Hello, marketeers!
Is it time for a health check? A website health check, I mean. Your website is your best marketing device, so you need to make sure it’s strong and fit and healthy to perform at its peak.
How do you know if you have a strong website, you ask?
Firstly, have you thought about the answers to these questions:
What is the purpose and/or goals of my website?
How will I communicate with readers?
Who are the readers?
Knowing your direction will help your planning of your language style, type of content, graphics, and so on.
OK. Now it’s time for the health check. Tally up the items below, and at the end you’ll receive a condition report on the health of your website.
Ready to play?
1 point: Visuals - Your website is visually appealing with your VERY VISIBLE BRAND NAME, an easy-on-the-eye colour scheme, easy-to-navigate layout, and a range of visual elements including a photo (or a few), book images and other (non-distracting) graphics. Also, check that your social media buttons are easy to find (1 extra point if you have these!).
1 point: About Page - This is where you market yourself as a brand. Your website includes at least a short bio, and bonus points (OK, 1 extra point) if you have a longer bio, too. Show readers what a great writer you are - is your biography captivating and maybe a little bit fun?! Remember your tagline, or unique personal brand (UPB), that makes you unique! And if you have won an award or several, list these here too!
1 point: Books / Art Gallery - Your website includes a dedicated page or pages to each of your books, with descriptions, reviews and links to purchase, book trailer and/or teaching notes / fun activities just for kids (your target market!). You may be an illustrator and your website includes a gallery of your artwork.
1 point: Mailing List Sign Up - Your website has a kind of ‘join the mailing list’ pop-up or sign up form. This is different to your ‘subscribe’ button. The mailing list is for sending newsletter emails, using platforms such as Mailchimp or Active Campaign. Email subscribers are your fans! Creating connections with them will encourage them to return to your website and (hopefully) continue to buy your books! Have you tried providing incentives, or in other terms, lead magnets to drive new fans to sign up? For example, a free sample chapter, an entry to a giveaway, a downloadable activity, etc. Email marketing is great for linking back to your blog posts, providing special offers and sharing exciting events, like when you have a new book and launch coming out! Important stuff!
1 point: Contact Page - Your website includes a contact page to encourage interaction with readers. A simple form requiring an email address and message is enough information. Does your contact page entice your target market to email questions, fan mail, enquire about school visits, etc? Is it friendly?
1 point: A Blog - Whether or not you’re an active blogger, your website has one! (This is where the ‘subscribe’ button comes in handy.) Blog posts should be timed at regular intervals that are manageable for you, as well as relate specifically to your book/s’ subject matter, current news, professional ventures, industry connections, and so on. Are your blog posts linked to your social media accounts? Check that!
1 point: Media Page - You have a dedicated media page with some or all of the following cool stuff: fun stuff for kids (remember the kids?!), links to media coverage like awesome author / illustrator interviews and guest posts you’ve done, reviews of your book, podcast episodes or newspaper articles you’ve featured on. Optional extra: your website also includes links / logos to relevant book-related associations you’re involved with. AND ONE EXTRA POINT if you have included your own personal media kit as a downloadable document that is ready for media, publishers, reviewers and schools / libraries to learn about you and what you offer!
Time for the results. How well is your website?
1 - 3 points: Oh man! Your website is as sick as a dog! But I love dogs, so don’t feel bad!
4 - 6 points: Alright! Your website is all well and good. It’s doin’ alright!
7 - 10 points: WOWSERS! Your website is as strong as a bull in a bookshop (interpret that as you will)! Nice work! :)
Your website is your #1 port-of-call for customers to learn more about you and your product. Honestly, it doesn’t need to be fancy. Stick to the basics and essentials for an easy and enjoyable customer experience. If you’re a bit more technical and want to ensure that SEO / analytics are working for you, then by all means! But the baseline is, CONNECT with your readers.
#thanksfortouringwithus
Romi x