Sep 18, 2015
Writer's Digest Feb 2015
long-term investment
LAYING THE GROUNDWORK
1. Buy a domain name.
2. Selecting a Host. Free hosting, fee-based hosting (self-hosting), managed or premium hosting.
2.1 Free hosting. blogger or WorkPress.
Cannot fully customize site, limited functionality for e-commerce or monetization (advert, paywall areas, membership), not getting in-depth analytics about visitors
Recommend WordPress as it allows a seamless transfer to a self-hosted WordPress site if needed.
2.2 Fee-based hosting (self-hosting).
best for established authors to monetize the site.
advantages - fully customize site design - fonts etc important for long-term author branding.
- website traffic and what marketing efforts are working
- freedom to add functions to earn money from your site (advert, ecommerce, membership, paywall areas.
-effective integration of email newsletter sign-up tools.
eg. hosting providers, Bluehost, HostGator, DreamHost - one-click installation of WordPress and 24/7 support $4-$7/month.
Free 10-min tutorial how to set up a self-hosted WordPress site, http://bit.ly/WDselfhost.
responsible for your own site security, back up your site, site goes down.
2.3 Managed or premium hosting. up to $30/month for site security, regular backups, superior support. One most popular solution for WordPress sites is WP Engine. |Hier someone to help yo properly set up your site.
web designers or a web programmer. $500-1000 for a basic setup and A$3000 or more
BUILDING THE SITE
Should visitors buy your latest book? sign up for your email newsletter, follow you on facebook?
1. Choosing a WordPress Theme. WordPress is a free, open-source content management systems powers more than 20% of the world's website. Blogging as well as full-fledged website e.g. new York Times has customized version. Hire a designer. think long term. Most themes are free, can buy a premium theme with better support and forums, updates and customization options.
2. 7 essential website elements
2.1 Author name or brand e.g. CJ Lyons "Thrillers with Heart"
2.2 email newsletter signup e.g MailChimp automate the process for you
2.3 About or bio page - professional author photo
2.4 Information about your books articles or products and links
2.5 social media icons or badges
2.6 Social proof - positive testimonials, media coverage, good review, significant following e.g. Twitter.
2.7 straightforward menu or navigation. <5-7 menu items.
3. Maximizing your site
3.1 If actively blogging, have calls to action since many visitors will not go to your home page
3.2 not active change default setting of most word press themes as blog posts front and centre on your home page. Settings to designate a different home (front) page. Or no blog page (SELECT to nullify it on Reading Settings.
3.3 install site analytics tool. Google anaylytics.
3.4 20-30% of site traffic from mobile or tablet devices. Double check though Wordpress is mobile friendly.
Free and easy ways to get a website up
About.me free splash-page service
e.g about.me/janefriedman (author of this webpage)
RebelMouse.com
contently.com/journalists
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