One of the cornerstones of an author’s platform is a personal website or blog. (Because these terms are used interchangeably, I’ll use “website.”) After all, this is the only place online that’s all about you, and is the best place for readers and publishing professionals to get to know you. Consider your website as your online business card.
Most writers start out with a free website through WordPress.com or Blogspot.com. Those are both great options because you can learn helpful skills such as how to
- use a text editor (most of which have a similar feel to composing an email),
- incorporate graphics and visual elements,
- tag or label your posts for SEO (Search Engine Optimization),
- schedule posts, and
- build a list of subscribers and followers.
Other benefits include
- no annual fees,
- no need to worry about technical details such as backups and updates, and
- the potential for added visibility if your host features free sites.
Many writers maintain free websites for years with no problems. Maybe they’re established in the industry and their blog is just an online playground. Or maybe they’re savvy and backup copies of all their posts and images. Free websites are fine as long as we understand the limitations:
- restrictions for the overall look and feel of your website (customizations, themes, plugins, layouts, gadgets, etc.),
- limited storage,
- monetization controlled by the host, and the worst:
- the host owns and controls your website.
And the host can take down your free website at a moment’s notice.
If your site is reported as “objectionable content” or someone somewhere thinks it violates the company’s Terms of Service, they will act first and ask questions later, leaving you to deal with the fallout.
Self-hosted websites, particularly those using WordPress, have thousands of customization options, many of them free or inexpensive. You can buy additional space when you need it and you have more options for monetization.
Hosting packages range from $5 monthly (and you do all the backend work) to managed hosting* options (and they handle all the technical details).
Whatever your budget, consider your website as an investment in your writing career. Be informed about your options and create an online home represents you well and shares your message.
*Check out hosting by Fistbump Media, one of our advertisers. They offer managed hosting options especially for writers and bloggers.
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5 Comments
Great information. Thank you so much.
Good information. Thanks!
Good information to begin the consideration process. Thanks!
I’m always careful to share the advantage of each option. Free is fine at first, but self-hosted is the best long-term option. Thank you friends for so many shares!
I love working with Fistbump Media. I have been with them for about 4 months now and have been very pleased with the results. I’m a techno dummy, so I always have questions that get answered promptly and courteously. And Susan helped me with my mailchimp sign-up 🙂 These folks are great. I highly recommend them.