If you don’t know what a blog is then you must not be ready to embrace technology. A blog is short for web log. It started out as an online diary; however, businesses, artists, musicians, and professionals began to implement it as part of their marketing strategy. If you have an author website, you may consider creating a blog either as apart of your website or you can keep it separate by ‘linking’ it to your website. Either way, a blog is a great way for you to communicate with your fans.
Authors could benefit from having a blog because it’s a way for readers to connect with you. They’ll be able to leave comments on your posts and tell you what they think of your books. Take criticism with a grain of salt. You can’t and won’t please everyone all of the time.
If you wrote a book then you’ll want to have a blog on your author website. Readers will be interested to know about your characters and how you developed them. You don’t have to divulge all of your secrets but it would be wise for you to share how you came up with your characters, what makes them unique, or why you’re attached to them. This insight will help your readers understand your characters better; they’ll be able to connect to them.
Since you’re an author you won’t have a problem writing unique content for your website. However, if you have ‘off’ days, you may consider inviting others to become guest bloggers. In fact, you may want to invite some of your readers to write guest posts. They could write posts about how they feel connected to your characters, why they like your books, share what your books mean to them, and other topics that you may suggest. Not only will these guest posts will draw readers to your website but it will show readers that you actually value their opinion.
If you don’t have a blog on your author website, start one today. You can use Blogger, WordPress, Typepad, or some other blogging platform. It’s fast and easy and you have nothing to lose. A blog will only enhance your website — you could gain new readers. What are you waiting for?
Rebecca
What’s stopping you from creating a blog for your author website? Share.
Hi Rebecca! What’s your take on combining an author website and blog if my blog content doesn’t have to do with freelance writing? I’m ready to get started, but I’m not sure if the topics blend. I blog about Peru, but I’ve built my freelance career around health-related topics!
Thanks for this excellent post!
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Consider keeping your Peru blog separate and put a link to it on your ‘Portfolio’ page on your freelance writing website. It’s another way to showcase your writing talent.