Your Guide to Effective Website Design for Independent Authors
In this day and age, every professional needs a solid web presence. This is certainly true for those who are self-published since much of your promotion and visibility comes from your accessibility to your readers.
Making your website easy to access and easy to navigate is crucial for its success- and yours. Here are a few tips from industry insiders for effective website design for independent authors – and how to apply them to your own site:
Effective Website Design Starts with Smart Choices
Before you can design and build a website, you’ll need to choose who you’ll partner with to do so. There are numerous hosts who can give you space online, many of which offer both basic and deluxe options. Deciding which host to go with will help you lay the groundwork for your website.
Some things to consider when deciding on a host include:
What is included in the basic version of the hosting package? Are features limited? Are ads extensive? Can you upgrade later?
What kind of payment options are available? Can you pay by the month? Is payment only accepted in an annual format?
What are the benefits of using the premium version over a basic version? Do they warrant the investment you would make?
Elements You Need in an Author’s Website
Once you’ve got your website domain chosen or purchased and your basic them or design chosen, what happens next? What information or features are vital for a successful author’s website?
Industry experts suggest always including the following elements for effective website design:
Your name or brand. Who are you? What do you want your readers to know about you from the mere mention of your name? This is your first chance at a good impression.
Your biography page or “About” section. This is where curious readers can learn more about their favorite writer, so be sure to offer some fun and interesting information.
Information about your content, from current projects to updates about upcoming releases, and more. This is where fans will flock to find out what’s coming up.
Social media widgets and buttons to help readers connect with you across their favorite platforms.
Email newsletter signup. From time to time, you may even consider offering rewards to those who sign up for your newsletter within a specific time frame. This will boost visitors to your site and give your guests a reason to return.
“Social proof,” which is a term referring to any positive media coverage or other recommendations from outside sources that will help prove that your content is worth the investment of time or money your readers may make.
Easy-to-use navigation features or menu. All your other excellent features are essentially useless if your readers can’t easily navigate your page and find what they are looking for. Prioritize good menu design while choosing a layout or theme and reap the rewards for your smart decision.
Still looking for more information on putting your website to work for you? Talk to the experts here at 4 Step Studio / Original Book Cover Designs. We have the tools and expertise you need to create an attractive and fully-functional website that will bring your content to your readers – and your readers back, time and time again!
