Authors need to be seen to gain exposure, sales and other opportunities! A writers website is a critical component to the overall marketing plan. JoAnne Funch, marketing consultant, social media trainer has given this presentation to many writing groups.
1. Key elements of a
writers website
Your digital calling card
JoAnne Funch | GIR | joanne@girpromotions.com | www.girpromotions.com
2. • In business since 1996
• Started in marketing &
promotional branding worked
with Federal, state, non-profits
& best of all entrepreneurs
• Online marketing, social media
manager & trainer, blogger
since 2008
JoAnne Funch | GIR | joanne@girpromotions.com | www.girpromotions.com
3. What you will learn today
Difference between website & blog
Know your target audience
Know the purpose of your website
Know your keywords
Elements of the website
Content is king
SEO
Email marketing
Integrating social sites
JoAnne Funch | GIR | joanne@girpromotions.com | www.girpromotions.com
4. Website or blog?
Website: A website informs, it is a marketing tool
Shows your services, books, articles,
speaking, events, products, blog, testimonials
Blog: A blog engages
Posts about your book, subject matter/niche
where you have an opportunity to engage your
audience – build the relationship!
One of the most valuable pieces of marketing that you
can invest in is your digital business card – officially
your website!
JoAnne Funch | GIR | joanne@girpromotions.com | www.girpromotions.com
5. 2 most important questions you need
to answer
Know the purpose of your site
before you spend the time &
money
Know your target audience before
you begin writing the content
JoAnne Funch | GIR | joanne@girpromotions.com | www.girpromotions.com
6. Why do people visit authors sites?
First-Time Visitors
A first-time visitor is likely to visit your website because:
1. They heard your name and want to learn more about you
2. They read your book and want to see if you’ve written
anything else
3. They stumbled upon your site from another site
JoAnne Funch | GIR | joanne@girpromotions.com | www.girpromotions.com
7. Keywords
Knowing your keywords and
being consistent in writing your
content will make all the
difference in being found
online.
This is an easier task for non-fiction
writers
JoAnne Funch | GIR | joanne@girpromotions.com | www.girpromotions.com
8. Elements of the website
• An identifying URL
• Identify the pages of your website
• Pictures
• Video
• Blog
• Testimonials & reviews
• Contact information
• Calls to action
• Email subscription
• Integrate social media sites
JoAnne Funch | GIR | joanne@girpromotions.com | www.girpromotions.com
9. • Who are you?
• What makes you interesting?
• Why will people read your book?
• Tell people why you wrote the book –
• You must always include current and
compelling information. Keep it updated
• Fiction authors – talk about the characters
• Non-fiction authors – talk about the niche
and current things of interest
JoAnne Funch | GIR | joanne@girpromotions.com |
www.girpromotions.com
10. Search Engine Optimization
• Learn how to optimize your site and blog articles with your
key words
• Add Google analytics to your website & track the results –
learn where your traffic is coming & what they are most
interested in
• SEO is not a one time activity, it requires consistency to
maintain and monitor results of your activities
• If you don’t want to learn SEO yourself, hire out this activity
JoAnne Funch | GIR | joanne@girpromotions.com | www.girpromotions.com
11. Email Marketing
Website should include an offer a free special report or
something relating to your book and/or market niche in
exchange for the visitor’s e-mail address
The key is to provide a good enough offer so people will find
value in giving you their name & email address
Don’t be afraid to give tons of value in order to develop a
relationship with your prospect
Be consistent in your communication with those who have given
you permission to receive info from you
Every email should contain a call to action
JoAnne Funch | GIR | joanne@girpromotions.com | www.girpromotions.com
12. Email marketing example
non fiction author
JoAnne Funch | GIR | joanne@girpromotions.com | www.girpromotions.com
14. Integrate social media sites
JoAnne Funch | GIR | joanne@girpromotions.com | www.girpromotions.com
15. Website checklist
Q & A
WEBSITE CHECKLIST:
Create an identifying URL
Register your URL & host it with a hosting service ( ie: Host Gator, Blue
Host)
Identify the pages of your website
Pictures & videos
Add a blog platform such as Wordpress.org
Obtain written testimonials of your work & reviews of your book
Create a complete contact page
Learn or hire out search engine optimization for the entire website
Integrate your social media sites – best location is top right
Integrate an email capture form, top right is best (never below the fold of
the page)
Add Google analytics to your website
JoAnne Funch | GIR | joanne@girpromotions.com | www.girpromotions.com
16. Web Development Services
“We make you look good”
JoAnne Funch | GIR | joanne@girpromotions.com | www.girpromotions.com
Your digital calling card:
Delivers your message quickly through words and images and
people know exactly what you are offering
Want to discuss your website? New or update?
Call JoAnne @ 951-902-3263 or
email: joanne@girpromotions.com
Need a review of your online digital presence?
CLICK: http://bit.ly/11fvSVs