Being an author in the digital age means incorporating technology into marketing. One such way of doing this is by creating an author website.
What is an author website?
An author website is an online platform that helps establish your brand as a writer. Most author websites contain the following:
- A brief bio of the author;
- List of books and future works;
- A mailing list signup;
- Contact page;
- Media page; and
- Your blog
Depending on the style you want, you don’t need to include everything on this list. However, it helps to update your website regularly so potential readers and clients can reach out to you.
What are the reasons to get an author website?
There are several reasons why it’s important to have an author website. Some of which are:
- It creates an online presence.
Many rely on the internet for everything, including work and entertainment. Since people are more online than ever, authors can easily broadcast their work to a broad audience. - It draws in potential readers and clients.
Many users and potential business partners may search the author online to see whether they are active on the internet. Since many communication channels now rely on the internet, creating a platform they can easily search online helps. - It helps form network connections.
Not many people have their website because it takes time and money. However, this investment can be a great tool because it allows network connections that would have been difficult to do at home. For instance, in real-time, authors can respond to fan questions on social media sites. Another example is that a website allows you to connect to other authors and industry experts. - Adds legitimacy.
While the internet is vast and diverse, it also creates a breeding ground for misinformation. Creating your website gives legitimacy to your author’s work by providing an official platform. Many scammers create fake social media accounts of authors to trick people, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. - It’s cost-effective.
Marketing is an expensive but worthy venture. However, traditional marketing can be very costly, quickly leaving your work buried with other competitors. Creating a website plus other online marketing tools helps keep your readers engaged at a fraction of the cost.
What if I’m not tech-savvy?
Fortunately, nearly anyone can make their website thanks to several free online templates and domains. However, you can work with a book marketing team if you prefer to skip the tech-heavy stuff. These companies offer packages that include features and strategies to help market your book.
The bottom line:
An author website is a valuable tool to have for many budding writers. With the right team and strategies, you can market your book professionally at an affordable cost.