Support for Indie Authors discussion
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Is owning a website imperative? What do you think? If you have a website what web host do you use and why?
message 51:
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Dwayne, Head of Lettuce
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Aug 06, 2017 10:45AM
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Clive wrote: "What happened to my post?"See post above you.
Hi Everyone, I'm new to this group but the issue of author websites was a big one for me when I returned to writing fiction.I've had one for more than a year since I decided to write another thriller. I wrote two traditionally published thrillers about 20 years ago, and when I decided to return to fiction I discovered the publishing world has changed drastically (which, of course, is something I've written about on my website.)
One of the first things I was told is that I need to have a website and that I need to blog regularly otherwise I would have no platform, or brand etc etc .
I still don't know if that's true but I set one up (with a little help from a very tech savvy young friend) using wordpress.org so I host my own website through Bluehost. It's not free but it's not expensive either and it's a joy to work with even for a total tech newbie like me.
More to the point, I settled into writing a regular blog every week. I schedule it to be published on a Saturday morning, and it's a deadline I haven't missed once in the last 16 months. I enjoy it, but I was a journalist in my previous life so writing a blog is easy for me most of the time. Some weeks when the novel writing isn't going so well, it's also the only writing achievement I have to show for myself.
G.G. wrote: "Clive wrote: "What happened to my post?"See post above you."
WHAT??????? I linked to a useful source of information! Did you not even check it? It was not a link to any kind of promotion or anything of mine. Concrete 5 is a well known CMS. What's the matter with you?
Clive wrote: "G.G. wrote: "Clive wrote: "What happened to my post?"See post above you."
WHAT??????? I linked to a useful source of information! Did you not even check it? It was not a link to any kind of promo..."
Group rules. Pops up every time you post. No link unless a moderator specifically calls for them. No exceptions.
Now, maybe your link was legit, but we cannot verify all links to make sure 1) you're not the actual owner of a page 2) it's not a fake link to lure members into a scam or a malware. 3) not saying YOU are or that the website does any of that, so don't get offended. It's just easier to adher to the no link policy, that's all.
Now It seems your post was also negative. That's another rule: no negativity. I didn't see it so I can't comment on it, but if my fellow moderator flagged it as such, then it was. Comments such as if you don't do this or if you do that it's unprofessional are not well regarded. If you think so, soften your words. Instead of saying this is bad, this is off putting, maybe say this other option might be more appealing. It's all in the choice of words.
Previous comment deleted for obvious reasons. Group membership is voluntary, following our rules is not.
I have a website, Twitter account, Facebook account and page, plus here. I'm genuinely wondering if I even need a Facebook page. It seems like Twitter is used way more often. Anyone have any suggestions?
Justin, So I have a twitter account to and you probably know this but silly me, or slow me, 😣I just learned that you have to hashtag your comments to possibly grab a bigger audience. I've just started doing that! Ha! As far as your question goes, I have no idea. Hope someone chimes in, I'd like to know too! 👍🌺
Hi Justine and Christine. I refuse to use facebook but I am on twitter. I don't think it is much help in finding readers unless you spend a lot of time on it and use both pictures and hashtags. I keep forgetting to use hashtags and I don't think I have found all the best ones yet. Anyone else with advice? I do have a website and a wordpress blog. They are easier to update and I have a few fascinating followers.
Hi Julie,I can't stand Facebook either. I became FB Free a few years ago. No regrets and I don't think it's that big a deal as I'm on a few other platforms. But you never know, I might break down and try an author page. I know this, I hated it as a personal page. Awfully trivial and time consuming! :-) Christine
I have been following a lot of bestselling authors, & they all recommend sticking to one or two social media channels. I've been getting more engagement in my private Facebook group than anywhere else. But you should probably start with a fb author page.
Oh goodness, Lila! How I detest Facebook. Maybe as an author it would prove better, but there's so much chatter on it that I can't stand it. Am I cutting myself off from the best Social Media source? :-)
My website is essential to my craft. I use WordPress it's free, easy to use, and works well for me. You have to create a place for your fan base to get to know you, and a website is better than social media, though both are essential.
