One of my most popular requests is setting up websites for actors, comedians, and improvisers. The process to do so is usually pretty quick (assuming the person has the copy for each page, I can turn it around in a day or two) and is mostly painless.
If you’re an actor looking to set up your own site, here’s what you should look to include:
1) Static Home Page
Unless you plan on updating your site daily or weekly, you should have a static homepage that has a picture of your beautiful face, a welcome message, and links to the other pertinent stuff on your site.
2) Bio Page
People searching for you want to know a little bit about you. What’s your story? Where are from? What have you done? What are you doing now? The bio is a chance to tell the world about yourself in a more personal, and humorous, manner.
3) Resume Page
In addition to the Bio, you should let people know about the awesome work you’ve done in the form of a Resume page. Include both an webpage and a downloadable PDF version so people can print out your resume if they need to.
Note: Do not include your home address on your resume; your home city / state is good enough.
4) Media Page(s)
Visitors want to see you in action, so it show them in the form of images and video. If acting is your thing, they want to see you act. If comedy is it, show a clip of you making people laugh. You can choose to have all of your media on one page or separated into images and video if you like. Either way, make sure people can see what you have to offer.
5) News Page
A simple News section of your site (done via a blog) gives you a chance to update the world on current / recent projects you’ve been working on. This shows you are a working professional and can also be great to send out to casting directors to keep them posted on the awesomeness you are creating.
6) Contact Page
After a visitor realizes how great you are, you want them to be able to get a hold of you. Your contact page does just that. You can either include your email (or embed an email form), or post the contact info for your representation.
Note: If you post your email, I recommend creating an email account (with your domain name) specifically for these inquiries.
