I have noticed that many famous non-fiction writers have a separate website for their books. Sometimes they have only a book website for only one book.
I had a think about this and realised why.
A book is a business
Any business is about creating a product and then having to sell it. You can create spin-off products, digital and other offers around your initial product. Maybe you started with the digital offering and then created a physical product to support it.
The main reason you want to create other offerings around your initial product is that there are two reasons we are in business:
- To gain a customer
- To keep a customer
Your book adds to your business
You may write a non-fiction book which has nothing to do with your business. But what your new title of ‘author’ will do for you, is something special. It will give you kudo and raise your profile. Your business will flourish because of it, even if the topic of your book is totally unrelated to your business.
You may be writing a book to enhance your business offering, show you as an expert and share your knowledge, experience and passion.
Book website
Where do people turn to first if they are looking for something? A search engine. And most likely Google. Would it not make sense to show up in a Google search with a website that has authority?
What would you put on your book website?
Info about your book
This seems common sense, but it’s not always clear. Explain your Ideal Reader – who is the book for, what will they get from it, and why you wrote it
About you
Share as much about yourself as you feel comfortable. It is important to share why you have the authority to write this book. Maybe you have the experience, the background, the learned knowledge, or simply the passion. You have the authority, but you need to explain that.
Links to where they can purchase the book
This may be on Amazon or other book platforms. You may even have your book in a museum or a local bookshop. Make it easy for people to find your book.
Resources
You can add other books you found valuable and inspirational on your journey. Make sure you have an affiliate link so you can make some money from people using your link to buy other books. You may want to create downloadable (paid or free) that support your book.
You could also offer courses or workshops around your book topic, so either make these available on your website, or add in a direct link to where tickets can be purchased (Eventbrite maybe).
And of course, if you have a podcast, link to that and all your social media channels.
Blog
This is a great way to make your website more visible. Google loves fresh content, so if you can add a blog post at least every month (maximum every 90 days), you will increase your chances of being found on the Worldwide Web.
Guest appearances
Please don’t forget to add links to Facebook and Instagram Lives you have been invited to be part of. And links to the posts where interviews are on LinkedIn, MixCloud, or YouTube. If you have guested on a podcast, written a blog or article add it all in. And of course your blog book tour!
Walking Tour Guiding
I decided to look online for a website about ‘Walking Tour Guiding’, my most recent book. And to my amazement the domain was available. And so, I bought it! But not from the big domain and hosting companies. I want to support a small business with values that match mine. And where I know I will always get the very best customer care (which will be my next book).
If you are looking for support about websites, there is nothing Graeme Walker doesn’t know. He will find the answer if you happen to stump him (which is highly unlikely). Get in touch with him about whatever you need around websites – domains, hosting and even building a website if you need one.
I will be building my own on WordPress and I will share it as soon as it is ready.
