August 5, 2008

Do writers need websites?

By Lyndon Froese of Float, makers of website creation software for independent authors.

Do independent writers really need websites? I'm often asked this question by authors. There are a number of ways websites help. The first is simple and is reason enough for most:

People expect it

Today, a professional looking website is a label that says to anyone and everyone who might be interested in your books, "yes, I'm serious about my craft". People are used to being able find information about just about anything on the web, so when it's not there, it can be a major turn off. Our question of "why should I have a website?" is answered by the question of the average consumer: "why don't you have a website"?

Still, let's look at a few scenarios which explain how a website can be important specifically for writers.

Connecting with your readers

Jane Doe borrowed one of your books from a friend a month ago. She enjoyed it enough to want to find out more about you. Like many people, her first instinct is to look for your website. She'll either find the address printed on the back of her friends' book, or she'll do a quick web search to see if she can find you that way. She's delighted to find that you have a neat and tidy website with details about your other book which, of course, she orders.

Making the most of reviews in magazines or newspapers

A review of your book is going to be published in a prominent magazine. This is a great opportunity to expand your reader-base, but how will they contact you? Sometimes magazines won't print a writer's email address and even if they do, many readers who would not send you an email will visit your website. Once the readers of the review are at your site, you have an opportunity to create a bond, make contact, and sell them your book.

taking advantage of a hot market

Still aren't sure that the internet is a great place for authors? Let's talk business for a moment then. According to the results of a Neilson Online survey earlier this year, 875 million internet users have ordered a product online in the last three months. That's a lot of people, credit cards in hand. Which product was purchased more than any other? You guessed it. Books.

Interested in having your own website? Float makes it easy and affordable. You could be online within hours. www.fffloat.com