Websites are a must-have for the author who wishes to be successful in publishing today. But some authors still attempt to use social media alone to promote themselves and their work.
“Would we take any other business professional or entrepreneur seriously if they said ‘no’ to a website and depended on social?” ~Jane Friedman
For those who place all their marketing eggs in the social media basket, think of what happened to MySpace. Just over a decade ago, nearly everyone had a MySpace account, then nearly the entire socialsphere moved to Facebook, forcing professionals to rebuild their entire social following.
Social media is an excellent way to promote, however, it should always be supplemental to your author website and should be used primarily to drive traffic to your site in order to entice site visitors to sign up for your email marketing list, which is hands down your BEST selling tool!
Why authors need websites
When you submit a query or proposal to an agent or editor, one of the first things they will do is an Internet search. A professional author website shows you’re serious about marketing your writing.
An author website also gives fans a one-stop place to learn about new releases and get to know you better. When people feel as though they know you, they will begin to like you. And people are more likely to purchase from someone they like. In marketing, this is known as the Know-Like-Trust principle, and it’s true.
At ScrivSPA, we have specially designed website packages with authors in mind.
Think of it as websites for authors, by authors, because Linda Fulkerson, founder of Scrivenings Press/ScrivSPA, is an author, too.
All ScrivSPA Website Packages include the following standard features:
- All websites built by ScrivSPA are built using the WordPress content management system
- Premium mobile-responsive theme
- Basic WordPress plugin package (a set of plugins we install to enhance your site’s functionality).
- All our website packages includes FREE video-based training. You will receive a walk-though video that explains how to use your site.
Our professional author website package includes most features required to build an effective web presence, and is specifically designed for authors and speakers, with the following elements:
- Domain registration
- UP to three domain-based email addresses
- Backup System – Includes a premium backup plugin
- Basic security monitoring system and up to two edit cycles
- All required and recommended legal pages: About Us, Contact, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, Sitemap, and (optionally), a Disclaimer page.
- Categorized book Library, plus individual description page for each book (up to 25 books–use the Form on our Contact Page to request pricing if you have more than 25 books)
- About the Author page
- Links to Social Media pages/profiles
- Photo gallery (optional) with up to 50 photos (Clients must submit them to us in a digital format. We will set up a DropBox link for you to upload your photos. If you have more than 50 photos, we will bill you via PayPal invoicing $50 per each additional set of 50 photos.)
- Blog page configuration
- One custom header graphic
- Three additional pages of client-provided conten
- Lead Capture System – Integrate your website with our professional list-management service (powered by MailerLite). This includes creating a standard web form and assistance preparing the first auto-responder email and production of a PDF document created from client-provided content to be used as a give-away in exchange for reader email addresses. Suggestions are tip sheets, free book chapter, checklists, action plan worksheets, etc. A custom e-cover for your give-away is also included in this package.
- Logo Design (if needed)
- Branded Social Media Setup – Facebook Business Page graphics that coordinate with website
- SSL Certificate, including installation and configuration.
To purchase this service, use the form on the A La Carte Services page.