Laura’s and my friend, Mary DeMuth, owns a private e-mail loop for advanced writers. Last Thursday she invited all members of the loop to submit their Web sites for critique.

Some of the sites were excellent. Others needed a significant overhaul.

I learned a ton from the comments. My guess is most of us did.

If you’re a serious writer you probably have critique partners that give feedback on your writing.

But when’s the last time you asked them about your Web site? Never? Yeah, you’re not alone.

As we’ve talked about before, a Web site is an expensive, elaborate business card designed get people to engage with you. It’s your billboard! Not just hanging above one street in one city; it’s worldwide.

If this “card” or “billboard” looks amateurish people will assume the same about you and your business.

So ask. I realize your friends and critique partners might not be pros at analyzing Web sites. But they represent the general public. If you get the same concern from two or three of them I would make the change. Let us know what you discover.

By the way, Mary runs a blog called Wanna Be Published. It’s outstanding. If you’re a writer go there. Now. And sign up for her free RSS feed.

Mary also owns The Writing Spa. If you’re looking to break into the world of publishing, and need coaching and training, there are few other places where your money would be better spent.

Tags: free critique of Web site, Web site improvement, Web sites