The wonderful Linda Jackson from Writers Do Laundry, Too has interviewed me! Head on over, and you might pick up a free copy of My Zombie Dog.
Most writers understand the need to have a strong presence online (or 'build a platform'). As a writer, where should you be online?
Most writers understand the need to have a strong presence online (or 'build a platform'). As a writer, where should you be online?
I believe this comes down to choice and market. There are so many social media sites now, you can settle into the ones that feel right for you. But, you also want to consider your readers, where do they hangout online?
A website is a good start. This is a page where your readers can find you if they search. It can also host all your contact information, so readers can then connect with you on Twitter or Facebook, or wherever you provide links.
I have a dear friend who is very talented with Graphic Arts and Design. Rhonda from Mercieca Designs, created a special website for me. You can find Rhonda at her blog Toxic Designz:
Your website can contain blurbs for your books, or even sample pages, as well as links to make it easy for readers to purchase your products.
I've had this blog for a few years and so there's not much chance I'd relocate or walk away from it. However, if I was doing my time again, I'd have my blog hosted within my website. This way you could have yourname.com/blog rather than yourname.blogspot.com. My blog would also be easier to find, the way I have this blog set up, it's called Wagging Tales, the web address is clancytales and the name I promote is charmaineclancy. It's a wonder any of you turn up here at all! (I'm very glad you did).
Before you rush off to hire a graphic designer, or attempt to put your own site up, make a list of all the information you want to have included. Then group that information into logical 'pages'. Also shop about, look at other author's websites. Try seeing what writers in your genre use. Mystery and thriller writers often use blacks or reds in their design, whereas children's writers use cheery colours like yellow, blue or pink.
Make it professional. Your site represents you as a writer. Whether you want readers or potential publishers to view it, you want them to see that you are serious about your craft and work, even if your site has a fun or comical theme.
I don't know if you got my email, but your post is up on my blog today. And thanks for this informative post. I try to keep my author website up-to-date, but sometimes I get so busy blogging...well, you know. :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome advice! I knew nothing about blogging when I started. I'd never heard of domain names or author websites ... I think next summer my aim will be to create a website and tie it all together!
ReplyDeleteI have a blog but not a website. Not sure I'd have much to say on a website yet. Should really finish the novels I'm working on I guess.
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Solid information, Charmaine. I'd neglected my website for so long that I recently pointed everything at my domain name. Just haven't added all the stuff I had there yet. Lots to do and not so much time in which to do it.
ReplyDeleteHigher Images has been building all types of websites and internet products for over 9 years. they have web solutions for any type of business.
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Charmaine, you always give great advice! Good luck in everything you do and take care!
ReplyDeleteHi, Charmaine! Thanks for this information. I have a blog, but not a website. I think one of my goals for 2013 will be to set up a website.
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by my blog - I think you'll like the Wicked Business series - have that off beat horror/paranormal bent to it that leaves you laughing ;)
ReplyDeleteI use my blog as website and blog. You've just reminded me of all the updates I've been putting off.
ReplyDeleteI used to have a separate website, but then I thought it would be easier to turn my blog into a site, with the blog as the front page. I had to play with many different templates until I found the right one. It wasn't easy, but once the look and format was down, things fell into place and I came to adore my home on the web.
ReplyDeleteI have had my blog so long I would hate to give it up. I am considering a website with a link to the blog. At the moment the blog works for me.
ReplyDeleteEvery now and then, marketing your products or doing some personal blogs online has been already a part of people’s life. And as a writer, we want anyone can read what we’ve written; expressing ourselves through writing helps motivates everyone to do the same thing. I suggest that before you post any of your articles, always see to it that no one will plagiarize it. It can impair your reputation as a writer.
ReplyDeleteIt would definitely be a great idea to have this blog hosted on your own personal website. It’s never too late to put up your own website, since there are tons of people already online and more coming in everyday. It also helps to be connected through the most popular social networking websites, and then have those connections visible somewhere on your website. Twitter, for example, being one of the fastest and quickest ways for status updates, offers the option to have your feed on your website or blog, whether by HTML coding or RSS feeds.
ReplyDeleteWhat’s challenging about developing a writer’s website is that YOU are the product. This means that your content will instantaneously reflect your proficiency as a writer. If your posts are disengaging to usual readers, to say the least, then you’ll have a harder time to attract publishers.
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