What’s tonight’s topic?
“What’s tonight’s topic?” asked a St. Louis Publishers Association (SLPA) member as I was setting up the welcome table.
I’m a longtime SLPA member and arrive early to help set up. It never fails that someone arrives just as early—or even before I do!
“Dave” (not his real name) was there when I arrived. This was a real conversation.
I answered, “SEO.”
“What’s that?”
“Search engine optimization, for your website.”
“Why have a website?”
I’ll admit it: I was surprised by the question.
I answered, “One reason is to sell books. Another is to provide information about you and your books.”
“What’s blogging?”
“Blogging is publishing articles on your website. It’s a way to share useful information, demonstrate your expertise, connect with readers, and give people a reason to return to your site.”
Dave had been coming to SLPA meetings for a while, and I was surprised that he was unfamiliar with blogging. I also learned that he was a first-time author and his manuscript was ready to be edited.
After I finished setting up and before the other attendees arrived, I showed Dave an author’s website on my iPad. There wasn’t enough time to explain everything, but his question—Why have a website?—stuck with me.
Why should an author have a website?
I should have answered more clearly: Your website is the one online place you control.
People will search for you or your book and want to know more. Your website gives them a place to find accurate information about you, your books, your expertise, and how to connect with you.
A website can:
Establish your author platform
Give you control over your message
Connect you with your target audience
Build credibility
Tell your story
Showcase your books
Provide a way for readers to contact you
Give people a reason to discover and return to your site
Support your social media and other marketing efforts
And if you publish useful articles or other fresh content, your website can become more than an online business card. It can help readers discover you through search engines and give you something useful to share on social media.
You don’t have to blog every week—or even every month—to make your website useful. The important thing is to publish information that is helpful to your readers and that you can maintain consistently.
For an author, a website doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with the basics: who you are, what you’ve written, who your books are for, and how readers can learn more or contact you.
Want to learn more?
If you’re a self-published author, I've put together Resources for Self-Publishers with information to help you navigate the publishing process.
And if you’re ready for professional help with your book, take a look at my Book Design Services. I work with authors on everything from book covers and interior design to the details that help a finished book look professional.
If you’re in the St. Louis area, I also encourage you to check out the St. Louis Publishers Association. SLPA holds monthly meetings and provides educational programs and resources to help authors publish, promote, and sell their books.
Maybe I’ll see you at a meeting. And if someone asks, “What’s tonight’s topic?”—I’ll be ready!