Your website is your home base. You always want to bring the reader to your home. This is the place you keep them informed on what’s happening with you and your books.
It is the second most important part of your promotion plan.
If you can fit it into your budget, get your own site, with your name as the domain name. This makes it so easy for readers to type in your name.com to find you—the easier for them to remember, the easier for them to return.
The website is the best way to start your online promotion.
This is a place where you can showcase your writing articles, short stories, and excerpts of your books.
Many writers are using blogs as their home base because they are more interactive. I suggest you choose which one works for you and fits into your schedule. If you’re not going to make time to update a blog weekly or monthly, then the website works well for you because you can update monthly or once a year, depending on how your books are released.
Your website/blog is a perfect place for introducing you and your books to potential readers.
Here are four features I believe your homebase should have:
CONTACT ME Page or Link
This is one of the most important features on the site. You won’t believe how many authors don’t have a contact me link.
Not having a contact page is a sure way to miss a new fan or someone interested in inviting you to speak or attend an event.
You always want a link to how to get in touch with you: snail mail, email, or social media.
I recommend you have a separate email just for this link.
When you check it, you know it’s from someone who visited your site.
Many authors are using the contact me form, which works great for readers wanting to sign up for your mailing list or newsletter. However, when it comes to media it can be a deterrent, as most won’t take the time to fill out the form.
Include an email for the media to contact you. Don’t miss an opportunity because there is only one way to contact you.
EMAIL MAILING LIST
The second most important feature on your site is your mailing list. This is your way of capturing the visitors to your site.
Makes no sense to have a site and not invite the visitors to join your community. The whole point of promotion is to build your community. You do this by including a link or form on your site for those visitors who want to keep up with what’s happening.
with their favorite author. This is an opt-in option. Readers sign themselves up.
BIO/ABOUT ME
An introduction of you and why you write is a must for any site. I suggest you add a picture. Readers like to see what their favorite author looks like.
PRESS KIT or Media page
Many authors feature online press kits. It’s a quick way for the media and fans to get information about you and your books.
Always include a contact email on this page.
BOOKSTORE
Always have a page that features your books and a way for readers to purchase them, either from you (autographed, of course) or through an online store. Visitors always want to buy the book after reading an excerpt. You want them to buy your book, so don’t forget to offer them a chance to do so.
Action Steps If You Don’t Have A Homebase
List what you would like your homebase to have.
Do you research before you commit to a website/blog.
Purchase your domain and hosting.
Create a website/blog or pay someone to create one for you.
Invite your community to visit the website/blog.
Action Steps If You Have A Homebase
Check your homebase, do you have a:
CONTACT ME Page or Link – Don’t miss out on opportunities.
EMAIL MAILING LIST – An opt in for your subscribers to join.
BIO/ABOUT ME – let the reader know who you are.
PRESS KIT or Media page – great for media to check you out – picture of you, bio, excerpts.
BOOKSTORE – keep the reader on your site, let them buy their books from you.
If you know someone who needs book promotion tips, share this newsletter with them.
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See Ya On The Net,
LaShaunda
P.S. Do you need more help with your book promotion? Check out my Kindle Vella series – Building Your Readership – https://amzn.to/48dbbeJ
