Hi Writers! No matter where you are in your publishing path, you’re going to want to create a website and keep it updated. Not only is this useful for agents and editors curious about you, it ALSO gives you something pretty to look at when you are feeling a little gloomy about all the waiting built into publishing. Plus it’s great, nerdy busy work to procrastinate when you’re tired of writing about dragons or blood witches or whatever.
What do I use to build my website?
There are many ways to set up a website. If you’re intimidated by the idea of creating a website, I recommend paying for a website-builder platform such as Wix or Squarespace. These platforms make it very easy to purchase a domain, set up hosting, and manipulate a website’s structure and design. They also have support options if you have questions. Here’s a list of options: The best 10 Website Builders
Don’t want to pay? No problem! You can use WordPress for free (or even Tumblr) and create a great site if you’re willing to get a little more hands on with the design and construction. I think building your site yourself with WordPress tools is a MUCH better option for long-term career platforms. And, while you can set up a WordPress (or tumblr) without worrying about purchasing a domain or figuring out hosting, I suggest taking a look at the below sections anyways. IF you are going to spend money on your digital platform, I suggest spending it on a good domain and good hosting.
WTF is Hosting?
A great question. Basically, in order for your website to be on the internet, it has to come from somewhere, right? (Just say Right). Your website (really any website) exists on a server (a machine that beeps and boops in a cooled warehouse somewhere) and is ‘served up’ every time someone visits your domain. You pay to have your website hosted on a server. This is what ‘hosting’ means.
Before you get to the fun design-ish stuff of your site, you’re going to need to figure out hosting options and your domain name. This can be a super confusing process, but here’s a great step-by-step guide that breaks down how to:
- Set up Domain & Web Hosting (using Bluehost, which is fine. I use HostGator because I like the mascot).
- Picking a Domain Name (see my notes on this below)
- Registering said Domain Name
- Installing your CMS (Content Management System) which, if you’re me, is WordPress.
- Figuring out your site’s theme (this….can be tricky. I’ll write on it later, if I have time)
This process is painful, but worthwhile if you’re intending to have your author site be a hub for digital strategy for the rest of your career (which is, of course, your intention). If you’re worried, my recommendation is to set yourself up with something simple and then slowly learn more about website maintenance through your own experience/needs. Don’t overwhelm yourself. Remember that your job as a writer is, first and foremost, to write.
What domain name should I purchase?
First, if you’re using WordPress (or Tumblr), you don’t need to purchase a domain. You just need to pick a site name, and it’ll appear as part of the longer domain. For instance, if I did not purchase ryanlasala.com, then my URL would be ryanlasala.wordpress.com. I personally think that looks a little ugly, but I’m a snob. Do what you want. I suggest purchasing a domain because this is a good, long-term investment, and it’s part of the process of setting up hosting (above section) if you’re into that.
But what domain should you purchase? This is easy.
You’re an author. Your name is either on, or going to be on, actual books. Your website’s domain should be your name (example: www.ryanlasala.com) or something close (example: RLSBooks.com). I know you might be squeamish about slapping your name on a whole-ass website right now. I know you might think it’s easier to hide behind a kinda-cute blog name (Ryan’s Writing Corner, or something), but those are for book bloggers and people with brands. You’re an author; your site is going to serve as a digital resume that points people towards your work. In order for your site to be useful, people need to be able to find it, so your best best is naming it after yourself.
There are many ways to purchase a domain, for instance Google Domains, or GoDaddy. Once you’ve picked your domain, I urge you to set up auto-renewal for that domain. This is expensive, but do you know what’s more expensive? Forgetting to renew your domain and having to cough up a ton of money to re-purchase it from Domain Jail, where internet trolls literally snap up any newly released domain hoping its owner will come looking for it with a blank check. Blegh. Just set up auto-renew and be done with it, friends.
Okay I set up my site and it looks like trash. What now?
Panic just a little, but then get to work on Structuring Your Site.
Questions?
Get in touch via the form on my Resources Page.