Whether you’re a veteran published author, or new writer looking for discovery, you’ve heard what the experts have to say. Authors need to establish an online presence and build a brand. It’s the first thing most agents will check if they’re interested in your work. If self-publishing, an author website can be a critical tool to market a book.
Armed with good advice from Geoff Mehl, a fellow GLVWG member, David Miller shares his recent dip into the murky waters of website building. Geoff’s notes follow David’s article below.
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No Website? Well then…you should sing:
“I got plenty of nuthin’…and nuthin’s plenty for me!”
Porgy & Bess – Opera by George Gershwin
I should know. I’ve got a novel and a history published…but haven’t gotten around to doing a website. So, at the last GLVWG Writers Café, I challenged everyone to get a website FREE. I started by investigating the Top Ten Free Website Builders. You’ll find an excellent comparison chart, ratings, etc.
What I learned: “There’s no such thing as a free lunch!”
All these firms need to make a profit. Sort of like banks that offer “free checking.” But then you’re ‘nickel-and-dimed’ on services.
So I decided to trust Geoff Mehl’s advice. His notes follow this article.
I went with Blue Host. Geoff’s notes refer to “$7.50/mo. For server space”, but they have a special: $3.99/month for the first three years. And there are “unlimited” pages for the basic website. This is better than others on the above list, who give you five pages.