PR Talk with Cherrie Woods, Eclectic PR: Yes Authors, You Need a Website!

I completed a phone consultation this past week with an author who wants his children’s book to be accepted into major school systems throughout the U.S. His book is written in verse (which is becoming more popular), the main characters in the book are minority children and he is an educator who teaches 3^rd grade students. With these three great elements tied to his book product, he is almost ready to begin a PR campaign. But the one thing he’s missing is a professional website.

My potential client asked why does he need a website if he has a great social media presence. I responded with parents and school systems have a choice from the over 20,000 children books published every year (according to the American Library Association). This means the competition is stiff and it is tough to stand out in this crowded market. So, if a potential buyer from this group hears about his work, they will want to know more information about him and his book product and won’t want to dig through the busy social media channels to get the information. That’s how an effective website becomes important.

He asked how would he know what an effective website should include and where could he see some sample websites. I advised him to do a search on the internet for children’s authors websites (the best of…) to get ideas for design and content and to ensure his website answers the following five basic questions:

Who? Who are you, what is your background, what are your credentials? Providing this information allows you to introduce yourself to your visitors.
What? What do you do, what are you selling, what makes your book better than someone else’s? This is your big selling opportunity.
When? When do they contact you? Anytime? If you have office hours, specify here.
Why? Why should they choose your services, product, or book you for a reading? Have you won awards? Is your book carried by any stores or is it in any school systems? Do you have any media coverage that shares your book story; do you have any testimonials from credible institutions, celebrities or anyone of note? Do you have lots of reviews on Amazon? Sales? Share your portfolio.
How? How do they contact you? Phone, email, Facebook, via your website? Always give your visitors options.

Eclectic PR builds author websites at reasonable rates (starting at $600 with completion within 2-3 weeks). Go to http://eclecticpr.com/for-authors/ and click on websites to see our sample websites.

We can also help with all of your author PR needs. Schedule a FREE 15 mins. consultation by emailing us at info@eclecticpr.com. Like our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/CherrieWoodsPR

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