AUTHOR WEBSITE DESIGN
Your author website is the center of your online universe. It works for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Use it to connect with your readers, share new information, and keep your readers updated.
WEBSITE ESSENTIALS
WEBSITE PURPOSE
The primary purpose of your author website should probably be to give your readers something in exchange for their email address.It’s not easy to capture a reader’s attention when there are so many choices for them. Get their email address so you can let them know when you have new information to share or a new release comes out.
WEBSITE HOSTING
While there are free hosting options available, you have more control and flexibility when you pay for professional hosting.
If you want a detailed explanation of web hosting options, read this article. Otherwise, I recommend Siteground (affiliate link). It’s what I use, it’s reasonably priced, and it’s been great for me.
DOMAIN NAME
Your domain name is how people find you online. As an author, you probably want to keep it simple – your name, or your name followed by author, writer, or books, depending on what’s available.
Don’t use dashes. Get .com. Keep it simple. You can get a free domain if you sign up for hosting with Siteground. Otherwise, I recommend Namecheap (affiliate link). They have good prices and an easy admin system.
WORDPRESS THEME
WordPress is a platform to help you build a website and manage your content. It makes it relatively easy to build an effective, professional website.
You can change the look and feel of your website by using different WordPress themes. I’ve tried a billion different themes and I currently use OceanWP theme. They have a free and paid version.
A fun (yes, fun) and easy way to build a website is to use a visual Page Builder in combination with OceanWP. It allows you to visually build a website without knowing how to code. Of course, if you don’t know what good website design is, hire someone who does. Remember, your website is your online rep 24/7.
If you want to try a Page Builder, check out Elementor. They have a free version and they have free pre-designed templates to help get you started. Be warned, there is a learning curve and it can be time-consuming to design, build, and maintain your own website.
EMAIL MARKETING
One of the most important aspects of your website will be your email optin form. That’s how you stay in touch with readers. It might be an actual form or it could be a button that opens the form. Buttons tend to convert better, but it’s always best to test it on your own website.
There are lots of email marketing services out there to choose from. Some are for hardcore marketers and some are for technically challenged people. You’ll have to figure out which one fits your needs.
Mailchimp and MailerLite have free options to start with.
Convertkit and Active Campaign are two good services that aren’t free.
PRICING
Author website template (DIY) is free.
Customized author website template is $1,295.
100% Custom website is $12,950.