Mod
Despite the all caps and the string of question marks, I missed your inquiries about your missing post, Clive. I am sorry for that. G.G. stated most of why I removed your post. It was also removed for negativity - you were complaining about what you hate about some author's web sites and then went on to pitch Concrete 5 as a better alternative.
Again, please review the rules and maybe we can avoid this kind of confusion in the future. Thanks.
I do it all, except Linkedin and Snapchat. Because of my reader demographics, Facebook is great for me. But I have both a personal and professional site. My author name is not my real name. I do Twitter and Instagram with my professional name just because (to be seen by new market)- so it, too, must stay above any hot topic fray. The ages of my readers don't really do those. I think you have to know your readership and market to them. I, too, use Word Press for website.
I use a wordpress theme for my website and have my own domain name and pay for web hosting. It took me a little while to get my head around making the website but now I'm used to it I can update things quickly.I like having a website so people can go to one place where they can easily find out information about me and my books. I also have questions for book clubs on my website after one of my books was read in a book club who were interested in having questions to discuss.
I don't regularly update my website with news or blog posts, however I do try to encourage readers to join my mailing list and have had sign ups from readers who have visited my website. It's a nice feeling to have a space that I'm completely in control of, and I prefer it to relying solely on social media.
L.K. wrote: "I use a wordpress theme for my website and have my own domain name and pay for web hosting. It took me a little while to get my head around making the website but now I'm used to it I can update th..."I am retired and update my website a lot because I even have a page of where to catch me (I do a LOT of speaking engagements) and I have a fun and games page (like a WHERE'S WALDO type running theme) that I update at least weekly. I have post pictures of my speaking engagements so hopefully whoever would like to book me will get a feel for the kind of places I am the keynote speaker for.
Marketing is what a lot of it is all about, right? It's tough to wear so many hats.
Lee wrote: "L.K. wrote: "I use a wordpress theme for my website and have my own domain name and pay for web hosting. It took me a little while to get my head around making the website but now I'm used to it I ..."I'd like to see your website, can you message it to me? Thanks! :-) And thanks for sharing!
It also depends where you want to compete.I went big. I reserved my own domains. I started a blog on writing and fantasy research about four years ago, and I ported those entries into my site. I use Wordpress, and paid for a professional themes pack. I also threw down for artwork and a graphic designer. I have FB pages reserved for my entire series, even though I'm 5-6 years out from finishing the whole thing (okay, maybe ten), and I drop Easter eggs into them once in a while. Even my publishing company has a professional site with its own domain.
To me, this is all in the same vein was hiring a developmental editor, multiple proofreaders, a professional cover designer, typesetter, publicist, etc. I wanted my books to be competitive with major releases, or as close as I could get them, and I spent the money up front. Less than a year after the release of my debut, I've made it all back and banked the production and launch costs of Book II. So, it's doable.
I don't think it's necessary to go this route; it's just how I chose to pursue it. All that said, it depends on what you want out of this as an author. If you want to keep a low profile, that's cool, too. There's no formula for success.
Thanks Joseph Malik! Your experience is valuable!
Christine wrote: "Thanks Joseph Malik! Your experience is valuable!"Thank you. I think of it more as idiosyncratic, but it worked for me. Maybe it will work for someone else.
That said, I am in no way recommending this approach. Several successful indie authors told me at my launch, when I explained my plan on another board -- the whole idea of making my book competitive with The Big Guys -- that I had set myself up for catastrophic failure. I was told that it was idiotic to spend money on a debut effort and even more idiotic to take a year or more between sequels. I was ridiculed and assured that I would fail.
And for the first few months, I did fail. You have to be dumb about this. I think that's the only hard and fast rule. If I'd decided they were right and walked away from it at the "30-day cliff" and said I'd given it a shot, I have no doubt that Dragon's Trail would be ranked in the millions right now. Luckily for the book, I'm presumptuous and not real bright. My sport is boxing, where the object is to keep working your hardest while someone beats the crap out of you. It takes a certain mindset. I kept putting everything the book earned back into promo to keep it afloat while I started Book II, and about six months in, a confluence of dumb luck, capital investment, and sweat equity caused it to explode and it's been on at least one Top 100 list somewhere since April.
