Many authors chose to create their own web site to showcase their work. This can be a great tool if done right. However, many authors are so eager to get their site up and running that they forget to follow a few common sense rules. If you keep the following tips in mind, you can build a site that readers will flock to.
Rule #1: Don't Hire a Family Member
There are some very simple reasons you should not depend on a relative to build your site. First of all, building your web site is probably a hobby for them, not their day job. Your priorities will not be the same. You will want to have the site updated frequently. And, while they may be enthusiastic initially to help you out and promise to update your site 'as needed' you really need to define what 'as needed' means. Otherwise, both of you can become frustrated.
Rule #2: Don't Do-It-Yourself
Do not build your own web site. Furthermore, buying expensive web development software will not ensure that you end up with a really great web site. Besides making everything look great, you need to have some behind the scenes skills such as search engine optimization. Remember, your day job is writing so stick to it. Hire a professional to do the building.
Rule #3: Give the Reader What He Wants
In order to keep readers interested and coming back, you need to know what information your readers want from you. A list of your published works and book signings is a good place to start, but readers also want personal information about you. If you have a Facebook page, list it on your site. Readers feel more connected to authors they can contact.
Rule #4: Don't Get Caught Up On Design Over Content
An aesthetically pleasing web site is great. A web site with interesting and informative content is even better. Readers want information and your job is to give it to them. If your site looks really cool that's a plus, but you need to focus on the content, not design.
Rule #5: Too Many Ads Are Just Annoying
Remember that readers are intent on getting information from your web site. Don't let your advertisements outnumber valuable content. Nobody wants to feel like they are on a scavenger hunt when they are looking for upcoming events. Keep the advertisements to a minimum.
Rule #6: Keep Your Site Current
Update. Update. Update. Nobody is looking for yesterday's news. If readers can't get the latest news on you from your web site, they will get it from someone else's. To ensure your contest is always current, you need to be able to easily update the site yourself.
Judith Ceja writes articles for Author-Network.com
For more tips for successful authors go to http://www.author-network.com
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