How to Build a Writer's Web Site

Fiction writers, non-fiction writers and freelance journalists all need to promote their work to make a living. Here's how to build a writer's web site to showcase your talent.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a domain name. The best domain name is always your real name or the name you publish your work under. Use a site like godaddy.com or 1and1.com to secure a domain for less than $10/year. Both these sites also offer affordable hosting options. If your name is already taken, consider a variation like "jwilson.com" or "johnwilsonwriter.com." Don't use your book title as your domain name unless you want to build a new web site for every book you write.

2. Use an online site designer or a software program like Dreamweaver or Frontpage to design your site. Think about your target audience - if you write for teenage girls, your web site might have a pink and purple theme. Don't add music or moving graphics to your web site, because they can irritate readers.

3. Organize the information in your web site in easy-to-understand categories. An author's web site might have a biography page, a brief description of each book, a list of upcoming events and contact information such as an email or mailing address.

4. Offer samples of your work. A fiction writer might include an excerpt from a book or short story, while a freelance writer might include "clips" from magazines or newspapers.

5. A good web site incorporates interactive elements to engage visitors. The most simple of these is the link. Include links to online stores that sell your book, locations where you plan to give readings, and any articles or clips you've written or had written about you. You could also offer more advanced interactive content like a video clip of you reading from your book, a recording of a radio interview, or pictures from book signings and events.

6. Facilitate communication with your readers. Your web site could include a message board or comments feature. Start a blog, or capture email addresses for a monthly newsletter.

7. Update your site regularly to keep readers coming back. If you can maintain a relationship with readers between book releases, the chances are good that they'll buy your next one.