All authors should have an author website. It's not just authors but writers as well that must have their own personal website.
If you are a writer who is climbing the long ladder of getting your name out there and your work noticed, having a website is very important. For one, it shows professionalism and it shows that you are serious about what you're trying to do. I will admit, it's not easy getting a website. There are some web building, web hosting sites that will help you set up a website for free. But of course you must know your way around the internet before you can do that.
So to help boost your chances of getting noticed, let me give you my tips on what an author/writer website should consist of.
- You must have a bio page (About me, About Author) You must have a page that is dedicated to what you have done, what you are doing and links to where all of these things can be found. Beware! We don't want to know your life story. But we do want to know a brief summary of your writing career. Be sure to keep this updated at all times. We want to know the most recent thing you have done. You can always include future events such as a new book coming out, a new project but keep it simple and to the point.
- The homepage. This page is very important. The content on this page could either draw your visitors in our make them click the exit button and move on. Do not clutter your homepage. You want it to be clear and visible. A nice welcome banner is great! Put your picture up there, other banners you may have for a business. Your current book should be there and of course links for where to purchase it. Anything that is high priority for your readers to know, should be there. If you are not an author and simply a writer, a sample writing would be great. Some websites offer widgets. Add a widget (small) to your homepage. If you are on twitter, a little icon for that is great as well. Don't over clutter. Make your readers want to find out what else you are up to.
- A page dedicated to your writing and/or your book. If people are going to buy your book, they must first read about it. Have a page on your site that is dedicated to your book. Give a sample chapter, the bio, meet the characters. Give a little something that will make the readers want to buy your book. If you are simply a writer, have a page that is dedicated to all of your writing. You can separate it into sections if you like; have more than one page for writing, that's all up to you. But make sure there is a space dedicated to it.
- A Guestbook. We all want feedback "What do you think" is a line I hear or read a lot of other writers saying. Make sure your website includes a guestbook page so that visitors can leave you their feedback.
- Contact me. Of course people are going to want to contact you. Maybe about the book, the writings, to invite you to speak at their group. They may need to contact you for anything. A contact me page is a great way to allow people to get in contact with you without giving your email address out directly.
- Events. Another great page to have on your site is a list of things that are coming up such as book signing, speaking engagements, parties, book releases, interviews, reviewers anything that pertains to your writing career. Keep the list here to allow visitors to see what's coming up next for you.
- A Blog. Everybody does not blog. That's ok but if you are one of those that blogs, it's good to have a blog on your page. This you can update everyday which gives readers a reason to come to you website often. The content of this page is your choice.
- Pictures of the author/writer. A picture page is ok too especially if you recently had an event such a book release party. This may encourage others to be present at the next party.
There's always room for more but not too much more. Don't clutter your website. There are ways to have a lot on it but not have all of it seen.
If you are looking for a website. Free or not, goggle webhosting sites or web building sites or free websites and see what comes up. If you are not familiar with this, the easy way is to hire someone and let them do it for you. But if you are like me and you like to have control over everything and have the power to change and update whenever you feel like it, then you're best bet is to do it yourself. There are also web building programs you can buy from the store and download to your computer. Whichever way you decide to go, take yout time building what will represent you.
If you are looking to hire someone to design your website or you are a web designer, join our group here: http://fromawriterspov.ning.com/group/graphicdesignerswebdesigneretc
Signing Off
Dominique Watson
