Are You on the Web?
Posted September 8, 2008
Personal Web sites can be an invaluable investment for coaches: Not only does a Web site serve as a direct link to fans and alumni, but it is also a means for coaches to showcase their services, thus revealing the potential for additional revenue streams.
On the whole, coaches are not yet up to speed when it comes to taking advantage of the many benefits that hosting a personal Web site can afford. This fact becomes especially apparent when you assess the cost-to-benefit ratio of Web site ownership: While the design of a personal website costs anywhere from $100 to $1000—with maintenance fees adding $25 to $45 a month—the numerous benefits far outweigh this nominal payout.
The cost associated with designing and maintaining a Web site can be paid out-of-pocket, or it can be offset through advertising or by making the site a “pay site.” In addition, the upkeep of most sites is simple, and usually requires a minimal investment of your time.
The benefits of websites are many. First, Web sites allow fans and alumni to get the inside scoop on their favorite teams. This is great PR from a coach’s standpoint, because you can interact with a large number of your team’s most loyal fans without having to expend much time or energy.
Moreover, because the site content is coming straight from you, you can present your views as you wish, without having to worry about the media misquoting you or writing one-sided stories. Your Web site is a forum for you to put your best foot forward. All you must do to maintain fan loyalty and interest is to provide weekly team updates during the season and monthly updates in the off-season.
A second benefit of a personal Web site is its role as a revenue producer. For instance, when a coach reaches a certain level of popularity, it may be possible to create a “pay site” for which fans must purchase membership. The cost and length of a membership varies according to the market, i.e., how well the team is doing and how rabid the fan base is. Other lucrative uses of your Web site include selling merchandise and advertisements or advertising your personal football camp on the site.
Finally, a personal Web site is a fantastic tool for marketing your coaching expertise if ever you consider a new employment opportunity. Web sites can include information that prospective employers need to know, such as your resume, coaching record or coaching philosophy. On your Web site, this information will be at their immediate disposal and will present you in the best light possible.
For more information on setting up your personal Web site or learning more about what a site can do for you, please contact Myles Solomon at (415) 403-4425.
