allow the gent the ability to email you without having to fill out your entire form. Sometimes we just have a question about availability for a certain date and we just want to copy/paste your email address into our personal email account

5) Have a few guys look at it before you go live with it, as well as a few providers.


Best of luck!

are general site templates that you can use.  From time to time you'll see providers using these instead of the escort website templates that you see so often.

I don't think anyone is sick of you! lol. This is what the newbie board is for, and better yet in your case, you actually do a lot of research before asking here, and you even come back and say thanks!
Those two things are not always seen on the newbie board.

As for websites, there are a bunch of free template sites specifically for escorts, such as escortsite.com One that I have seen a lot but I heard some bad things about is sexynclassy.com They are not very responsive when you want to make changes, and have even refused to take down websites when asked. so I would stay away from them. You want one that you have full control over. Wix is a pretty good, easy to use "build your own" site that you retain full control over. Wix is not escort specific, but many ladies use it and some have come up with some pretty nice sites.

I don't know about limiting access and things like that. Since you are just starting out you can start with a very simple site. If you stay in the business, you can always build a fancier site later. The main things you need are a description and a little about yourself, rates, location, contact info, and pictures. And yes, no music. A lot of guys browse these websites at places they shouldn't be. (Such as at work, or at home, but with SO or family around.) So if they click on a site and music starts playing, that would draw attention, they will click back pretty quickly and probably not go back to the site.

Make sure the photos look like you. Even if you are blocking out your face, make sure it is a fair representation. If you use glamour photos that are then airbrushed too, that may get you more contacts initially but it could also lead to more bad reviews from guys being disappointed. Its one thing to have a great photog but quite another to have pics that are misleading. That will hurt your rep on day one.

I completely agree with perfectstorm. I would also say that you may make some connections for clients here.  You sound like a pretty smart and fun young woman.  If I were still in Louisvlle, KY (moved away in 2000), I'd definitely make the trip to pay you a visit.  Looks like you are getting lots of good advice.  Take it in, use it and be safe.  Happy Holidays!

The only issue I have is that I'm going to have to airbrush out my tattoos (for the purpose of remaining UTR). Other than that, I won't edit the photos too heavily.

Aww thank you so much! I never get tired of compliments on my intelligence!

Great advice, #4 hadn't even occurred to me! Thanks so much!

Thank you so much for the great advice!

Her site is at www.ashleyanntaylor.com.

You need to report to me at once for punishment.

Don't smile, I'm not kidding

Make sure your site works on a mobile device because most gents use a mobile device so as to leave no record of escort browsing on their work or home computers.  So make sure your site is mobile friendly.  

Also James of Orchid Escort Web Design is a great guy and has some really reasonable rate options.

http://www.orchidescortdesigns.com/

I love using escort-site.com they have great templates, are economical and help you easily manage all your pages, track your stats, and you can buy your own domain name. You can see my site for an example and they offer free sites for us ladies to use!

Good luck and feel free to holla at me if you need any assistance at all.

Xoxo

Good call. I do EVERYTHING on my iPhone, so I totally can understand that. Thank you!!

You don't want to design a great site and not have it visible on something as ubiquitous as an iPad.

Your site is vitally important.  
Be discrete about your exact area but give a hint like "near X city, state".

Be clear about your rates.

You don't need to specify exact services...  link to your reviews & let that cover the topic.

Your pictures are your chance to see your services.  Guys are very visual.  The pictures MUST be good quality, clear, open large enough for good viewing.  NO music / audio unless clearly marked & click to get say a welcome voice message.  (An interesting idea).  Guys should not view when others are arounjd but if they do, guarenteed they click off & are gone with the first notes!  
You can blur your face for privacy.  You can blur tattoos that would be identifying.  Keep your photos currant.   Photos need no be professional but with modern digital there's no excuse for poor resolution.  There are guys for every body type & old, false or doctored photos just piss clients off...  and is sign of unprofessional.  You don't want to start a meeting on a sour note.
 
Photos need not be explicit and a variety of poses & dress & undress is interesting.  A theme like flirty can make it less arkward.   I don't want to see a row of butt picts...  shows me nothing!   I want enough picts that taken in total, I know what you'll look like naked.  

I have run across providers who have old pictures of themselves...  looking very hot...   But they only had a few.  Having a variety of pictures improves my confidence they are currant.  

You can include pictures in your ads...  various venues...  I'd suggest semi-topless (save the more revealing for your web site which you should link to).  Rotate the pictures in ads.  You never know which picture will get a guy's attention.  Speaking for myself, it probably would show some cleavage or breast silouette...   but don't stick with the same ad or photo week after week>

You need a TER clickage link/logo on the first page or 2 so you can advertize here.

You will hear advise that NEW clients should stick to well reviewed Providers & there are good reasons for this.  Not everyone follows this & there's no rule about what makes a Newbie client.  It's only a suggestion.  More experienced clients often seek out new talent.  What encourages a client to see a New Provider?  Often her once every 7 days allowed ads on the ads board for your area.  (Remember you are Moderated at first).  If you start posts with links to your site or pictures it's considered an ad, will get moved to your local board or deleted.  You are free to respond to others threads...  they may not appear immediately as you are Moderated, but they will be seen & is a good way to let clients know your personality.  Again, for myself, that can overcome new provider reluctance.

You would do well to get a mentor.  It might be through TER.  Locally, you might be viewed as competition.  There is a lot which should not be discussed on a public forum.  
Best Wishes,
HV

Thank you so SO much for taking the time to post such comprehensive advice, especially about photos!! As for mentors, I've been in touch with a few of the lovely gals from TER who have been nothing short of amazing! I have some professional photos that were taken of me a couple of years ago prior to getting all of my ink, so I'm considering using those. I know I'll need a disclaimer that informs my potential clients that I'm heavily-tattooed as well. Thanks again!

So far that's the one I'm leaning towards. Your site looks great! Thanks Nikki! Xo

most of those cannot be viewed at all on a Mobile Device. I did my photos in Flash, but the rest of the site can be viewed by most any device. I could not care less about guys who want to jack off to photos from their phones.

James at Orchid, is professional, and so well priced it is unreal. My first site in the biz was over 10k, and James' work is equally as good.

I don't like any pre-made template, because they are not original and anyone can get that same design. Be unique!

-- Modified on 12/24/2012 2:33:29 PM