Make Waves on the Web

Are You Making Waves on the World Wide Web?

Brought to you from the BookSurge monthly "Surge Newsletter" for self-published authors.

In today's market, successful online book promotion goes far beyond online book-selling pages. An author website is an essential part of building your brand and finding new audiences for your book. An effective website needs more than just flashy graphics. Rather, a website that is rich in useful content and clear navigation can draw visitors in and expand your book's readership. Here are just a few tips on enhancing the primary sections of your author website to create more selling opportunities for your title.

Your Author Bio section is your opportunity to tell readers more about yourself and your creative influences. Here, introduce yourself and your writing experience to give visitors to your site a personal look at the author behind the pen. Authors of nonfiction titles should use this space to establish credibility with background information that builds trust with potential customers. Consider sharing a few of your favorite titles or the names of other authors who may have influenced your own writing.

An essential piece of your author website should give visitors an easy place to preview and purchase your book. An excerpt from a gripping chapter or a witty exchange between characters can act as a hook for new and potential readers. In your preview section, provide hyperlinks to any online selling pages you may have or provide contact information if you plan to sell autographed physical inventory. An easy way to keep readers interested is to change the passage you display on a regular basis to keep potential readers engaged in the book. Also, remember to update your website to reflect any changes to your contact information to more easily stay in contact with your fan base.

Another useful way to keep readers informed as to events and promotions surrounding your book is to provide readers with access to your weblog. Many websites allow you to integrate your blog into your webpage, but if yours doesn't, provide a link to the blog and update frequently. Here, tell readers about giveaways or special offers you are promoting with your book, give information on upcoming signings and tours, or display photos from past events.

Remember, your author website is your portal to millions of potential readers. Focus on delivering your message to them with helpful content and expand your readership.