Whether you’re a previously published writer or an established author on the brink of literary stardom, you need an author website. An author website functions as your online business card—it’s where literary agents and editors will look first to learn more about you. And here’s some very good news: In the whole history of human civilization, there’s never been a better time than right now to start building your online platform with an author website.
Why It’s The Perfect Time To Launch An Author Website
It’s never too early or too late. Even if you’ve never been published, creating an author website puts you on the road toward professional legitimacy (and it can also be a good way to share your work, as long as you follow the rules about submitting previously published writing). If you already have some publishing credits under your belt, now’s the time to start your online marketing efforts to solidify your reputation. Either way: The only way to reap the benefits of having an author website is to actually have one!
Publishing online has never been easier. You can find a huge array of WordPress themes, online promotional tools, and social media plugins available to enhance your author website. Many of these tools are user-friendly and simple to install. You just need a bit of time and willingness to tackle a modest learning curve. And if you want to make creating your site even easier, let the professional designers at Web Design Relief build the perfect author website within your budget—all you have to do is sit back and keep writing!
The entire publishing industry is shifting to online formats. While print journals and books will always have a special place in readers’ hearts, the publishing industry is moving to digital formats. Many literary journals have opted for online-only publication models. Start-up publishers are changing the way book deals are done by imagining new ways of publishing online. So if you’ve been putting off creating an author website, you’ve also been putting off the advantages of being in the right place at the right time.
The Internet is changing. According to a 2014 Pew Research Center study, the percentage of adults using social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram has seen significant increase over the past several years. With more people spending time online than ever before, it’s become increasingly important to have an author website that can function as the main hub for all of your social media profiles. Linking out to Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking platforms will help you cross-promote to a wider audience and gain more followers and fans!
You can’t beat an author website for spreading information. In the old days, word-of-mouth sales took place over friendly lunches and telephone calls. Now, a substantial number of “organic” sales take place when one person recommends a book to another online via social sharing. If you don’t have a website that readers can point to in order to share recommendations with friends, then you’re missing out on one of the most powerful reputation-building strategies available for writers today.
Launching A Website Is As Easy (Or As Difficult) As You Make It
The nuts and bolts of creating an author website might seem intimidating, but in truth, the process should be fun, not scary. A simple, well-designed website will be a great tool for establishing your reputation, and you can always upgrade later on, as needed. The important thing is just to get one started ASAP.
Take the first step right now! Here are ten questions you should ask yourself to identify your goals, your website call to action, and your design preferences.
QUESTION: What do you think is the biggest benefit to having an author website?
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