Anyone have an idea on how to best get the word out on a new website? I have a cute new website but am not sure how to best promote it. I could really use some helpful suggestions.
attach a blog to your website. Blog daily to keep adding new content. Use keywords as metatags. The spiders look for fresh content. Try to get as many inbound links as possible. By this, I mean get other sites and blogs to link to your site, but not just the main page!
These are just a few quick ideas off the top of my head that have helped elevate the traffic at my website: www.wisdomhypnosis.com
I have a fabulous web designer, who has worked with me at every step and she is worth her weight in gold. She is also a member of Gather, so I hope it is ok to share, but Dona is the best! http://belladona.gather.com/
If it wasn't ok to tell you about Dona, I am running out of the house now......
Think of a website as a hub and think of all the different "spokes" that can link to it. Gather is one; you announced your new website and offered the community a link back to your website. You can continue to post articles that link to your website. You should establish pages on My Space, Face Book, Bebo , Blogger and any where else there are audiences. Get familiar with how to use an RSS feed or send a podcast. Create a monthly e-newsletter with links back to the website. Who can you partner with to get your website listed on other websites? Who is blogging on topics related to your stories, books and illustrations? Build relationships that are meaningful and provide many spokes to your hub and soon you will be seeing increased traffic.
Very good Web site. I think blogging is a good idea. You might also want to print out bookmarks and leave at libraries. You might ask other bloggers to link to it, too.
Mary Ann S., thanks. That sounds like a lot of work, so I had better get started. You don't think the schools and libraries would mind being contacted. I guess they would appreciate having a children's author who was willing to work with them.
I posted a couple of articles on Gather on free self-marketing if you would like to check them out : http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977215837
I think you found one good way to promote it April! I clicked on your link and checked it out. Great website, and your books look wonderful! I am envious, have always wanted to write children's books. Have started a few, but then never completed them (I think my 9 year old son might beat me to it at this point).
A. F. Stewart, I would love to trade links with you. Please send me a jpeg of your Tears of Poety bookcover to go with your website link. I am not just looking for children's book authors to share links with. I would rather offer a variety of subject matter. I will also check out your articles on gather.
I came here looking for the answers!! I have had my website up for about 7 months, and have only had 30 views... it's hard to get the word out. I checked out your site, it was great! I use freewebs for my website, so at least I don't have to pay for it! HA!
Holly, I am glad I asked the question if it helps you too. What is the name of your website? I went to your profile but did not see it listed. Maybe I over looked it.
think about how to market YOUR website (childrens books), not just any website.
first, I see from your website code, that you have used yahoo sitebuilder. so let's start there. -have you added meta tags? Yes, you have- however I would add (separately) children, books and look at whether the other tags are significant. -have you submitted your website to all major search engines and relevant directories? check to see if that feature is included. If not and only IF you are on a shoestring budget there is www.adme.com -blogs are good, gather is one on steroids. I like it....because you can focus on related groups and its a no brainer. dont spread yourself too far with blogs..do one or two WELL and let it work for YOU (not visa versa).the inbound traffic from blogs means that the search engines will pay attention to you. HOWEVER don't get all hung up on your traffic numbers other than benchmarks. -www.pr.com is a press release site submit press releases that are local interest pertaining to your childrens books -focus on where your readers/buyers are....it doesnt do much good to advertise everywhere they are NOT. -find web groups where your readers/buyers are...mommy and me etc. -www.craigslist.com (but find your related group) -add a way for people to buy your books - didnt look into it- but can you get listed on amazon.com???? other than that, Know your strenghts and weaknesses. If you don't know web sites and marketing well- delegate it to someone who does (I'm one of those crazy people who loves to do such research)so that you can spend the time on what you do best- WRITE.
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These are just a few quick ideas off the top of my head that have helped elevate the traffic at my website: www.wisdomhypnosis.com
I have a fabulous web designer, who has worked with me at every step and she is worth her weight in gold. She is also a member of Gather, so I hope it is ok to share, but Dona is the best! http://belladona.gather.com/
If it wasn't ok to tell you about Dona, I am running out of the house now......
Call children's librarians and elementary schools as your website is about children's literature. Contact parenting groups.
Network, network network.
www.ronnierayjenkins.com
See how I do it.
It is a very good Web site. Good luck!
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977215837
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977185407
Also if you send me your website URL I'd be happy to post it up on My Facebook page, MySpace page, delicious and on my promotion page.
I also have a link exchange page on my website, if you want to exchange links;
My Link page: http://www.afallon.bravehost.com/linkpage.html
first, I see from your website code, that you have used yahoo sitebuilder. so let's start there.
-have you added meta tags? Yes, you have- however I would add (separately) children, books and look at whether the other tags are significant.
-have you submitted your website to all major search engines and relevant directories? check to see if that feature is included. If not and only IF you are on a shoestring budget there is www.adme.com
-blogs are good, gather is one on steroids. I like it....because you can focus on related groups and its a no brainer. dont spread yourself too far with blogs..do one or two WELL and let it work for YOU (not visa versa).the inbound traffic from blogs means that the search engines will pay attention to you. HOWEVER don't get all hung up on your traffic numbers other than benchmarks.
-www.pr.com is a press release site submit press releases that are local interest pertaining to your childrens books
-focus on where your readers/buyers are....it doesnt do much good to advertise everywhere they are NOT.
-find web groups where your readers/buyers are...mommy and me etc.
-www.craigslist.com (but find your related group)
-add a way for people to buy your books
- didnt look into it- but can you get listed on amazon.com????
other than that, Know your strenghts and weaknesses. If you don't know web sites and marketing well- delegate it to someone who does (I'm one of those crazy people who loves to do such research)so that you can spend the time on what you do best- WRITE.