By Erin Mitchell
Disclaimer: Book Country is a client of the agency for which I toil. I asked permission to use the tips below, but Book Country didn’t ask me to post this. My opinions, as always, are my own and are unfettered.
If you’re an author, you have a website. Right? Or a blog that serves as a site? (same difference, these days)
Assuming you do—or if you don’t, you’re going to set about establishing one—the below tips from Colleen Lindsay, community manager for Book Country, are invaluable. Of course, I can’t resist a bit of commentary!
1. ALWAYS have contact information on your website or blog (and not one of those contact forms).
I actually don’t mind contact forms so much…as long as they work. When a reader takes the time to write to an author, even a brief “thanks for writing” response goes a long way to building positive word-of-mouth. But please, no automatic replies. Form replies are worse than no response at all.
2. Create a downloadable press kit for your site, w/ high-res photos, book jackets, bio & press clippings.
Like #5 below, I recommend getting professional advice on this, and I prefer a link to downloadable press clips.
3. Don't make it hard for readers to leave comments and engage you in conversation. Allow use of Open ID, etc.
…because if you make it difficult, readers will go away frustrated.
4. Have a separate area on your site for appearance information, and make sure it's up-to-date.
…and has a distinct URL that people can share, one that leads directly to this page.
5. HIRE A DESIGNER. Make an effort! It's not super-expensive these days to hire a blog designer.
Add to this: Buy a URL. One that makes some sense and is consistent. And that includes your name (if YourName.com is not available). Really, it costs less than $20.
6. Don't be afraid to take control of your comments and delete the assholes. It's YOUR blog.
Remember that your site (and your Facebook page) is a community, a place for your readers to gather and interact with you and each other. Bullies and meanies need not apply. It’s possible to disagree constructively.
7. Make sure your agent and publicist's contact info is on your blog/website.
Email and phone, please.
8. Avoid graphic-heavy landing pages; they add nothing and just piss off people with older browsers.
Remember, too, that an increasing number of readers are looking at sites on a mobile device. Make sure yours works on at least iPhone and Android, if not Blackberry.
9. For the love of GOD, don't put auto-play music on your blog or website!
Amen. Can I have a hallelujah? Really, this applies to everyone. Also, don’t put auto-play video on your home page.
10. Make sure you add links to all your (public) social media presences on your blog/website.
And make them easy to find. Buttons on the home page work well.
11. Add your bibliography, in the order that the books were published, so new readers can read in order!
If it’s critical to read your books in order, be sure to note that. If not, it’s helpful for readers to know that too. If you have multiple series, group them together in date order.
12. List any and all awards you've won, whether you're a NYT, USA Today bestseller, etc.
I actually don’t see this as so important, because these lists are so long as to have become less indicative of a great book, one that people enjoy. But if you have it, no harm flaunting it, I guess.
13. Write about other writers you love to read. Pay it forward, especially if you have a strong platform.
Ask any successful author. In this industry especially, karma matters.
14. If you're going on vacation or need a break, ask a friend to guest-blog for you so content stays fresh!
…especially if you have a new book out.
Got all that? Good. Here’s one extra, just for kicks:
Don’t rely solely on your publisher/publicist when it comes to your website.
Remember, authors are both brands and entrepreneurs. Your publicist, assuming you’re lucky enough to have one, has a bunch of books to promote, and only so many hours in the day. It need not take you a ton of time to create and maintain your author site, and it’s worth every moment.
Colleen shared these tips during the #bookcountry bi-weekly TweetChat held on July 28.
