Key elements of a writers website

Key elements of a writers website

Your digital calling card

JoAnne Funch | GIR | [email protected] | www.girpromotions.com

• In business since 1996• Started in marketing &

promotional branding worked with Federal, state, non-profits & best of all entrepreneurs

• Online marketing, social media manager & trainer, blogger since 2008


What you will learn today

Difference between website & blog Know your target audience Know the purpose of your website Know your keywords Elements of the website Content is king SEO Email marketing Integrating social sites


Website or blog?

Website: A website informs, it is a marketing toolShows your services, books, articles,speaking, events, products, blog, testimonials

Blog: A blog engagesPosts about your book, subject matter/niche where you have an opportunity to engage youraudience – build the relationship!

One of the most valuable pieces of marketing that you can invest in is your digital business card – officially your website!


2 most important questions you need to answer

Know the purpose of your site before you spend the time & money

Know your target audience before you begin writing the content


Why do people visit authors sites?

First-Time VisitorsA first-time visitor is likely to visit your website because:

1. They heard your name and want to learn more about you

2. They read your book and want to see if you’ve written anything else

3. They stumbled upon your site from another site


Keywords

Knowing your keywords and being consistent in writing your content will make all the difference in being found online.

This is an easier task for non-fiction writers


Elements of the website

• An identifying URL• Identify the pages of your website• Pictures• Video• Blog• Testimonials & reviews• Contact information• Calls to action• Email subscription• Integrate social media sites


• Who are you?• What makes you interesting?• Why will people read your book?• Tell people why you wrote the book –• You must always include current and

compelling information. Keep it updated

• Fiction authors – talk about the characters• Non-fiction authors – talk about the niche

and current things of interest


Search Engine Optimization

• Learn how to optimize your site and blog articles with your key words

• Add Google analytics to your website & track the results –learn where your traffic is coming & what they are most interested in

• SEO is not a one time activity, it requires consistency to maintain and monitor results of your activities

• If you don’t want to learn SEO yourself, hire out this activity


Email Marketing

Website should include an offer a free special report or something relating to your book and/or market niche in exchange for the visitor’s e-mail address

The key is to provide a good enough offer so people will find value in giving you their name & email address

Don’t be afraid to give tons of value in order to develop a relationship with your prospect

Be consistent in your communication with those who have given you permission to receive info from you

Every email should contain a call to action


Email marketing examplenon fiction author


Email marketing examplefiction author


Integrate social media sites


Website checklistQ & A

WEBSITE CHECKLIST:

Create an identifying URLRegister your URL & host it with a hosting service ( ie: Host Gator, Blue

Host) Identify the pages of your websitePictures & videosAdd a blog platform such as Wordpress.orgObtain written testimonials of your work & reviews of your bookCreate a complete contact page Learn or hire out search engine optimization for the entire website Integrate your social media sites – best location is top right Integrate an email capture form, top right is best (never below the fold of

the page)Add Google analytics to your website


Web Development Services“We make you look good”


Your digital calling card:Delivers your message quickly through words and images and people know exactly what you are offering

Want to discuss your website? New or update?

Call JoAnne @ 951-902-3263 or email: [email protected]

Need a review of your online digital presence?CLICK: http://bit.ly/11fvSVs

mailto:[email protected]

http://bit.ly/11fvSVs

Education

Key elements of a writers website