Craft a No-Cost Author Website Using Wix: An Easy Guide
Creating an author's digital capital is fundamental, and building an author website is pivotal to success. This week, we feature a step-by-step guide by Jules Fier on crafting a captivating website using Wix. Gone are the days when coding skills were the prerequisite for web development. With Wix, even the non-tech-savvy can create a stunning web presence without breaking a sweat.
Reasons to Own an Independent Author Website
One might wonder if the need for an author website still prevails amidst social media and digital bookstores. Absolutely! An independent website offers more independence, control, and benefits:
- Stay independent: Shed off the constraints of social media and platforms and take full control over your content and design.
- Build credibility: Make an impression with a polished website that speaks volumes of your professionalism.
- Boost visibility: Optimize your site for SEO to improve search engine rankings, driving website traffic, and potential readership.
- Fosters connections: Engage with readers directly, fostering a loyal community and an authentic relationship with your audience.
- Marketing flexibility: Experiment with innovative marketing strategies, un hindered by platform limitations.
Key Elements of an Effective Author Website
To maximize these benefits, focus on creating a lean yet impactful website that emphasizes essential content, is user-friendly, and integrates SEO strategies. Simplicity and clarity are key for attracting and retaining visitors [2].
Step-by-step Guide to Creating an Author Website with Wix
The Kickoff
Jules shares his journey to creating a free Wix website, demystifying the web development process for fellow authors. Instead of the complexities of WordPress, gravitate towards the user-friendly Wix [3].
Basic Setup
Visit www.wix.com and click the "Get Started" button to create your Wix account. If you already have a Facebook or Gmail account, you can sign in using those as well.
Template Selection
Once you've signed in, you'll be directed to a page with two sections. On the right, you'll see templates. Navigate to the "Categories" option and click on "Creative Arts." Scroll down and select an author template to make it your starting point [4].
Personalizing Your Book Page
Customize elements like book titles, synopses, and images to reflect your work. You can also modify font sizes, text colors, and rearrange design elements for a personal touch [4].
Adding a Cover Image
Replace the existing book cover with your own by hovering over the book image and clicking on the "Change Image" option [4]. Choose an image from your gallery or upload one from your computer. Adjust the image size for optimal display.
Adding Your Name and Photo
Replace the existing author details with your own pen name and profile picture [4].
Buy Buttons
To link your book to the buy buttons, click on them and input the URL for your book's online store, such as Amazon [4]. You can create separate buttons for various platforms if your book is available on multiple sites.
Showcasing a Book Series
To present a book series, create a new page and make it a subpage under the "Books" section. Transfer book images and buy buttons over to the new page for easy categorization [4].
Social Media Links
Add social media icons to your website, linking them to your accounts for increased reach [4]. To add platforms not featured on the site, click on "Add Icons" and provide the social media URL.
Author Bio
Personalize the "Author Bio" page to convey your unique story and writing journey [4].
Contact Page
Add a "Contact" page to allow readers to reach out to you for discussion or inquiries [4]. Ensure that you receive these messages on your email address by configuring the "Contact Form" settings accordingly.
The Finishing Touches
Adjust the website background, color scheme, and other design elements to match your brand identity [2]. Don't forget to optimize your site for mobile devices as well.
Publishing
Once satisfied with your web design, click on "Publish" to make your website live [5]. Remember, your job doesn't end here. Invest in SEO strategies to ensure that readers can easily discover your website.
Happy web designing, fellow authors!
- An independent author website provides more credibility and a polished platform for showcasing one's work, offering an opportunity to stand out from the social media and digital bookstore crowd.
- To maximize the potential of an author website, it's essential to leverage technology such as Wix, which allows non-tech-savvy authors to create visually stunning websites without the need for coding skills, enabling a unique web presence and effective marketing opportunities.
