Over time, most authors have realized that to sell a book, you need a Web site. In fact, ideally, you should put up the Web site before the book is done and start developing a platform around your book.
But once the book is done and out in the world, now what? Here are 10 ways you can use your Web site to promote your book.
1. Provide excerpts. Sure Amazon has the Search Inside feature but not everyone buys from Amazon. Another way to give people a “taste” of your book is to provide a PDF excerpt on your own site. People can try before they buy.
2. Post reviews, endorsements, testimonials, and awards. If you received any prerelease endorsements from big wigs, online or print reviews, or if anyone has said anything nice about your book at all, post it on your site.
3. Create additional content. If you’re a writer, the idea of writing for your Web site won’t be intimidating. If your site doesn’t already have one, you might add a blog and post articles. Or you can create white papers, case studies, or do interviews related to your book.
4. Create an online media kit. Book authors are quoted in the media constantly. Your job as the book’s author is to make it as easy as possible for the members of the press to work with you. Whether it’s an online or an offline publication, be ready for media attention by setting up an online media kit with press releases, interview questions, author information, high-resolution photos, and cover images.
5. Create events. Once you have a Web site, you can create special landing pages for events such as teleseminars and Webinars that are related to your book’s topic. You can use events to start developing an email list.
6. Get social. Make sure you have links to all your social media profiles so people can follow or friend you online.
7. Set up a lead capture mechanism. If you want to start up an email list, offer something in exchange for an email address. You might set up an ecourse, autoresponder, newsletter, or simply let people sign up to receive your blog posts by email.
8. Do surveys or assessments. Not sure what follow-on product your readers might like? Create a survey. Give people a freebie in exchange for taking the survey.
9. Create a podcast, radio show, or video channel. Promote your book using audio and video. Post them on your site and on sites like iTunes or YouTube with links back to your site.
10. Create bonuses, bundles, or add-on products people can buy with your book. If you can come up with worksheets, audios, interviews, or training materials, consider creating packaged products people can buy with your book or ebook.
Having a Web site is no longer optional for authors. Instead of viewing your Web site as a chore to be endured, look at it as an opportunity to increase awareness and make more money from your publishing activities.