Many people decide to not spend money on a professional website and it absolutely baffles me why people skimp in this particular area. A professional image is a must whether you are selling a book or selling a high end coaching program. There are several public relations clients we do not take on because they decided to take the $1.99 yahoo route. Here is the problem – media will read a press release, then visit your website. If it is anything less then stellar it is going to be end of story – literally. Below are elements you should include if you are an author and you don’t have to have fancy schmancy either – just stick with professional.
1. Home Page – and we highly recommend putting a book trailer video here.
2. About Page – this page talks about your book. Consider putting a link to a sample chapter.
3. Bio Page – this page talks about you and your credentials. Your bio should include any media appearances, speaking experience and anything else relevant to promote your book. Do not add anything to personal. For example, only put you like pets if you are a veterinarian.
4. Events/Press Page – this page should list your book launch party, any signing events, speaking engagements and press coverage with hyperlinks to the story.
5. Purchase/Contact Page – You want people to buy your book, right? Yes, you either need your own shopping cart (we use flying cart), or you can use this page to link to your publisher’s cart if they are doing fulfillment. The contact part …. well, people may want to get ahold of you to tell you how fabulous your book is or book you for a speaking engagement.