My lesson from this is that I will never tell anyone that they're going about this the wrong way, or that what they're doing won't work. Tell the story, tell it well. And like I said above, keep doing your thing, because maybe, in the end, you actually are as smart as you think.
Joseph wrote: "My lesson from this is that I will never tell anyone that they're going about this the wrong way, or that what they're doing won't work."There's a reason this is our first rule.
Joseph Malik: I love ❤️ it! "Maybe you're as smart as you think." Ha! I'm taking the opposite route, laying low for now. That's me, and you have to be true to yourself and your gut.
Christine wrote: "I've been keeping my costs down, low and am now wondering if a website is a must. It costs to make one, I would probably DIY (Do it myself), but with just one ebook and one new title coming out, ev..."I say it's a must. Your whole goal is to build your readers and the only way to know who they are (Amazon won't tell you) is your website. Give away something free and valuable inside your book and collect their email. Now you know them and you can start a simple website (I use wordpress) as you build your list. You might want to consider more books too :)
Thanks Gregg, I'm trying to decide on the template at this time. I'm going to use Squarespace, just because I like their options and they interface with mail chimp. Anyone else using Sqaurespace? If so, what template did you choose?
Gregg wrote: "Christine wrote: "I've been keeping my costs down, low and am now wondering if a website is a must. It costs to make one, I would probably DIY (Do it myself), but with just one ebook and one new ti..."Opps forgot to press reply but I did reply! Thanks again!
Unless you're completely strapped for cash, I'd avoid Squarespace. Although it's a nice out-of-the-box solution, there are a lot of drawbacks, including the fact that, once your website reaches a certain level of traffic, you'll want to optimize/customize it further, and you're rather limited with Squarespace in that respect. I've had numerous clients start on Squarespace only to switch to WordPress eventually anyway. It's much more practical just to start on WordPress. It's not very expensive (there are even free options) and you'll have much more flexibility right from the get-go.
Jenna wrote: "Unless you're completely strapped for cash, I'd avoid Squarespace. Although it's a nice out-of-the-box solution, there are a lot of drawbacks, including the fact that, once your website reaches a c..." Wow! Thanks for that tidbit, going to look into WordPress Right now.
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions!
Jenna wrote: "Feel free to PM me if you have any questions!"Thanks and I'm sure if anyone else needs help you're available for them as well!
Jenna wrote: " It's much more practical just to start on WordPress. It's not very expensive (there are even free options) and you'll have much more flexibility right from the get-go. "
I second this. The free Wordpress themes are very nice, and there are a ton of tutorials online. Also, if you want to punch up your site later, there are hundreds of professional themes available for purchase.
So guess what guys? After all this, I've heard that Wordpress does not support mobile devices, is that right? Actually, since I'm SO small, (tiny right now!), I've decided to hook all my social media platforms, Youtube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Blogger, to Amazon Central Author page. It provides for pictures, videos, blogs and my books are front and center (or little ebook right now! :-) ) It's simple to use and though a little quirky at times, it's FREE!
I started off by saying that I'm trying to keep this at a low cost endeavor. It's already cost me much due to the time and energy I'm spending building these platforms. (My Youtube channel needs lots of new videos!) Now I'm taking my time with these other website choices but for now this seems to work. What do you think? Thanks!
I set up a website through Wix and I have been happy with the response. For me, I like having a web foundation to promote ideas, contest and even guest blogs (in the future).Best of luck to you with your website - one sweet day at a time - you'll get there!
Lori
Why not just use Blogger? It is Google's own blogging platform. You can choose a whatever.blogspot type domain, or buy a domain and point it at it. Being by Google, it is a win-win situation. Wordpress is fine, but people always seem to want to hack it. Plus, if you take an update, I have known websites disappear due to some kind of glitch. Blogger is very stable. I have been a website designer and SEO since 1999
I agree with Dave, although I don't use a domain name. I store research on my blog in unpublished posts. It's my own little cloud. It's also faster to find items through Google's search blog system that my computer's sluggish response.
