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6 Benefits Writers get from having their own website

[Adapted from How To Tell A Great Story (7^th Edition)]

“I am a writer, for God’s sake. I don’t need to know about the internet to be a good writer. I don’t want to have anything at all to do with the internet.”

Have you ever said this? You may wish to consider your position after you read the 6 benefits of having a website listed below.

Benefit # 1

It is now a fact that to succeed in the publishing industry, a book must be marketed well. Off-line marketing by way of fliers, brochures or even word of mouth can restrict the marketing potential to a ‘local’ area. When a writer uses the internet as a marketing tool, the potential audience for the writer’s target market widens considerably. The ancillary benefit from this is the fact that people will realise that you are determined to take your writing career very seriously in that you are prepared to market to the world.

Benefit # 2

One of the most useful things a website can do is that it can save you time and money for postage, envelopes, paper and photocopying. Many times, writers have what’s called a ‘Media Kit’. Nowadays, with the click of a mouse, authors send their media kits to members of the media and anyone who would like to interview them. From experience, whenever I’ve interviewed people for my columns, I’ve appreciated those who have prepared media kits in advance. It certainly helps me get a better idea of the kind of person I’m interviewing.

Benefit # 3

With his/her own website, a writer has complete control over the content of the website. Indeed, you can publish as many articles on your chosen subject matter without having to go through the rigours of traditional publication. This is specifically true if you’re a writer who says, “I don’t mind not getting paid for these articles I write. I just wanted the publicity!” What better way to get free publicity than to publish articles on the internet?

Benefit # 4

If you have a distinct interest in online publication, then a website is a must. It shows that you have the ‘know-how’ and the expertise in this area.

Benefit # 5

A properly constructed website for a writer has the added benefit of showing that the writer is organised person who means business. As such, your website should have some of the following pages:

• Home page

• About The Author

• Testimonials

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Anti Spam Policy and Acceptable Use Policy

• Privacy Policy

• A description of the book(s) you are trying to market on the website

• If you are intending to sell the book over the net then a secure method of selling the product to your customers.

Benefit # 6

Setting up a website need not be expensive at all. In some cases, it’s completely free. For example, with the advent of free blogs such as Blogger, the online presence of a writer can costs absolutely nothing. If you choose to invest in a proper website with hosting services and so on, there are tax incentives which you can utilise to your advantage.

In conclusion, treat your website like a business tool. Nurture it, look after it and market it. Your efforts will not be in vain and in time you will wonder, “How did I manage without the website?”

Copyright © Aneeta Sundararaj

‘How To Tell A Great Story’ is an ebook that caters for beginners to storytelling and in particular, how storytelling can be used in every day life. The author of this popular ebook is Aneeta Sundararaj. This ebook is now in its 7^th Edition and to find out more, visit http://www.howtotellagreatstory.com.