Building a great author site

curtismchale.ca

Why do people read you?

What do most sites say?

Start with your name

  • not your book series

  • not your character names

5 Questions for your site

  1. In 2 seconds, do I know what I'll get if I stay?

  2. Are there any huge walls of text I’m never going to read? [1]

  3. Is there a call to action? (buy my book, email list...)

  4. Are you blogging?

  5. Are there any testimonials? (social proof...)

But I don't know the problem I solve

What are the urgent needs of my readers?

What are the 5 compelling desires my readers have

What are the biggest results I provide?

What are the core benefits my readers experience with me?

Getting your site started

Options

  • WordPress
  • Squarespace
  • Wix

Choosing a theme

  • Array themes
  • The Theme Foundry
  • Studiopress (Genesis)

Plugins you need

  • Yoast SEO
  • Monster Insights Google Analytics for WordPress
  • Jetpack (but sparingly)
  • Easy Digital Downloads or WooCommerce
  • ManageWP (backup)

Choosing a Host

  • Siteground (Go Geek)
  • WP Engine
  • Pagely

Your primary goal

GET PEOPLE ON YOUR EMAIL LIST

On your Homepage

  • Your latest book (easy to buy)
  • Call to action for your email list
  • Headshot and short bio
  • Excerpts of your latest blog posts
  • Where to connect

Other pages you need

  • About (longer bio and media package)
  • Books (full list)
  • Contact
  • Events
  • Blog

Finally on your business

  • Average author makes around $40k - 50k a year in the US
  • Look at speaking and mentoring
  • You are in the job of marketing so market
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