Dave wrote: "Why not just use Blogger? It is Google's own blogging platform. You can choose a whatever.blogspot type domain, or buy a domain and point it at it. Being by Google, it is a win-win situation. Wordp..."I'm using Blogger and just my Author Central on Amazon. The Blogger feeds into it and that's that. I think it works for me now Dave. Thanks for the tips!
Helston wrote: "I agree with Dave, although I don't use a domain name. I store research on my blog in unpublished posts. It's my own little cloud. It's also faster to find items through Google's search blog system..." I the sluggish computer end, I just bought CleanmyMac 3, I ran it and have been clearing the cache. The computer is now running quite nicely. It's a 2011 MacBook Pro. Not sure if you have a Mac but thought I'd offer that little tip. :-)
Christine wrote: "Dave wrote: "Why not just use Blogger? It is Google's own blogging platform. You can choose a whatever.blogspot type domain, or buy a domain and point it at it. Being by Google, it is a win-win sit..."Welcome
I have a website because just about everyone told me that I needed one. So far, I don't know how much good it has done me. I think I do better at connecting on Facebook and Twitter. I use Go Daddy for hosting because the person who set up my website with Web Press used Go Daddy.
Dorothy wrote: "I have a website because just about everyone told me that I needed one. So far, I don't know how much good it has done me. I think I do better at connecting on Facebook and Twitter. I use Go Daddy ..." Thanks for your honesty! :-) I have used Go Daddy in the past and wasn't happy with the service.
Dave wrote: "Why not just use Blogger? It is Google's own blogging platform. You can choose a whatever.blogspot type domain, or buy a domain and point it at it. Being by Google, it is a win-win situation. Wordp..."That's what I do as well. I just recently purchased the domain, but left everything with Google. The HTML and Java gadget helps a lot with giving it a more "website" feel.
Christina wrote: "Dave wrote: "Why not just use Blogger? It is Google's own blogging platform. You can choose a whatever.blogspot type domain, or buy a domain and point it at it. Being by Google, it is a win-win sit..."They have some nice templates too
I use Homestead for my website. It's inexpensive and allows you to make something straightforward and practical.
Thank you for all your help! You have saved me much time and energy. After reading here, I decided to go with Wordpress against the advice of some "Techie guy" who adamantly recommended Squarespace. I had actually decided on Squarespace but after reading here, I decided to go with Hostgator and Wordpress. This is a long story; I had purchased my domain on Squarespace. Upon trying to create a Wordpress website, Squarespace had my domain! It took days to get this straightened out; only from a kind phone conversation with a "Tiffany B." at Hostgator did I learn to change the NAMESERVER on Squarespace and wait 24-48 hours so the entire world of servers points the domain in the right direction. It has been are really big lesson. But I'm glad I'm moving away from Squarespace. They have NO phone contact and their email was not helping me at all.
Onward today to see if my domain is now pointing and ready to start the design! Thanks SO much!
Ugh! It's not, I just checked, I may have to call Hostgator again. At least they have a phone! :-)
Imperative. All your information is in one place. Yes, I too, use Word Press.
Lee wrote: "Imperative. All your information is in one place. Yes, I too, use Word Press."Thanks Lee! Boy oh boy! Some lesson! :-)
I want to again, thank everyone here on this thread. It has taken me about 3 weeks or a little more, to create my website. I did it myself via a Youtube video. It is GORGEOUS! I'm so proud of myself and though it's not yet fully complete, it is operational. I used Hostgator and Wordpress. I learned so much here and so much doing this project. This week is a bit busy so I won't be working on it until Wednesday, but again thanks so much. If you'd like to see it, let me know. All my best to everyone here! Christine
I'm building my own website, because I have independent stage plays from my theater days, and art work that I want to post, among other things.I went with Hostgator for now. Their live chat works well, qucick response times, except when I chatted with a tech to backup my site and restore it in cpanel, I was given information for Wordpress and not Hostgator. In any case I figured out how to access cpanel in the Hostgator FAQ, and the file download and backup process worked.
I looked at Squarespace and found their interface, strangely for a high end website, somewhat confusing, and a little steep in pricing. My brother uses Go Daddy, but says he wants to change to something a step up.
