© 2020 Rhonda Dragomir
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself…and of course, the Boogie Man.” This mashup quote by comedian Pat Paulsen underscores a fear of many writers when they contemplate launching a website. The Boogie Man is HTML.
But there are many reasons writers must overcome this fear. Writers need websites. If you need convincing, here are nine great reasons:
- It marks you as a professional. Agents and publishers search for your website to see if you are a serious writer, not just a hobbyist.
- It is the main pillar of your writing platform. A website is basic to your unique brand. It gives potential readers a way to find you.
- It unifies your social media presence. A website is the only digital content you completely control. It becomes “home base” for Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook followers.
- It’s your best marketing tool. This is especially true for writers who self-publish. Websites serve two key marketing goals: making a sale and building brand awareness.
- It provides networking opportunities. Through your website you may connect with new people who share the same interests or have resources you need to be successful.
- It helps you develop an e-mail list. Writers need to develop a community of people interested in their work. Publishers and agents pay attention to this resource, and a website is the best way to build it.
- It helps people know you and your writing. A website makes it easy for fans to find you, especially if your URL is your name. When you post your best writing on your website—and please be certain you do—it marks you as a real person people want to know.
- It serves as a writing prompt. Regular updates and a blog are essential for a good website. As you work, you’ll produce content you can use in pitches and book proposals. Website content forces you to choose a direction for your brand and put your ideas into clear, concise language.
- It gives you a way (besides Amazon) to do e-commerce. If you sell books on your website, you control the price and obtain real data on who is buying your book.
If you fear the HTML Boogie Man, rest easy. Many online resources will help you construct your site without that expertise. Just start learning! The monster is coming whether you’re ready or not.
Ed. Note: Sign up for Rhonda’s “Writer’s Hacks” to cure many of your technology headaches.
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Rhonda Dragomir has four published stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies and has won multiple writing awards, including being named 2019 Writer of the Year by Serious Writer, Inc. She also teaches workshops on Microsoft Word and website design. She is webmaster for the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference and the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference and creates memorable websites for writers. Visit her website to request a quote on website construction and find her on Facebook and Instagram.
