If you are thinking about writing and self-publishing a book, it is time to start planning your author website now. In this competitive digital age, it is more important than ever to have a website with a visual presentation that reflects the tone and literary quality of your work. Creating an author website might seem intimidating, but with the availability and ease of web technology, it is a lot easier and less costly than years past.

5 Reasons to Build an Author Website

• It is your window to the world – It acts as your 24-hour assistant. Not only is information about you and your book always available to interested parties, but fans who want to know more about you can read your bio in the “About the Author” section. The “Media Room” pages will provide updates on any news about you or your book. TIP: The more content you post an update, the easier it will be for people to find you and your work.

• It helps you build a community of followers and fans – A proper website will have the online tools that allow you to build an email list. A reliable service, like Mail Chimp, is a good start. It has an option for a free account that stores 2000 email addresses before any payment is required. You will also want to add your social media icons on the site and use a social media plugin that will allow readers to share your content. TIP: A good website will also have clearly defined links that allow followers to receive new blog posts through an RSS feed. [Tweet “Authors, need a website that will act as validation for all the readers coming from a social media platform.”]
• It compliments social media – While social media platforms are a necessary tool, they cannot replace a website. Websites are the visual “business cards” of the modern age. Every professional, especially authors, need a website that will act as validation for the readers coming from a social media platform. TIP: Author websites can be used to push out content through social media to their followers and target market.
• You can promote your work and message through blogging – Writing consistent blog articles will build a loyal following, increase credibility and push relevant content on to the internet attracting new followers back to your website. TIP: Writing and maintaining an active blog will allow you to develop your voice,  test run new ideas while sharpening your writing skills.
• It is a great way to sell online – When you have an author website, you have the opportunity to sell books directly from your site or link to online resellers. Using a simple PayPal or Amazon checkout icon, you can sell and ship books directly to customers. Whether you are selling online or not, you still need a page designated for the book. The book cover image should be displayed prominently. Add affiliate icons for multiple resellers under the image. TIP: Authors who want the added exposure and income can sign up for reseller affiliate accounts and link to those resellers with icons or text links.

A simple, well-designed responsive website (visible on smartphones) can be created in a month or less. There are many “user-friendly” free sites to get you started. WordPress is the most popular platform and has easy to follow plugins that will help with anything from SEO to formatting images and video. Make sure you get a good hosting company that will provide you a site that is fast and ranks well with Google. If you enjoyed this article feel free to comment or share with other authors.

Rick Lite of Stress Free Book Marketing, stands at the forefront of the ever-changing book industry. He is a seasoned book marketing professional with over 13 years of experience in the industry. Rick’s expertise comes from tirelessly working on new and innovative ways to market his own books and CDs with his company and parent company, Stress Free Kids. Embracing the core values of integrity, innovation, and growth, Rick works closely with authors to create custom, robust book marketing programs. His easy-going manner provides “stress-free” support and comfort to authors going through the book marketing process for the first time. Rick is quick to share his knowledge and “insider tips” for a successful marketing campaign that will lead to increased exposure, awareness and most importantly, sales.