Is my website intimidating?

[zumbamama]

Earlier this week, a lady emailed me to sign up for my class. She asked for the location/hours/etc. So I sent her a link to my website that has all my info on it. Then she emailed me back to say that it looked too intimidating and that she was 30 pounds overweight. So then I told her most of the people in class are overweight, and I was 50 pounds overweight when I first started Zumba. That is why people come to Zumba...to lose weight! I tried to reassure her and told her I had students that are 100-200 lbs overweight. But she never wrote back or came to class. And now I wish I would've given her the info without the link to my site. : (
I am wondering how many people that go to my site get intimidated!

Do you think my site is intimidating? www.zumbadistrict.com

[Anonymous]

I just checked out your website. It does look a little intimidating for someone who hasn't done any exercise in years...especially the page about zumba with the very active looking latino guy. Everyone in that photo looks really fit.

But, otherwise, I think the website makes zumba look like a lot of fun and high energy.

Btw, are you the one in the black "I heart zumba" tank top? If so, your moniker should be hotzumbamama.

[Anonymous]

First, it's great to see your picture! If I see you around town, I'll be sure to say hello!

I don't think it's intimidating, but I can see how someone who is new to exercise could. There's a lot of information and although you say that there are a lot of overweight people in your classes, the pictures on your website are mostly (maybe even all) of skinny people. They don't look like your everyday person going to the gym.

[zumbamama]

The page about Beto, the Latin guy, is the creator of Zumba...so all those are press photos. I had to include a page about him since he began the whole Zumba movement.

But on my homepage and classes page, there are some overweight people and older people. I guess I should put more, but most overweight people probably don't want their photos online Maybe I should put my before and after photo.

Yes that's me in the "I heart Zumba " : )

[Anonymous]

The site is not intimidating. She was probably subconciously looking for an excuse not to exercise or perhaps just intimidated by the idea of exercise itself.

[Anonymous]

yeah, i don't see what's intimidating about it!

[Anonymous]

I think it's energetic.

[Anonymous]

No - not intimidating at all. Just looks like everyday people having fun! I think that are some people who are intimidated by group fitness in general, so maybe that's it.

[Anonymous]

I don't think its intimidating at all even for someone new to exercise...Like someone else said, you'll never know what's going on in someone's head. I've had it in my brain to get back into swimming and join a masters team, emailed coaches, but find some reason not to show up...basically I'm lazy.

I think your site is great. Awesome job on the weight loss.

[Anonymous]

I have been taking Zumba and hardly anyone in my class is overweight

[Anonymous]

I kinda get a "dance party" vibe from your site. For beginners and those of us who are horribly uncoordinated, this is a little intimidating. Maybe you could add a page or some info appealing to beginners - how all shapes, sizes, ages, and skill levels are welcome etc.

[Anonymous]

I thought the page was a little loud and busy but not intimidating at all. After this baby decides to make his grand entrance I may try you out! Looks very fun.

[Anonymous]

I think it's a bit busy and overwhelming visually. Maybe a little more white space?

I suggest you add a testamonials section and if possible, some before and after photos. Or feature one of your participants with a photo and a story about why they do zumba and what kind of benefits they've achieved.

[zumbamama]

Yes, I admit I haven't spent a lot of time finessing my website...so little time. However, since I was laid off today, it looks like I'll have time to vamp it up. sigh.

[Anonymous]

I'm so sorry to read that, Zumbamama. I'll be thinking about you and your family.