A Well-Written Web Site is Critical to Your Self-Publishing Efforts (Dallas, TX)
How Will Your Document Be Produced?
Your web site will serve as an introduction to you and your book, a chance to talk about your book in detail, and you very own online store. As a self-published author, you need an effective marketing plan and a web site promoting you and your book is a very importance piece of your overall strategy.
Having your web site active is not enough. You must take the steps needed to increase traffic to your site and create a buzz about your book. It’s important to submit your web site to all the major (and minor) search engines. There is usually no charge for this (some charge a nominal fee) and your site will be listed within 24 hours. Once you are listed, you can take advantage of search engine optimization (SEO) to help you get noticed. SEO is the effective use and placement of key words and phrases that “web crawlers” use to list and categorize your web site.
Writing a book and writing web content require two different skill sets. Although you may be the next Hemmingway, it might be wise to hire an experienced web content writer who knows how the web works and how to best take advantage of the latest online marketing strategies. There are also a number of services such as LocalSplash.com that will increase your visibility on the web. They will optimize your entire web site solely for the purpose of attracting customers and generating sales.
Although it may not seem that way, potential customers interact with the web in a much different way than visiting their local book store when it comes to buying books. Use this to your advantage. Make sure your web site is attractive, friendly, inviting and encourages those visiting the site to stay a while and get know you and your talents.
For self-published authors, a web site is a great way to take advantage of the social nature of the new web. Reach out to friends and family and let them help you spread the word. Use your site to develop professional relationships and to share ideas with other self-published authors. Be sure to include a contact form that visitors to your site can use to reach you. Many studies have shown the an author’s chance of selling a book increases dramatically when they establish a personal relationship with potential customers.
Finally, keep your website up to date. Letting it remain static and unattended shows a lack of effort and undermines the fact that you (and your book) are an active and energetic member of the new breed of self-publishing authors.
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Phillip Crum is the Chief Idea Officer of Sir Speedy Walnut Hill located at 2414 Arbuckle Court Dallas, TX 75229, and is committed to the idea of helping small business owners do a better job of finding their next customer or client. Phillip can be reached at 214-213-7445, or via email.
Copyright © 2006-2010 Phillip Crum
