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