A website is such an important tool for an author, particularly if some of her books are e-books. I often search for authors via their websites and look for information on their books, blogs, etc.
So I've been working on my new website for the last few days. Well, I'm not actually making it. I left that to a designer. But I'm tweaking, adding, trying to work with it. Unfortunately, it refuses to play nice right now. I've racked my brain to come up with content that will keep a web-surfing reader at my site longer. I've seen author sites with interactive buttons, games and all sorts of clever bells and whistles to make the site more appealing. But I want to know - what do you want to see on an author's website? Do you want their book covers and descriptions up front on the main page? Or would you rather see their upcoming appearances and news?
If you have time, please stop by my new site, WynterDaniels.com and let me know what you think. Bear in mind that it's a work in progress and I'd love any constructive criticism you'd like to toss my way.
6 comments:
Hi, Wynter!
First, your site is niiiice! I love the flames and just the tangled feet of the couple above. Definitely lets the person visiting the site know what kind of books they're in for.
I have the same setup that you have. I find it works for me. Yours is clean with vibrant colors! One thing I like about sites is when they're eye-catching with beautiful or unique graphics, but also when they are user friendly and easy to navigate. On some I feel like I'm on a scavenger hunt with so many links and things cluttering up the screen! LOL!!
One thing I've seen--and used myself--is a "Welcome" several authors have added to their Home page. So that's a suggestion you may want to try along with having your current book out there.
I think you're doing great with the site even as you're building. Can't wait to see more as it progresses!
Thanks, Naima. I think I will add that!
Love the new website ;) As a reader, I like a clean website, I like something that's easy to navigate, a printable booklist....and pictures of scantily clad men...Wait, who said that?? Okay, just kidding. I seriously just want easy navigation and buy links that work. One of my fave authors (who shall remain nameless) never updates her website and half her links are iffy. Luckily, I love her work and I'll hunt her stuff down, but not all people are like that. I think what you've got so far is awesome :)
I agree with Katie re: links that work!! And easy-to-find excerpts are also important to include on your site. With so much to choose from, you want to give the reader the opportunity to take your story for a test drive. Make certain the print isn't too light or too small.
Like Naima, I also love the feet graphic--sexy but they also say that your stories are about relationships. I like that.
Great job!
Thanks, ladies! I appreciate your input. Think I will add that book list, Katie!
Simple and easy to navigate - people come to an author site to learn about books. Excerpts or chapter reads are what keep me checking out a site, because it's how I can judge whether or not I want to buy a book.
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