So, your indie books are written. They're sold through or distributed by Amazon, IngramSpark, D2D, Lulu, or any number of available publishing venues. But then what? Marketing is crucial to indie authors. If not for social media and Google's sticky fingers running through our metadata hairs, our fledgling treatises would falter beneath higher publishing monoliths like King or Hoover. However, in today's dynamic literary landscape, indie authors have gained a significant slice of the publishing industry pie.
With the rise of global technology and the ease of independent publishing, writers can now reach their audiences directly. In this digital age, having a consistent online presence is crucial, and one of the most effective tools an indie author can leverage is a personal website. While social media companies like Facebook and Twitter can serve as a firm foothold for an indie author's social presence, they don't offer a true online presence. They're aggregate sites where net-surfers must join to gain information they need. Indie authors can't run them, shut them down, or direct their target market to their page. With a website, an indie author can. Here are a few reasons why a website can serve as an inseverable appendage in the indie author's sales and marketing funnel.
A website acts as a centralized hub for all of an indie author's content. From showcasing published works to sharing blog posts, short stories, or sneak peeks of upcoming projects, a website allows authors to curate and organize their content. This centralization makes it easier for fans to access and enjoy the author's work, fostering a deeper connection with their audience.
Websites offer direct communication with readers, fostering a sense of community and loyalty. This is especially applicable for Sci-Fi/Fantasy authors with series books. This genre may contain storylines with dozens of worlds, ethnicities, political strata, and social nuances that can be profiled on a website more easily than on a social media page. By interacting with readers, authors can gain valuable feedback, understand their audience's preferences, and strengthen their relationship with fans.
Websites enable indie authors to build and maintain their brand. By customizing the design, color scheme, and content, authors can establish a distinct identity that reflects their writing style and genre. A strong brand presence helps authors stand out in a crowded market and ensures that readers can easily recognize their work no matter the platforms.
While FB, Twitter, and TikTok provide venues for indie authors to share their accolades, websites provide one-stop-shopping for such accomplishments. A dedicated website page, SEO'd correctly, can serve the Google gods and rank higher in search engine results pages. An indie author's portfolio page can be a powerful tool when reaching out to potential agents, publishers, or media outlets, as it demonstrates the author's expertise and success in their field.
Through their website, authors can promote their books, announce book launches, and organize virtual events such as book signings, webinars, or online book clubs. Well-SEO'd content will drive traffic to the website, helping indie authors to increase book sales and expand their readership.
My personal reason for creating an indie author website is... control. Unlike social media platforms, a website gives authors complete control over their content and its presentation. We've all seen, heard, or read stories of indie authors being spanked by Facebook or slapped by Twitter. Pages are blocked, banned, or downright shut down. In a time where 'gods in the machine' are running amok, autonomy is crucial. In the ever-changing digital landscape, algorithms and policies on third-party platforms may limit an indie author's reach. With a website, indie authors are not dependent solely on external platforms for their success, providing long-term stability and ownership.
Cost is a critical part of an indie author's decision in making a website. And while most website venues like Wix, Webs, or WordPress (CMS/Content Management Systems) offer free or low-cost versions, it's important to consider the ROI (Return on Investment) for a paid subscription. Paid subscriptions can offer ecommerce pages where you can sell your books via your own online store. Again, this is another insurance policy against big tech bumping your sales page because they don't like a meme you posted or a joke you made. But factoring cost against potential earnings is a personal choice and should be based on sales and available funds per author.
For me, a personal website is an indispensable tool for indie authors seeking to establish a sustainable career. From fostering readership to showcasing achievements and maintaining creative control, a website enables indie authors to navigate the publishing world on our terms.
Comments