FAQ's about websites, domains, and emails

A website can serve as a platform to showcase an author's work, connect with readers, and build their brand. It can also be a hub for book sales, event information, and news updates.

However, you might decide not to do a full 5 page website as just a 1 page website may suit you better. And when you are ready to expand, it will be a simple process to build on what you already have without the need to recreate the entire site again.

Do you have a domain name in mind?  The first priority is to check if it is available, and if it is, grab it! Register it so no one else can.

Keep it short and simple. A domain name that is short and easy to remember is more likely to stick in people's minds. Avoid using complicated words, numbers, or hyphens, which can make it harder to remember and spell.

Choose a domain name that reflects the purpose or theme of your website. So consider using your name or book title in your domain name.

Including relevant keywords in your domain name can help improve your website's search engine ranking. Consider including keywords related to your niche or industry. 

There are many website-building platforms available, including WordPress, Weebly, Wix, Squarespace, and more.

A quick way to narrow it down, is to ask yourself, are you going to be putting in the content yourself?  What is your level of knowledge for anything related to a computer?

We always recommend at the very least you have some level of understanding of the components that goes into getting a website but no, you don't have to manage it yourself. 

There are several businesses that can manage a site for you including adding new content.  Including us!  

Essential elements include a homepage that showcase your book! 

Don't be afraid to be big and bold and show how proud you are of your incredible work.

You'll need to also have a good introduction about you and your work, and perhaps the reason you wrote it. 

Be open to your readers as they always love to know more about an author.

You can also write a blog as that is always helpful for search engines to find your website. 

And don't forget a section that gives updates and news.  Oh and a way to contact you. 

Yes, if you plan on selling books or merchandise directly from your website. Alternatively, you can provide links to where they can buy your products.

Whilst you can't sell an e-book directly off your site, you can easily link to Amazon and other places that do sell your e-book.

It is not easy to define it precisely for every website however think about your book, your style and the personality of you and your book.

Do you like the idea of a fun, and exciting colourful website? Perhaps your book is a mystery so a quieter atmosphere would be better suited.  

And what about your own style?  Do you want to present yourself as a professional corporate writer or blogger?

Above all, great photographs can make a basic website look fantastic and we can help find them for you.  

Have a look at other websites and pay attention to how they make you feel. That will help you define how to create your site. 

It's important to regularly update your website with new content, such as blog posts, news updates, and information about upcoming events.

Think of the front page of your website as the front page of a magazine.  When you walk into a newsagency, you look at the magazines there and read the headlines and then decide if you want to buy it.  

A website home page isn't any different as it can give visitors a tease about what is on the site, what is new and what you are doing .... and that will make them click your links and engage them further.

Aim for at least once a month, but more frequent updates can help keep readers engaged.

Oooh so many ways!  And once again it can vary depending on the genre of your book and your target audience.

  1. Utilise social media: Social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, can be a great way to promote your website and engage with readers. Share links to your website and blog posts, and make sure to interact with your followers to build a community.

  2. Optimize for SEO: Search engine optimization (SEO) can help your website appear higher in search engine results, driving more traffic to your site. Use relevant keywords in your content, meta descriptions, and headers, and consider using a tool like Google Analytics to monitor your website's SEO performance.

  3. Guest post on other blogs: Writing guest posts on other blogs can be a great way to reach new readers and promote your website. Look for blogs in your niche or genre and pitch ideas for guest posts that will appeal to their audience.

  4. Offer incentives: Offer incentives to readers who visit your website, such as a snippet of your book or discounts. 

  5. Attend events: Attend events, such as book fairs and author conferences, and bring business cards or other promotional materials with your website information. This can help you connect with potential readers and drive traffic to your website.

  6. A business card that has your website and email listed, is always a great marketing tool to give to someone.

You can, but we don't recommend it.  

Using your own custom email address that matches your domain name can have several advantages over using a free email service such as Gmail.

A custom email address can help you appear more professional and established, especially if you are running a business or promoting yourself as an author. It shows that you have invested in your brand and taken the time to create a more personalised email address.

A custom email address that matches your domain name can help reinforce your brand and make it easier for readers or customers to remember and recognise your website.

Having a custom email address can help establish your credibility and legitimacy, especially if you are reaching out to potential partners or publishers. It shows that you are serious about your work and have taken the necessary steps to establish a professional online presence.

When you use a free email service such as Gmail, you are subject to their terms of service and privacy policies. By using your own custom email address, you have more control over your data and can set your own privacy policies and terms of service.

And you can set up more than one email....info@, sales@, accounts@, bookings@....whatever you choose!