You guys are writers! You’re creative with words! Maybe it’s time to break out of the mold when it comes to link text on your website. If you browse 50 author websites, you’ll probably find the words “Click here” … “Read more” and “Buy Now” appearing hundreds of times. Because it’s easy. It’s clear. It’s […]
Authors: Think Beyond ‘Read More’ and ‘Click Here’ Read More »
It has been an interesting topic of conversation over the last few weeks: “The End of Social Media?” And while that’s a little dramatic (and we aren’t about to say that authors should stop using Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn — that’s practically career suicide nowadays!), it may be time to start thinking about what you’re
Is Social Media on the Decline? Read More »
There are many things that we hear that people want on an author website: a bio, photos, a list of books, etc… But every author is different, and every group of readers is different. Someone who visits the website of an author who writes about campaign finance reform probably is looking for something different than
What Do Your Readers Want on Your Website? Find Out! Read More »
I read an article a few days ago about the evolution of book clubs. Basically, it talked about: how book clubs are one of the keys to books’ popularity how book club members have started reaching out to authors about coming to speak in person at their meetings how even libraries are getting involved in
5 Ways Authors Can Make Use of Book Clubs Read More »
One of the most common mistakes that businesses make with their websites is to talk about themselves — not their customers (or, in the case of authors, readers). And if you’re a non-fiction author, this common pitfall may be costing you readers. Your website should clearly tell people what they would get out of your
Who Is Your Author Site About: You or Your Readers? Read More »
There was an interesting article in the NY Times recently about the increase in book sales in places other than bookstores (which is good … because bookstores are few and far between nowadays). And this gets me to thinking about authors who are promoting their books themselves … which is nearly everyone. Authors really need
Think Beyond Bookstores When Marketing Your Books Read More »
One of the best things an author can do through an online presence — be it a website or social networking — is build followers. This becomes your ready-made marketing list — people you can pitch your book to, inform of your next book, and share your success stories. How many followers you have can
4 Reasons a Reader Will Become a Follower Read More »
I came across an article in The Internet and Marketing Report this week that talks about the latest trend in log-ins/registrations: social sign-ins. But what are social sign-ins and how should authors use them? You know how you’ve spent the last fifteen years setting up usernames and passwords on every website you visit — from
Why Authors Should Offer Social Sign-In Options Read More »
One of the most important decisions that’s made in the process of designing an author website is how much the site should resemble the book cover. In an attempt to answer that question, here’s a list of dos and don’ts, based on my personal experience with authors: Do put yourself in the position of a
Authors: Does Your Website Look Too Much (or Too Little) Like Your Book Cover Read More »
When you build your author website or blog, you hope that someday it will be hopping with people and full of conversation and debate. But there’s a potential downside to your site becoming so popular: the isolation of new visitors. Some author websites feature blog entries or conversations that date back for months. When someone
Authors: Don’t Let Visitors Feel Left Out Read More »
