“What a joy it was to leave it all to you. I have had many good comments about my site. The point is, my website is successful with publishers and my agent no longer gives presentations, but just shows them the website.”
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« web design for authors »
It is becoming increasingly important for authors to put themselves online. This can seem a daunting prospect; where does one start? What are the benefits of digital publication? How much will it cost and what will you get in return?
We appreciate that authors want the best possible exposure — often within a tight budget — and this article breaks down, in clear language, what is involved and how you can have a website that works for you.
be strategic : define your market
Who is your website speaking to — who is your audience?
- Are you targeting booksellers or fans, or both?
- Is your website an online biography and showcase for your catalogue?
- Do you want a forum for visitors to discuss issues or themes related to your work?
- Are you a vanity publisher selling your work directly to your readers?
- Do you want to link to online retailers who stock your work, and if so, what are the financial benefits to you?
One of the first questions you need to ask yourself is what you want to achieve through having a website. Defining your objectives will help you to focus on what materials you need, what you are offering, and how you present yourself to your market.
See our page on web design for points to bear in mind when commissioning your website.
your image
It is imperative that you create a positive, professional perception of yourself and your work. Garish colours, clumsy typography and anachronistic design shout : “Cheap!”
Cutting corners and going for the least expensive quote is a false economy — it is vital that you ensure that your website reflects you and your work, and that it is seen by your audience.
Check to see if your designer is a qualified, experienced designer — there are no professional standards on the internet; anyone can put up a website and claim to be a designer.
Usability tests have shown that website visitors take just seven seconds to make a decision about whether to explore a site further.
Make no mistake: a search engine optimised, clean design — with carefully crafted text and a clear navigational system — will encourage your users (visitors) to interact with your website, and move you one step closer to achieving your goal.
Don’t settle for less; redesign often entails starting from scratch.
redesign
If you feel that your current website isn’t doing you justice, contact us to discuss your needs. We will get it right — we are qualified and experienced specialists, and you can contact any of our clients for a reference.
To view a website that we have done for an author, visit Madge Swindells’ website.
photographs
If you do not have digital images of yourself and your books, these can be scanned by your designer. You will need to mention this at the outset, so scanning fees can be included in your quote.
text
Keep it succinct. Screen media is not like printed material — people using the internet are typically searching for information and they are notoriously impatient. Make it easy for them. Your designer will advise you on the best way to do this.
Divide your text into logical sections of around 350 words per section. Extract the most salient points of the material you wish to have on your website, and make sure that you include your keywords in your text.
keywords
Keywords are the words and phrases your target market are most likely to use when searching for your website through a search engine, such as Google. If you have been strategic and defined your market, then this part of the process is relatively painless.
search engines
Not having your website optimised for the search engines is akin to not having your books on shelves. Our article on search engine optimisation (SEO) explains what is involved in this important aspect of owning a website.
We optimise all of our sites as standard. There is no extra charge for site optimisation and submission to the major search engines.
making money from your website
Be realistic. The much publicised stories of dotcom millionaires are, alas, not a true reflection of the digital world. Having a website will not guarantee an income. You will still need to market yourself, and your website can be considered a valuable marketing tool. And if you are selling a product from your website, we will ensure that you feature well in the search engines.
If you are not a vanity publisher, a modest income can, however, be made by linking to your books on Amazon, or similar websites. You will receive a pay–per–click (or referral) fee for visitors who purchase your book in this way. But sadly, this will not have any effect on your royalties.
... so why have a website?
the benefits of being online
Having a well designed, search engine–friendly website will give you credibility and exposure. If you have been strategic with your text and keywords, your website will be seen by your target audience.
accessibility
Another important factor when having your website designed, is to consider whether you wish to accommodate visitors with disabilities.
Our article on web design touches on this increasingly important issue, and we urge you to give accessibility some consideration.
content management
You might want to consider updating your website yourself. If you feel that you will be making regular, prolific changes to your website, then this is the long term cost effective solution. See our page on content management software for more information.
e–commerce
You may be in the position of wanting to sell your work online. We can provide bespoke shopping cart facilities. See our article on e–commerce.
You may wish to consider opening a Paypal account, so that consumers can deposit funds directly into your account.
e–books
An e–book is a digital version of your work, usually in PDF (Acrobat) format. Visitors can download and print an E Book, after having paid for it. If you would like us to digitise your manuscript, contact us for a quote.
bells & whistles
You might want a Flash website, or some animation on your website. Our article on animation — and when to use it — provides practical advice on special effects, and gives example websites.
the costs
Do you have a budget? If so, let us know immediately. We will analyse your needs and come up with a solution within budget.
Otherwise, let us know what you are looking for and we will give you a detailed quote. Prices start from around *£400.00 for four pages, including a contact form. Extras — for example forums, or a shop, cost more.
We are reluctant to offer a one–size–fits–all package, because experience shows us that generic solutions do not address the needs of the individual and their audience.
We don’t want any of our clients to get lost in the morass of the world wide web; we want you to be visible and unique.
Contact us to discuss your requirements.
* All prices subject to confirmation.
