Do you feel safe putting name & face on internet?

[ShelLu]

Hi!
I'm just starting out with a new business, developing a lead capture page and auto-respond e-mails.
I'm having a dilemma about using 1) my picture 2) my full name 3) my address. On the one hand I know I need to create trust (which 1-3 does), on the other hand, I would prefer to give my personal information only to those who are truly interested in my opportunity.
I'm wondering if anyone else feels unsafe with putting this information on the web. I would appreciate your thoughts and any guidance.
Cordially,
ShelLu

[Audrey]

I"d like to welcome you to the forum. It's a great community here.

I'm not a fan of lead capture pages for exactly the reason you state. The owner does not wish to reveal anything yet asks me for everything. In other words "I don't trust you, but you should trust me".

I do run campaigns with multiple choice. For example, I'll give three choices:

1. do you want a Tupperware catalog?
2. do you want to host an online Tupperware party?
3. would you like information about selling Tupperware?

If the person says yes to any of the above, I then send them my address, my phone number, my name. I tell them I'm more than happy to call them as I have free long distance, if they want to provide their phone number, but I don't ask them for anything. If they don't respond, I'll follow up a few more times. After that, I walk away.

You've asked a great question as many have strong thoughts one way or the other about lead capture pages.

Hope you'll continue posting here :)

[katiektk]

I put my name, face and address out everywhere and haven't had any bad experiences. I think it's important to "brand" yourself, so I'm happy to use my real name and photo online. Certainly, if I was asking anyone for their personal details (in a lead capture page, for example) I would include my own details.

[Hisgirl0305]

I put my name and face...however, addy...not yet...that is a bit scary!

[Audrey]

Lara,

Consider renting a box...not through the post office, but through a private business. Mine is through The UPS Store. I know they are a national chain. This gives you an actual street address. Fees vary from state to state. I pay by the year so I get 13 months for the price of 12.

[judilynn]

I can understand that it is a bit scary putting your name and picture out there. I use my maiden name. Gives me a bit of animinity. It is part of my legal name. I hyphenate my last name. So I don't have any issues with it.

I don't think I would put my address out there. I do use a post office box. You have to find your own comfort level when it comes to giving out details. I have friends who won't even put their email address out, let alone their name, and others who think nothing of giving all their details. To each their own I guess.

[Hisgirl0305]

Lara,

Consider renting a box...not through the post office, but through a private business. Mine is through The UPS Store. I know they are a national chain. This gives you an actual street address. Fees vary from state to state. I pay by the year so I get 13 months for the price of 12.


Thanks Audrey! :) That's a really good idea:shades:

[ShelLu]

I apologize for not answering sooner. :( You have some great answers for me. It seems that most of you are braver than I am. I suspect I have some issues that I need to deal with! I agree that the name, phone # and picture lend credibility and creates some trust. It just seems a little scary to me to go from little internet usage to having "me" out there for all to see and contact. My names are very unique, and I've found that people have a tendency to remember them. You gave me an idea, though. Maybe I could use just my first and middle name. (I'll have to think on that one) For now, I've decided that the address will not go on and I will leave it with my name and phone number. We'll see about a head shot later. The box through a private business is a great idea, unfortunately in a town of 5300 it's not an option. Thanks!:D

[mhobbs25]

I have friends who won't even put their email address out

Instead of putting your main e-mail that your friends reply to, I would create a separate account strictly for that particular capture page. I also like a program called Robo Form because I remember one main password. The program keeps all other logins for me. I use it on tons of sights, and it works great! The program can also be downloaded for free...

[promotees]

I don't feel comfortable putting my photo and address online. I do use a portion of my name however.

I think it all depends on personal preference.

[Audrey]

I use AWeber, an autoresponse system. Anyone using a system like this MUST put their address on their emails. One more reason to use a box.

[athome]

I dont put my picture out there a lot. Just on my main website. I dont put my address out there. I even use my toll free number. its scary out there now a days

[Lori]

It's rare but true that webmasters, particularly bloggers, have had some unwanted attention.

I suggest keeping your address out of the public domain. That would include making sure you register any domain names privately. It costs a bit more but protects your privacy.

Lori

P.S. A contact email and phone number are fine though.

[the24hoursecretary]

Frankly, if someone really wanted to locate your address, they can find it and almost anything else they want to know about you on the net. My philosophy is that I want the prospect to feel comfortable with doing business with me -- and have no problem in sharing my name, photo, address, etc., as it gives you a level of credibility.

In addition, if you intend to have clients/make sales outside of your immediate community, individuals interested in your product want to know there is contact information available and a "person" they can reach specifically if they have a problem, concern, question, complaint, or maybe didn't receive their product, etc.

If you plan on doing business on the net, you have to take the good with the bad -- and if you adding your name, address, photo, etc. to your site makes you uncomfortable, you should consider this matter from your buyer's point of view -- will they want to do business with you?

Just my $.02 worth,

[Lori]

Most businesses have business addresses, not their actual home. One thought is to get yourself a PO box :)

[Ravish30]

I also put my name, face and email addy out there....I only give my snail mail address in private though!

[allmylovecrafts]

I have my name & face all over the place. My home address is a different story. I even bought my name in a .com. If anyone has tried to call me they know to leave a message as I never pick up the phone. I have a conference room if people want to talk to me they can pop in there.
I am more worried about the weirdo's at the store & in my neighborhood. They can just follow me home.
I have found that my business improved once I started showing the real me.
Hope that helps,
Sheryl Loch ~ allmylovecrafts

[ShelLu]

Wow. Thanks for all the good info. I know I see a lot more names and faces of men out there than women. I'm thinking that showing your picture lends some credibility and starts that relationship building. I agree that the locals (weirdos) may have better access to you, but I guess I've watched too much TV. Which means that I need to be brave and figure no one will try to track me down or I've got to hide myself (which, in the long run, I think would hurt sales). I did get a P.O. Box, by the way.
ShelLu

[MicheleDB]

Hi!
I'm just starting out with a new business, developing a lead capture page and auto-respond e-mails.
I'm having a dilemma about using 1) my picture 2) my full name 3) my address. On the one hand I know I need to create trust (which 1-3 does), on the other hand, I would prefer to give my personal information only to those who are truly interested in my opportunity.
I'm wondering if anyone else feels unsafe with putting this information on the web. I would appreciate your thoughts and any guidance.
Cordially,
ShelLu

I have had my name, photo and POSTAL ADDRESS only on the net for years with no trouble. A box address is harmless, placing a street address though would be totally unwise. I find it ads a touch of the personal to the site - people like to know who they are dealing with.

[allmylovecrafts]

Ok, I did not even notice that I did not have a picture of me on here. I finally resized one not long ago.
Ain't no beauty queen but, I'm over it! LOL!
Sheryl Loch