Now, more than ever, author websites are crucial.
Yes, social media is everywhere, and you can build your subscriber list through them and publish articles through these networks.
You can use social networks to sell your books, publish articles, and link to your Amazon or other sales page.
Want to let people know about you and what you do? You can do that on your social networks, too.
So, what’s the deal with an author website being crucial?
Some might reason, even argue, that you can get more visibility on social media. Some may wonder about the necessity of a website.
Well, think twice, even three times, before you decide to forgo creating a website or want to get rid of an existing one.
So What Exactly Is the Deal With an Author Website Being Crucial?
The number ONE reason is that it’s about having a platform that you have complete control over, a platform that is uniquely yours.
You’re not in control with social media sites. It’s that simple.
Sandi Krakowski has built several 7-8 figure companies that she owned. As one of the top business trainers, she mentored over 2 million people. She knows what she’s talking about.
Forbes listed her as one of the top 20 online marketing influencers.
In a newsletter, Krakowski said, “If you don’t have a website, listen to me very carefully; you own NOTHING online. You’re homeless. You have no real estate, you are under the control of someone else’s property, and when push comes to shove, you, my friend, are in a big pickle!”
Did you notice she said you own nothing online without a website.
These social networks have their own rules, regulations, and agendas. If they decide to implement changes, you could very well be affected. Your marketing reach and business can be affected. It doesn’t matter if you use Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, or so on; you’re at their mercy. You never know when or if changes will come along that will render your social media page useless.
And now, there’s the newer problem of censorship. This is a very real concern.
I’m not controversial. I use social media purely to market my books and writing services. Yet, within the past two weeks, Facebook removed two of my blog posts for being misleading and going against their community standards on spam! The articles were considered offensive or misleading!
The first article is on blogging: 10 Tips to Reduce Your Blogging Time. The tags were #writingtips and #blogging.
I’ve posted that article to Facebook and other social networks many times before with no problem.
This removal notice is below.
And after they removed that post, I noticed my comments on other users’ posts that day didn’t post immediately; they were pending. I didn’t have the time to go back to see if they actually posted.
The second article Removed is titled Writing Middle-Grade Guidelines. The tags were #writingtips #kidlit #middlegrade #guidelines
I’ve never received a removal notice, and I have no clue why it now happened twice. I requested the removal be reviewed, but as of yet, no word.
My website pertains to children’s writing and book marketing. I share my articles on social media. I also share promotional content and other users’ posts on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter daily.
The point is that these social media networks can do what they want. You’re sunk if their algorithm picks up something it perceives as spam. It could be that AI is now a factor playing more havoc with postings, but it doesn’t matter; whatever the reason, you’re at their mercy.
And I’m not holding my breath for a response to my review requests.
It’s such a slippery slope. If the social media giant continues to randomly remove my posts, I can be restricted or even banned. The warning on the Removal Notice states: “Repeatedly breaking our rules can cause more account restriction.”
This is why you absolutely still need your own author website.
You are in control with your own website. You can publish what and when you want. And while social media can enhance your website’s informative and promotional power, never put all your eggs in one basket. And don’t think this can’t happen to you.
People trust bloggers, which gives bloggers influence. It’s good book marketing to have that influence and have those people visit YOUR site.
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
OTHER HELP I OFFER:
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.
PICTURE BOOK AND CHAPTER BOOK COACHING
Four to ten-week coaching programs.
WRITERS ON THE MOVE PRESS.
Self-publishing help for children’s authors.
You can contact me at: kcioffiventrice@gmail.com. Or give me a call at 347—834—6700. (Please leave a message- I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.)
