Starting an Author Website

A common piece of advice given to writers in today’s market is that you need an author website and a social media presence, and the prospect of creating a website can be a bit overwhelming to writers.

September 12th will be the three-year anniversary of my website, and I’ve been reflecting a lot on the journey. As a result, I thought I’d pass on what I’ve learned.

Here are three things to consider before starting your author website.

1. Static or Dynamic: A few years ago, I wrote a post about deciding whether to use a static or dynamic home page for your author website, but it is such an important decision that it’s made this list.
   A static home page might contain your bio, or it might be a landing page with links to your books, events, news, etc. Regardless, a static home page remains the same and rarely changes. Think of it as a billboard advertising you. A place potential readers, agents, and publishers can learn a little more about you. People who visit a site with a static home page usually come to find out information about you and your work. They probably won’t return often. Many visitors may only need to visit your site once.
   A dynamic home page changes frequently. You might use a dynamic page to post news or events. Information will be added and updated as often as you want. A dynamic page is also great for an author blog, with the latest blog appearing at the top of the page. This is a great way to get visitors to your site and keep them returning.
   However, if you plan to have a dynamic home page, make certain that you regularly add information; otherwise, visitors won’t have an incentive to return and new visitors might think your website is defunct if it’s been a while since your last update.
2. Author Platform: An author platform is simply the manner in how you’ll sell books to readers. I think of it more in terms of how you will connect with readers. What is your mission, vision, or message as an author?
   Mine came about by thinking of what I wanted to accomplish with my blog. I wanted to share my work, sure, but I also wanted to connect with and help other writers. Whether you choose a static or dynamic website, you’ll want to use your site as part of your author platform.
3. How to Start Growing an Audience?: Once you’ve created an author website, you’ll need to start attracting people to it. You can start by sharing your website link to your social media accounts so that friends and family know where to find it. You can create author pages that are separate from your personal social media accounts so you have more ways to share your work and/or your blog posts if you choose to have a blog. It also creates more ways for people to contact you.
   Start connecting with writers in your community and state. Read and follow other bloggers who write about similar things. Connect with them by leaving thoughtful or helpful comments. Those bloggers might start following you, or their readers might look up your website. Think of making genuine connections and avoid forceful marketing. That will have the opposite effect that you want. Here are a few Marketing Sins Writers Should Avoid.
   Include your website when you provide a bio for your book or pieces you have published in literary magazines.
   Put your website on your business cards so when you meet other writers or people in your community you not only have a way they can contact you but can find your website as well. Consider getting business cards as an extra tip in promoting yourself as an author. This is a business you’re starting, after all.

I have one other major point for writers to consider before starting their author website, but it is as long as the three points I’ve already provided and deserves to be its own post. So come back next week to get helpful information about having an author blog. Should you have one? Should it be part of your author website or separate? I’ll answer these questions and offer other tips.