PW’s Barbara Vey: Why you should update your website
POSTED BY stephanie ON January 10, 2011
We couldn’t help but get a little giddy over a Publishers Weekly blog this morning. Barbara Vey is a contributing editor at Publishers Weekly and the voice behind Beyond Her Book, where she chats about industry happenings, posts tips for budding authors, and reports on fiction. Today’s Beyond the Book post brought up a topic that we think everyone should hear. We’re passionate about it, and we harp on it often: updating your website.
If you have a website already, GREAT; and if you’ve recently taken to heart our professional advice regarding author websites, FANTASTIC. But it doesn’t stop there. Maintaining a website that serves you, your readers, and the media well requires commitment. Gone are the days of static webpages: an outdated, frequently neglected [boring] website doesn’t do anyone any good. Today’s author site is dynamic, evolving, and constantly updated.
Now, courtesy of Barbara at Beyond Her Book (who kindly gave us permission to share post here), a few friendly tips to help you on your way toward a media-friendly author website that works for you in 2011.
Update that Website! (excerpted from PW)
Barbara Vey, Publishers Weekly“Every time I write about an author, I go to their website so I can link it up to their name. Many times I’m also searching for their book cover. I’m always astonished when I can’t even find a website. To me, being an author is a business and as a business you need people to see the product. What’s available and what’s coming up at the very least.
It doesn’t have to be fancy. No need for video or anything flashy. Just something that says I take my job seriously and here’s why you should read my work. As a reader, I’m always disappointed when there’s no where for me to get more information on an author I’m interested in. I’d like to know if there’s a backlist, what order I should read the books in, if they’re part of a series.
The next worse thing is an author having a website that’s not updated. I’m embarrassed for them when I see their latest release showing 2003 when I know they’ve written more since then. I’m not saying to blog something everyday or even update daily, but once a month would be nice. Just a little something to say, “Hey, I’m still here and working hard on getting out my next exciting book.” Heck, even saying what they’re reading not only updates the web page, it also helps out a fellow writer.
An even easier way is to attach a Twitter feed box. That way, every time you Tweet something it shows up on your website. Instant updating and you only had to type 140 characters (or less).
Most important, add a BUY button next to the titles of your books. Link it to the sites that sell your books. When the reader is really interested in something, make it easy for them to purchase immediately.”
Big thanks to Barbara Vey for sharing this the post with PR by the Book readers. To follow Barbara’s columns, bookmark www.BeyondHerBook.com, add it to your blog roll, or connect with her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/barbaravey.
Parting thoughts from your friendly book publicist: It’s true, attracting media interest is our job, but turning initial interest into ink requires a real commitment on your part too. Our advice? Treat your website like a news outlet that serves as the hub for news about your topic (for example: adoption, global economics, sleep). Update your blog daily (or at minimum, 3 times per week) with commentary on developing and related news, and events too.
Also, post media hits where you are featured on your site immediately. Providing easy access to past clips and stories will help that national TV producer do the background research necessary before you’re invited on.
Now, snap to, and update that website!
Tags: author websites, Barbara Vey, Publisher's Weekly
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