By Cherie Wicks
The pen may be mightier than the sword, but it needs some help to make a mark in the digital age. That’s why websites and blogs have become essential. Especially if you’re an author looking to carve out a niche for yourself. And building a site is the best way to do this. It puts all your information in one place. Not only can you maintain a blog, but also link news coverage and updates about your latest work.
However, most agencies won’t hesitate in charging you an arm and a leg to create that ideal website. Fortunately, like all good things, there’s an alternative. There are several website builders available online. Many of these are free and highly customizable.
So what is the best website builder out there? There are several options to choose from. Just run through this list of site builders to find your pick! Once you find a website builder to do the job, it’s a cakewalk.
Creating an Author Website
- To start off, personalize your domain name to make yourself identifiable.
- Next, you need to create a brand out of yourself. Settle on a color scheme that will dominate the website to give it an identity of its own.
- Then you can get started with customizing your layout to ensure that the site stands out. With options to modify the text, images, and designs, it’s up to you to create something new. There are an endless variety of features available, so the sky is the limit!
- Avoid settling for a one-page website. It may seem more straightforward but can significantly damage your credibility. Make sure your website has a place to show off your work. A website with a blog or articles section is perfect for showing examples of your work. You could also build a portfolio section on your website to share examples of your writing. Provide real samples of your writing and you can refer clients to this. Whether you’re an established author or not, having a website that reflects sincerity can do wonders for your reputation.
- With all the data in place, make sure that the website doesn’t get too cluttered. Go through it once more to see if it is organized and easily navigable. Turn to your family and friends for feedback. After all, no visitor enjoys a game of ‘Finding Waldo’ when surfing through a site.
- Once the page has been designed, check to see that it’s mobile-friendly as well. Most website builders give you the option to view the page across various platforms, go through these to make sure that it’s perfect.
Author Website Essentials
As an author, there are some things to keep in mind when designing a professional site. These include:
- Creating a contact page
- Ensuring an option/link to purchase your books (if you’re a published writer)
- A page showcasing the list of your endorsements or testimonials
- Social media links
- A separate blog page to connect with your readers on a more personal level. Add the option to subscribe to regular updates and create a mailing list of interested readers.
With a little creativity and experimentation, you can create a domain that’s entirely your own – literally and figuratively.
After all the steps are completed, it’s time to make the website live and remember to update it regularly. There you have it, you’ve just created a footprint on the digital landscape!
Cherie Wicks is an Arizona native who enjoys staying indoors during the sweltering summers and keeping cool by writing and learning more about how business works. She has been in the digital marketing industry for ten years and has worked on hundreds of successful campaigns.
