Why Every Writer Needs to Create a Website
Finding Work as a Freelance Writer Requires Self-Promotion
Most freelance writers will sign up with an online agency such as Elance.com or check internet sites which advertise writing jobs; but after making a bid for a job, or writing an application, writers should be using the internet to enhance and back up their applications. A presence on the internet in the form of a personal website not only gives a writer credibility, but puts a valuable marketing tool in their hands.
A Writer’s Website is Their Showcase for the World
Most agency-type sites allow writers a page or more to give information about themselves, but all the details have to fit into their format. Having a website allows a writer the space and freedom required to include all the necessary information for self-promotion.
More Than a Business Card
A website is the perfect way to sell a writer’s track record and abilities to the world. It is like a business card, only much better. It can contain:
- Your CV
- Your writing credits
- Clips or samples of your writing
- Links to your online articles
- Links to your books on Amazon or other online bookstores
- Your contact information
In short, with a website, a writer can take every opportunity to back up an application by having an online portfolio containing all sorts of valuable information. A website can contain a wide variety of pages allowing editors or clients the freedom to choose how much or how little to read and explore.
A Presence on the Internet Increases Credibility
When it comes to choosing the right writer for the job, editors or clients want to cut down on the possible risks. A website can help to assure editors and clients that they are making the right choice, so be sure to give them what they are looking for…
- A professional approach
- Evidence of experience
- Evidence of talent and ability
A Professional Approach
A website conveys a lot about its subject’s professionalism. A website needn’t be expensive. There is no need for complicated graphics. As a writer, your website should concentrate on text. It should be:
- Crisp and clear
- Easy to read
- Easy to navigate
Evidence of Experience
It’s important to stress your track record as a writer. Make sure that at a glance anyone coming to the page will realize that you a seasoned professional.
- Ensure that your CV or list of Writing Credits are prominent and easy to find.
- List the publishers, publications, or broadcasters who have commissioned your work.
- Mention any awards that you have received for your writing.
- Quote from any reviews that your writing has received.
- If you have relevant experience which is separate from your writing, consider writing a biography (in 3rd person), speaking about your abilities and achievements,
Evidence of Talent and Ability
Provide a portfolio of clips and extracts of your work. When possible, include some visible samples of your writing online; many people will be happier to view and assess your writing instantly as they are not prepared to wait and deal with downloads.
Don’t Forget to Sell!
Don’t forget that your website is also an opportunity for you to market your work. Make sure that you have as much information as possible about any books that you have written. Link to Amazon, or other online booksellers and sell your books straight from your website. Join Amazon’ associates’ program and make an additional percentage each time someone clicks from your website to buy your book.
Link Link Link
- Link from your website to any online articles that you have
- Link from any articles back to your website
- Create a Blog, use it for self-promotion and link from your blog to your website and from your website to your blog.
- Whenever you participate in forums on leave your signature anywhere on the net, make sure you leave a link to your website.
- Put a link in the signature of your E-mails to your website.
How to Create a Website
Creating a website need not be a daunting task, even for a beginner. In its simplest form, you can be up and running in a day. The first thing is to choose and register your Domain Name - the part of your address which goes before ".com", Domain Name Registration for a year can cost as little at 11.99 US dollars and some Domain Name Registrars offer a free 4-page website and free email box to get you up and running. It couldn't be easier, so there are no excuses!
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