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Tuesday, January 21, 2014

The Website Conundrum

Every author needs an author website.

I've been looking into building mine, something outside of the blog. A lot goes into a website, and lucky me, I don't actually understand most of it. (I do know how to select a color scheme though. Go me.) I don't understand content management systems (I didn't even know what a content management system was until yesterday), I don't code, and it's been several years since I took any design courses. I'm not even sure how to go about getting a host server and a domain address, though fortunately I miraculously have the latter.

Obviously, I need to hire someone to build this site for me, and unfortunately I've hit a few setbacks, setting me more or less on square one. However, things are looking up, and I may have found someone who can put a decent site together for me, as well as an awesome friend who recently informed me that he's willing to host me for free! So hopefully these components will pan out and mix together into a beautiful salad of websitey bliss that won't break the bank.

As for my contributions... I have a fair idea of what pages I'd like on the site, and I'm hoping to integrate some commissioned art as well. With luck I might have the sucker up and running in a couple months, and maybe even have a cover to display for The Paper Magician by then. Fingers crossed.


What do you like to see in authors' websites? What snags have you hit in creating a site of your own?

6 comments:

  1. I'd definitely hire someone too. Before I decide on layout and content, I'd check out lots of websites of authors who write in my genre that I like. Good luck with yours.

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  2. I like a books page(obviously!) so I can what they've got out, and a about page. Though on the about one, sometimes it's fun to see something a bit different than the bio that's on their blog or Goodreads page, etc. The artwork definitely sounds like a good idea- I love seeing artwork that pertains to books! Can't wait to see it, I'm sure it'll turn out great!

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  3. Although your website will be somewhat 'static' as compared to your blog, make sure you have someone who can update it periodically...and don't forget to keep control of your domain name!

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  4. Natalie had some great suggestions. I don't understand anything about websites so I'd definitely hire someone when I get to that point. You may not want to put 'read my crap' on it though. :)

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  5. I'm with Natalie - start by figuring out what you like and what you don't, and that will really help guide the content/look/feel of your site. And I used to design and code, so I have a little bit of knowledge. It's outdated, but I think some of it might still be applicable....maybe... ;) Also, definitely go with a big headline that says 'Read My Crap', because that made me laugh out loud!

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  6. If you are looking for a great place to start a website, try www.wix.com. I am like you with limited knowledge of coding but wix has amazing templates for everyone.
    Good luck with your website. I am almost finished designing mine and it looks great.

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