There are thousands of people who are or want to be professional speakers. You have so much competition that you have to be creative in how to differentiate yourself. One way of doing this is by making a great first impression with your website.

Speaker bureaus and meeting planners often book a speaker after looking at their website so there is an expectation that a speaker website be sophisticated and complete. Following is a list of what every speaker website must include:

• Home Page – This page should have your best photo, your most impressive testimonial and emphasize what makes you different from other speakers. What can you offer that no one else can or what’s your unique angle or perspective?

• Biography – Include all of your professional experience including what you accomplished before you became a speaker.

• Services – Even though you think that people can tell you are a speaker tell them again anyway. Let them know if you offer keynotes, workshops, facilitation, etc.

• Topics – On this page less is more. Don't try to offer a topic to please everyone. Only offer topics within your specialty.

• Client List – Include this even if your client list is short. You may include both paid and unpaid engagements. Make note of clients with repeat engagements to build your credibility.

• Testimonials – Don't hide these on a page on your site. Add them to every page and ask clients for video testimonials whenever possible.

• Video – If you want to get booked you need a video. Try calling local organizations and offer to speak for free in return for bringing a camera crew. Link to your video from every page of the site.

• Pictures – You should offer both high resolution and low resolution head shots for both web and print use.

• Logistics – Let potential clients know how you travel and what technical requirements you may have.

• Content – Show off your expertise with free articles, a blog or regular social media updates that stream to your website.

• Lead Capture – Ask people to register for your e-zine or blog updates so you can keep in touch.

• Social media – Display all of your social media site icons with links to your profile.

• Contact Information – This should be on a page by itself with a contact form and then on every page at the top or bottom.

This list is a great starting point to satisfy meeting planners and potential clients but the most important point you should remember is to differentiate yourself from the thousands of professional speakers who are competing for the same speaking engagements as you.

© 2012. Davis Virtual Assistance. Reprints welcome so long as the article and byline are reprinted intact with all links made live.