Your book has been published and now comes the difficult part as you need to promote your book. Any internet author search will show you that there are an abundance of author websites out there. Every author seems to have a website promoting their books and so should you. But how do you create an eye catching, informative and easy to navigate website?

First, begin with the basics and choose a simple domain name. You want potential readers to easily find your website so keep to either your name or something that represents what your book is about. It is strongly recommended that you do not name your site after your book as you want the site to grow with you.

Next, ask yourself if you are able to build your own website? If so then go ahead, if not then get someone to do it for you. It is not worth your energy in struggling to set up a website as this is a waste of valuable writing time.

If you do feel that you have the skills to create your own website then choose a web hosting site that is easy to use and navigate. A good tip is to conduct an internet search of popular authors and note what sites they use. Popular hosting aides are WordPress, Weebly, and Blogger. One of the easier to use sites, especially for beginners, is Blogger.

You want an easy to read display so keep it simple in the use of fonts and colours. Do not use black background with white text and having background music that auto plays is also very distracting for the reader and may make them go to another site.

You want the visual easy to read as you want to sell your books. So keep information and language simple. Include a list of your books that are currently available and state ‘Available now.’ It is also a good idea to include the blurb so that people know what the book is about and most definitely include the book cover so that the book becomes instantly recognisable. It is also a good idea to add any books that will be available soon and once again add the blurb and book cover.

Always include a photograph of yourself. You want people to recognise you and associate you with your books. It also adds a personal element in that they can visually see the author. People always like to see photographs of other people; it is human nature.

Always add links to your author site so that viewers can find more information about you. So this can include Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. However, do this discreetly down the sidebar. People will know where to look if they want additional information.